EXPEDITION ACONCAGUA | DECEMBER 2027 & JANUARY 2028
The roof of the Americas
Camp after camp through the Vacas valley, with the viento blanco as your opponent.
The story of this expedition
From Brussels you fly to Mendoza. After the final gear check we drive into the Andes, up to the park entrance. From that moment an expedition begins that cannot be rushed: day after day you climb higher, descend again to acclimatise, and climb once more. It is an exercise in patience, and that is exactly what makes Aconcagua so hard.
We take the long approach through the Vacas valley: quieter, more beautiful and with far better acclimatisation than the busy normal route. Mules carry the heavy gear to base camp, you carry what you need along the way.
Above base camp we work with successive high camps. Carrying gear up, descending again to sleep, and repeating it the next day. Slow, repetitive and physically hard, but it is exactly what your body needs to be able to function at seven thousand metres.
Aconcagua is known for its wind. The feared viento blanco can make any movement impossible for days. You learn to wait, you learn to save your energy, and you learn that the weather decides when you leave, not you.
We deliberately choose December and January: the southern high summer, the only window with temperatures and wind conditions that make a climb at this altitude responsible.
The story of
this expedition
From Brussels you fly to Mendoza. After the final gear check we drive into the Andes, up to the park entrance. From that moment an expedition begins that cannot be rushed: day after day you climb higher, descend again to acclimatise, and climb once more. It is an exercise in patience, and that is exactly what makes Aconcagua so hard.
We take the long approach through the Vacas valley: quieter, more beautiful and with far better acclimatisation than the busy normal route. Mules carry the heavy gear to base camp, you carry what you need along the way.
Above base camp we work with successive high camps. Carrying gear up, descending again to sleep, and repeating it the next day. Slow, repetitive and physically hard, but it is exactly what your body needs to be able to function at seven thousand metres.
Aconcagua is known for its wind. The feared viento blanco can make any movement impossible for days. You learn to wait, you learn to save your energy, and you learn that the weather decides when you leave, not you.
We deliberately choose December and January: the southern high summer, the only window with temperatures and wind conditions that make a climb at this altitude responsible.
Self-sufficient,
but never alone
Above base camp you carry your own gear, help pitch the tents, melt snow for water and cook in shifts. At this altitude there is no such thing as a passenger.
You learn to carry gear up and descend again to sleep, and to wait when the wind is too strong, guided by an experienced X- Guide whom you meet well in advance during the preparation programme.
Safety & guidance
Safety is the foundation of every Element X expedition. Our X Guides are professionally trained, hold WFR certificates and have years of experience in extreme conditions.
Every expedition has satellite phones, GPS tracking, daily health checks with oxygen saturation measurement, safety procedures, an evacuation plan with helicopter cover and local support in Argentinnië.
Before departure we also carry out a thorough risk analysis and prepare everything down to the last detail.
Guided by real expedition leaders.
You step into nature, away from the
beaten track, but always with the certainty of experienced guidance
and safety first.
Safety & guidance
Safety is the foundation of every Element X expedition. Our X Guides are professionally trained, hold
WFR certificates and have
years of experience in extreme conditions.
Every expedition has satellite phones, GPS tracking, clear safety procedures, a detailed evacuation plan with helicopter cover and local support in Argentinnië.
Before departure we also carry out a thorough risk analysis and prepare everything down to the last detail.
Self-sufficient,
but never alone
Above base camp you carry your own gear, help pitch the tents, melt snow for water and cook in shifts. At this altitude there is no such thing as a passenger.
You learn to carry gear up and descend again to sleep, and to wait when the wind is too strong, guided by an experienced X-Guide whom you meet well in advance during the preparation programme.
We let no one step into the unknown unprepared.
An expedition of this calibre starts months in advance. The preparation programme consists of an individual phase and a group phase.
Individual phase
Starts immediately after registration. You receive an inspiration pack with practical tips, insights and exercises to start moving like an expedition member. You gather your expedition gear using the packing list (do not buy anything yet: bring what you already have to the kick off). And you share your medical information, because the best preparation is a plan for when things go wrong.
Group phase
Starts 3 to 6 months before departure with the kick off: a full day on which you meet your team, taste the expedition atmosphere and take the first steps as a group. There we plan the follow-up moments together and the WhatsApp group starts. Training includes, among other things: getting to know the group and roles, physical screening and analysis, a personalised training schedule, technical and resilience training, gear, nutrition and sleep setup, and a final check.
Accredited service provider for the KMO-portefeuille
To help entrepreneurs and KMO leaders grow as much as possible, a leadership programme/training is linked to this expedition, which closely aligns with the adventure. This programme falls under the theme Business strategy and is eligible for subsidy via the KMO-portefeuille.
As an entrepreneur, you can receive up to 30% subsidy on the training costs of this programme. Important (!): only the training itself is eligible. Travel, accommodation, and expedition costs are not covered by the subsidy.
Accredited service provider for the KMO-portefeuille
To help entrepreneurs and KMO leaders grow as much as possible, a leadership programme/training is linked to this expedition, which closely aligns with the adventure. This programme falls under the theme Business strategy and is eligible for subsidy via the KMO-portefeuille.
As an entrepreneur, you can receive up to 30% subsidy on the training costs of this programme. Important (!): only the training itself is eligible. Travel, accommodation, and expedition costs are not covered by the subsidy.
As seen in
Imagine this: nineteen days in which your body adapts step by step, a tent flapping in the wind all night long, and a summit day that starts when it is thirty below outside.
On Expedition Aconcagua you discover that altitude does not ask for strength but for patience: those who rush get nowhere, and those who can wait end up standing at almost seven thousand metres.
Imagine this: nineteen days in which your body adapts step by step, a tent flapping in the wind all night long, and a summit day that starts when it is thirty below outside.
On Expedition Aconcagua you discover that altitude does not ask for strength but for patience: those who rush get nowhere, and those who can wait end up standing at almost seven thousand metres.
Frequently asked questions
This expedition asks for a strong physical base and thorough preparation. You do not need to be an elite athlete, but you do need to be willing to train purposefully for months. Through our preparation programme (screening, training schedule and focused training sessions) we build your level up to expedition standard over 3 to 6 months.
We deliberately take the long approach route with a generous acclimatisation schedule. Daily health checks with oxygen saturation measurement, WFR certified guidance and an evacuation plan with helicopter cover are standard.
The full expedition programme, gear, the climbing permit, mule logistics, guidance, all local costs and meals are included, plus the full 3 to 6 month preparation programme. International flights, personal clothing and insurance are not included.
Frequently asked questions
This expedition asks for a strong physical base and thorough preparation. You do not need to be an elite athlete, but you do need to be willing to train purposefully for months. Through our preparation programme (screening, training schedule and focused training sessions) we build your level up to expedition standard over 3 to 6 months.
We deliberately take the long approach route with a generous acclimatisation schedule. Daily health checks with oxygen saturation measurement, WFR certified guidance and an evacuation plan with helicopter cover are standard.
The full expedition programme, gear, the climbing permit, mule logistics, guidance, all local costs and meals are included, plus the full 3 to 6 month preparation programme. International flights, personal clothing and insurance are not included.
Ready for the roof
of the Americas?
Taking an option is free and without obligation; your spot is only confirmed after the intake.
Koen De Leeuw
Expedition leader | Element X
“This mountain asks less technically than it appears, but far more patience. The weather sets the schedule, not your diary. Those who accept that beforehand stand the best chance of reaching the top.”
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