DESCENT TO PLAZA DE MULAS

I wake up late in the morning with mixed feelings, the satisfaction from getting to the summit and the relief that there would be no more climbing on this expedition, as well as the horror of descending 1,528 m (5,013 ft) with full backpacks (25-30 kg). Luckily the weather is once again almost perfect.

Camp 4 is located below the White Rocks and slightly above Refugo Berlin.

Refugo Berlin 5,933 m (19,465 ft)

Local porters help us carry the expedition gear.

Last glimpse of High Andes to the north of Aconcagua with Cerro Bonete in the centre and Cerro Gussfeld, Cerro de la Mano and Cerro Zurbriggen to the right.

Trail above Nido de Condores.

Camp Nido de Condores 5559 m (18,249 ft)

Crossing penitentes at Plaza de Mulas.

Plaza de Mulas 4,365 m (14,320 ft)

The West Face of Aconcagua as seen from Plaza de Mulas with Horcones Valley visible to the right.