What is the weather like at Mount Aconcagua in May?

Winter begins at Mount Aconcagua in May with temperatures dropping to -15°C to -30°C above 4000m. Plaza de Mulas base camp at 4250m sees harsh conditions with frequent snowfall and high winds. At the city level Mendoza stays mild at 15-20°C making it a good place to prepare. Hotel Club Tapiz in Mendoza provides comfortable shelter before and after mountain trips. As one TourRadar traveler noted "proper weather preparation is essential even at base camps."

What are the best hiking routes to explore Mount Aconcagua in May?

The Normal Route through Plaza de Mulas provides the most reliable path in May starting in Horcones Valley and passing through Confluencia camp at 3300m. The trek to Plaza Francia at 4200m lets hikers see Aconcagua's south face while getting used to the altitude. Hotel Agua del Corral serves as a common starting point. The Vacas Valley route via Plaza Argentina offers more wind protection but needs extra permits. A TourRadar traveler shares: "The Confluencia to Plaza Francia trek was challenging but incredibly rewarding with stunning mountain vistas."

Are there any special permits or requirements needed for visiting Mount Aconcagua in May?

Winter climbing permits cost about 800 USD for non-Latin American visitors and must be obtained from Aconcagua Provincial Park authorities. Medical certificates and evacuation insurance are required during this season. Visitors need to check in at the park entrance by Puente del Inca. Most tour operators handle these details and hotels like Hotel Entre Cielos help coordinate paperwork. One TourRadar traveler mentioned: "The permit process was well-handled by our guide at Plaza Argentina base camp."

How long do typical Mount Aconcagua expeditions take in May?

Expeditions run 13-16 days to account for weather and altitude adjustment. This includes 2-3 days preparing in Mendoza usually at Hotel Club Tapiz followed by 8-10 days climbing through camps at Confluencia (3300m) and Plaza de Mulas (4250m). Rest days become especially important during May's winter conditions. A TourRadar traveler shared: "The extended acclimatization schedule was crucial for our summit success."

What equipment is essential for visiting Mount Aconcagua in May?

Winter climbing requires heavy-duty gear: -30°C sleeping bags double boots crampons and quality down jackets. You'll need an ice axe harness avalanche beacon and multiple warm layers. Most tours from Hotel Agua del Corral offer gear checks and rentals. Porter services can carry up to 20kg of personal equipment to higher camps. A TourRadar traveler emphasized: "Having proper technical gear was crucial for safety and comfort at higher camps like Nido de Cóndores."

What level of fitness is required for Mount Aconcagua in May?

Winter climbs need excellent physical condition. Climbers should handle 15-20kg packs at high altitude and maintain strength for 8-10 hour summit days. Training should start six months ahead with previous experience above 4000m recommended. Most groups begin with practice hikes from Hotel Entre Cielos in Mendoza valley. One TourRadar traveler noted: "Previous high-altitude experience and strong cardiovascular fitness were essential for coping with the conditions."

