How to Get Your Aconcagua 2026/2027 Permit: Price Guide and the "Assistance Hack"

Planning an expedition to the "Roof of the Americas" requires a solid strategy. If you are looking for how to buy your permit and find that the prices for the new season aren't listed yet, don’t worry—this is a standard part of the Park's official calendar.

I have been working in Aconcagua Provincial Park in various roles for the past 10 years, participating in numerous expeditions and logistics tasks. I’ve prepared this guide to help you navigate Mendoza’s bureaucracy with total clarity.

1. Price Reference: How much does the Aconcagua permit cost?

Since official prices for the 2026/2027 season are usually only published in October, the best way to budget is to look at previous rates. Below, I detail the costs from the past season (2025/2026) based on Decree No. 2322. Please note that these amounts are for reference only and will serve as the baseline for the new season’s adjustments.

Summit Permits (20-day permit)

The fee varies depending on the entry route and whether you have the support of a local service company ("With Assistance").

Normal Route (Horcones):

| Category | With Assistance | Without Assistance |

| Foreigners | 1,170 USD | 1,640 USD |

| Latin Americans | 910 USD | 1,270 USD |

| Argentines | 190,000 ARS | 270,000 ARS |

| Mendoza Locals | 100,000 ARS | 140,000 ARS |

360° Route (Vacas Valley):

| Category | With Assistance | Without Assistance |

| Foreigners | 1,450 USD | 2,000 USD |

| Latin Americans | 1,130 USD | 1,580 USD |

| Argentines | 230,000 ARS | 330,000 ARS |

| Mendoza Locals | 120,000 ARS | 170,000 ARS |

Trekking Fees (Per person)

• Long Trekking (7 days): Foreigners pay 380 USD with assistance or 540 USD without. For Argentines, the cost is 110,000 ARS or 160,000 ARS, respectively.
• Short Trekking (3 days): Foreigners pay 190 USD with assistance or 270 USD without. For Argentines, the cost is 60,000 ARS or 90,000 ARS, respectively.
• Day Trekking: Foreigners pay 55,000 ARS, Latin Americans 45,000 ARS, Argentines 25,000 ARS, and Mendoza locals 15,000 ARS.

Important Notice: These values are from the previous season (2025/2026) and will be updated as soon as the Secretary of the Environment publishes the new decree for 2026/2027.

2. The 2026/2027 Pre-sale Opportunity

Each year, the Government of Mendoza evaluates launching pre-sale benefits for those who plan their expedition in advance. Here is what you need to know:

• It’s an annual decision: It is not guaranteed by law. I will be announcing on my social media channels as soon as a pre-sale for this year is confirmed.
• Exclusive to "With Assistance": Pre-sale discounts are strictly for those managing their permit through an authorized logistics company. You cannot access this benefit privately; if you go "unassisted," you must always pay the full rate.

3. "With Assistance" vs. "Without Assistance": The Big Savings Hack

If you analyze the costs, you’ll notice that the permit "with assistance" is considerably cheaper.

• What is "Assistance"?: This means that at the time of obtaining your permit, you have contracted essential services (such as mule transport, base camp services, toilets, and waste disposal) with an authorized provider.
• Why is it cheaper?: This measure encourages local employment and ensures that mountaineers have a minimum support network for safety in case of emergencies.

4. The Process: Can the permit be obtained 100% online?

There is a common confusion among climbers: many believe they can process and pay for their permit entirely online from their home country at any time of year. However, the system works as follows:

• What IS online: Currently, only Day Trekking permits (like the trek to Confluencia or the Horcones Lagoon circuit) can be fully managed and paid for virtually.
• All other permits: For Ascent, Short Trekking, and Long Trekking, you must go in person to Mendoza City. The system generates a code that must then be paid at authorized payment centers, usually in cash and in local currency (ARS).
• The best way to do it remotely: If you hire an authorized provider, they can handle the in-person paperwork for you. Additionally, companies offer various payment methods, making this the only effective way to secure your permit from abroad and avoid complications with cash upon arrival.

5. Insurance: The Requirement You Cannot Forget

For the 2026/2027 season, it remains mandatory for foreigners doing the Ascent or Long Trekking to have insurance that covers search, rescue, medical care, and air evacuation to the Horcones heliport. The policy must cover evacuation from 5,600 m.a.s.l.

In my experience with rescues, the provider that works best on the mountain is Global Rescue.

Get a quote and secure your Global Rescue insurance here:

https://partner.globalrescue.com/juliankusi/index.html

Need help with your expedition?

Logistics are 50% of your success on Aconcagua. If you aren't sure which company to hire based on your expedition type, feel free to reach out. I will help you choose the best assistance option so you can focus solely on your training.

• Instagram: @Julian_Kusi (I’ll post here as soon as pre-sale dates are confirmed).
• Personalized Consulting: https://aconcagua.co/

About the Author

Julián Kusi has worked in Aconcagua Provincial Park for 13 years, actively participating in the mountain’s daily operations. Based in Mendoza, Julián offers a technical and bilingual perspective for mountaineers from around the world. His approach combines logistical safety with a deep passion for the "Stone Sentinel."