Your summit
begins here Aconcagua Mountain Guide — Julián Kusi

Julián Kusi was born in Medellín, in the Valle de Aburrá — at around 1,500 m above sea level — surrounded by mountains from an early age. At 20 he moved to Mendoza to work in a kitchen, a job that brought him to Aconcagua's base camps and ignited his passion for mountaineering. He settled in the city to pursue a professional mountain guide career, climbing every rung along the way: base logistics, high-altitude porter, and finally experienced guide. Today, with over 10 years of experience, 17 successful summits on Aconcagua, and his official EPGAMT certification earned in 2018, he leads international expeditions to the highest standards of safety.

Julián Kusi combines 17 successful summits, dual EPGAMT and WFR certifications, and fluency in English, Spanish, and Mandarin Chinese. His deep knowledge of every route and safety-first approach deliver above-average summit success rates. He is the only trilingual certified guide on Aconcagua.

Knowledge from the ground up: Julián started in 2013 working at the base camps, spent three seasons learning the mountain from the inside, rose to porter in the high camps, and began guiding expeditions in 2017, earning his official EPGAMT certification in 2018. He understands Aconcagua from every possible perspective.

Empathy and adaptation to the new climber: today's climber profile — often on their first 6,000 m experience in double boots — calls for patience, teaching, and active listening. Julián doesn't just guide: he trains and accompanies each client at their own pace and according to their individual needs.

Trust that builds loyalty: his human, educational approach makes clients feel safe. Many return after a weather or fitness turnaround, confident they are in the best hands with Julián. You can verify his methodology on his social media channels.

Julián Kusi holds the EPGAMT certification (Escuela de Porteadores y Guías de Alta Montaña — Argentina's official mountain guide credential) and the WFR (Wilderness First Responder) certification, qualifying him to lead expeditions and respond to high-altitude medical emergencies.

Julián Kusi leads expeditions in English, Spanish, and Mandarin Chinese, making him the ideal choice for climbers from the Americas, Europe, and China.

Julián Kusi operates primarily in Aconcagua Provincial Park, Mendoza, Argentina. His routes include the Normal Route (Plaza de Mulas) and the 360° Route (Glacier of the Poles). Aconcagua (6,962 m) is the highest peak in the Americas and the tallest summit outside Asia.

You can contact Julián Kusi by email at julian@aconcagua.co, via WhatsApp at +57 314 629 4318, or by scheduling a free 30-minute consultation directly from this website.

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The official season extends from November to March. However, the best months for weather stability are late December and January.

A standard itinerary on the Normal Route or the 360° Route usually takes 18 to 20 days from the city of Mendoza. This period is vital for safe acclimatization, load carries, and having reserve days in case of bad weather.

The standard itinerary is 18 to 20 days. There are also "express" programs of 10 to 14 days, specifically for mountaineers who are already pre-acclimatized from other summits (peaks of 6,000 m) or who use supplemental oxygen on summit day to compensate for the faster ascent. These programs require private logistics, exclusivity, and additional necessary resources, resulting in a higher cost (approximately USD 10,000).

It is estimated that only 30% to 40% of mountaineers reach the summit. Many fail due to underestimating the altitude or lacking prior experience on large-scale high-altitude mountains.

Yes. Mules can carry heavy gear to the base camps (Plaza de Mulas on the Normal Route or Plaza Argentina on the 360° route). At high camps, there are porters who can help you with loads so you save energy for summit day.

The "self-evacuation" system (walking out on your own) is strictly prohibited. You will never descend alone: you will always be accompanied by a guide or assistant, which may involve an additional cost. We work with groups of up to 12 people and a ratio of 1 guide for every 3 to 4 mountaineers to ensure proper attention in any situation.

The permit is mandatory for all climbers. For the 2026–2027 season, prices for foreigners are estimated between USD 900 and USD 2,000 depending on route and category. It is processed at the Mendoza Province Tourism Office and payment is made in cash in Argentine pesos via Pago Fácil. Note: If you hire an agency, they can handle the process remotely and offer other payment methods such as credit cards or bank transfers.

It is not legally required for normal routes, but it is highly recommended to manage health and weather risks. Always make sure your professional holds the official credential from Parque Provincial Aconcagua.

Yes, but they require a legal authorization from both parents certified by a notary and, for foreigners, it must include the Hague Apostille.

For foreigners it is mandatory. The insurance must cover rescue and aeromedical evacuation by helicopter to a minimum altitude of 5,600 meters.

You need double-shell mountaineering boots rated for extreme temperatures and compatible with step-in crampons. The most recommended models are: La Sportiva G2 Evo, Scarpa Phantom 6000 HD, La Sportiva Spantik, Bestard top extreme lite, and Mammut Nordwand 6000 High. Do not attempt Aconcagua in trekking boots, even high-end ones.

Not for the Normal Route or the 360°, as they do not require technical rock or ice climbing. However, you must know how to use crampons and trekking poles on snowy slopes.

A preparation period of 4 to 6 months is recommended. The focus should be aerobic endurance (Zone 2) and hiking with a 15 to 20 kg backpack on hilly terrain.

Yes, at Plaza de Mulas there is a medical post where your oxygen saturation and blood pressure are measured and pulmonary auscultation is performed to authorize your ascent. In cases of serious emergency, aerial evacuation is available.

The golden rule is to descend if symptoms do not improve with rest. The medical service will assess whether you can descend on your own or if aerial evacuation is necessary.

Yes. Plaza de Mulas has satellite internet via Starlink, available at the base camp service. At high camps, communication is via VHF radios or satellite phone. Certified guides carry VHF radios and emergency communication equipment at all times.

The total range can be anywhere from USD 2,000 to USD 10,000 depending on your logistics.

Budget Level ~USD 2,000: basic permit + insurance + self-managed logistics. Ideal for experienced mountaineers who handle everything independently.

Mid-Level ~USD 3,000 + Permit & Insurance: includes mules, base camp accommodation, and meals. No guide included.

Full Service (~USD 6,000+ + Permit & Insurance): complete "Full Service" guided expedition with certified guide, Mendoza hotel, transfers, meals, and accommodation throughout.

Key cost factors: Permit cost: its value depends strictly on your nationality (Mendoza resident, Argentine, Latin American, or foreign), the route chosen, and whether you hire assistance from a local company. Evacuation Insurance: covers helicopter rescue in high altitude up to 5,600 meters above sea level.

Local companies with a real presence on the mountain have their own domes or tents with official logos at the camps. Intermediary agencies, on the other hand, only set up temporary banners. Before booking, verify that the company operates directly and does not subcontract mountain services.