Mount Aconcagua Tours in May 2026

10 best Mount Aconcagua tour packages in May

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Explorer
Mendoza Getaway
Duration
3 days
Destinations
Mendoza
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Regions
Andes MountainsMount AconcaguaCuyoEl Leoncito National Park+3 more
Operated in
English, Spanish
Operator
Trip to South America
From
US$290per person
Price based on Private Double Room
2 May, 2026
10+ spaces left
3 May, 2026
10+ spaces left
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In-depth Cultural
4-Day Mendoza Tour
5.0 (1 traveler review)
"Amazing wineries, stunning mountain views, and a must-do for any traveler."
Blas, traveled in January
Duration
4 days
Destinations
Mendoza, Potrerillos, Uspallata, Mount Aconcagua
Age Range
Ages 18+
Regions
Andes MountainsMount AconcaguaCuyo+2 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Tangol Tours
From
US$660per person
Price based on Private Double Room
2 May, 2026
3 spaces left
3 May, 2026
3 spaces left
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Explorer
Mendoza Epic Beauty & Adventure
Duration
4 days
Destinations
Mendoza, Potrerillos
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Regions
Andes MountainsMount AconcaguaCuyoEl Leoncito National Park+3 more
Operated in
English, Spanish
Operator
Trip to South America
From
US$570per person
Price based on Private Double Room
2 May, 2026
10+ spaces left
3 May, 2026
10+ spaces left
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Food & Culinary
Unique Mendoza Experience
Duration
4 days
Destinations
Mendoza, Potrerillos, Uspallata, Mount Aconcagua
Age Range
Ages 18+
Regions
Andes MountainsMount AconcaguaCuyo+2 more
Operated in
English, Spanish
Operator
People Travel and Experience
From
US$1,380per person
Price based on Private Double Room
2 May, 2026
10 spaces left
3 May, 2026
10 spaces left
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Explorer
Mendoza Wine Tasting
Duration
4 days
Destinations
Mendoza
Age Range
Ages 18+
Regions
Andes MountainsMount AconcaguaCuyoEl Leoncito National Park+3 more
Operated in
English, Spanish
Operator
People Travel and Experience
From
US$1,380per person
Price based on Private Double Room
2 May, 2026
10+ spaces left
3 May, 2026
10+ spaces left
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In-depth Cultural
Buenos Aires and Mendoza on a Budget 8 Days
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Buenos Aires, Mendoza, Luján de Cuyo, Potrerillos,Uspallata,Mount Aconcagua+2 more
Age Range
Ages 18+
Regions
Andes MountainsMount AconcaguaCuyoEl Leoncito National Park+3 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Hi Travel Argentina
From
US$747per person
Price based on Shared Room
2 May, 2026
10 spaces left
3 May, 2026
10 spaces left
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In-depth Cultural
Mendoza, Mountains and Wineries - 4 Days
5.0 (1 traveler review)
Duration
4 days
Destinations
Mendoza
Age Range
Ages 18+
Regions
Andes MountainsMount AconcaguaCuyoEl Leoncito National Park+3 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Hi Travel Argentina
From
US$232per person
Price based on Private Single Room
2 May, 2026
10 spaces left
3 May, 2026
10 spaces left
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Explorer
3-Day Mendoza Wine & Mountains
Duration
3 days
Destinations
Buenos Aires, Mendoza
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Regions
Andes MountainsMount AconcaguaCuyoEl Leoncito National Park+3 more
Operated in
English, Spanish
Operator
Signature DMC
From
US$320per person
Price based on Private Double Room
2 May, 2026
10+ spaces left
3 May, 2026
10+ spaces left
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Active
4 days Experiencing Mendoza - Secrets of Wine & Nature!
5.0 (1 traveler review)
"Olives and wine ... they made me a completely happy person."
Laurel, traveled in October
Duration
4 days
Destinations
Mendoza, Potrerillos
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Regions
Andes MountainsMount AconcaguaCuyoEl Leoncito National Park+3 more
Operated in
English, Spanish
Operator
Signature DMC
10% Off
From $550
US$495per person
Price based on Private Double Room
2 May, 2026
10+ spaces left
3 May, 2026
10+ spaces left
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Food & Culinary
4-Day Mendoza Wine Region Experience
Duration
4 days
Destinations
Mendoza
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Regions
Andes MountainsMount AconcaguaCuyoEl Leoncito National Park+3 more
Operated in
English, Spanish
Operator
TUI Musement Argentina
15% Off
From $398
US$339per person
Price based on Private Double Room
2 May, 2026
10 spaces left
3 May, 2026
10 spaces left
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In-depth Cultural
Western Argentina Tour (11 Days)
Duration
11 days
Destinations
Buenos Aires, Mendoza, Luján de Cuyo, Potrerillos,Uspallata,Mount Aconcagua,San Carlos De Bariloche+3 more
Age Range
Ages 18+
Regions
Andes MountainsMount AconcaguaCuyoEl Leoncito National Park+3 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Hi Travel Argentina
15% Off
From
US$1,204per person
Price based on Shared Room
2 May, 2026
10 spaces left
3 May, 2026
10 spaces left
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Food & Culinary
4 Days Wine & Andes Adventure in Mendoza
Duration
4 days
Destinations
Mendoza
Age Range
Ages 18+
Regions
Andes MountainsMount AconcaguaCuyoEl Leoncito National Park+3 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Responsible Travel South America
15% Off
From
US$1,425per person
Price based on Private Double Room
3 May, 2026
10 spaces left
4 May, 2026
10 spaces left
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In-depth Cultural
Mendoza: Best Wines in the Andes
4.5 (6 traveler reviews)
"Say Hueque made all of my travel plans a lot easier. I felt very safe the entire time and like I was cared for well."
Jessica, traveled in December
Duration
4 days
Destinations
Mendoza
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Regions
Andes MountainsMount AconcaguaCuyoEl Leoncito National Park+3 more
Operated in
English, Spanish
Operator
Say Hueque Argentina & Chile Journeys
15% Off
From
US$1,250per person
Price based on Private Double Room
2 May, 2026
10 spaces left
3 May, 2026
10 spaces left
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Explorer
4-Day Mendoza: Wine, Cuisine & Andes Majesty
Duration
4 days
Destinations
Buenos Aires, Mendoza, Luján de Cuyo, Potrerillos,Uspallata,Mount Aconcagua+2 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Regions
Andes MountainsMount AconcaguaCuyoEl Leoncito National Park+3 more
Operated in
English, Spanish
Operator
Signature DMC
15% Off
From
US$590per person
Price based on Private Double Room
2 May, 2026
10+ spaces left
3 May, 2026
10+ spaces left
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Explorer
Mendoza Wine & Mountains Adventure 4D/3N
Duration
4 days
Destinations
Mendoza, Luján de Cuyo, Potrerillos, Uspallata,Mount Aconcagua+1 more
Age Range
Ages 10+
Regions
Andes MountainsMount AconcaguaCuyoEl Leoncito National Park+3 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Bamba Travel
15% Off
From
US$602per person
Price based on Private Double Room
2 May, 2026
10 spaces left
3 May, 2026
10 spaces left
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