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Aconcagua Polish Glacier Traverse Route aka Falso de los Polacos

Updated on December 2, 2020

On this page you will find a comprehensive and impartial guide to Aconcagua’s Polish Glacier Traverse Route aka Falso de los Polacos. 

Aconcagua Polish Glacier Traverse Route


Part of the Seven Summits and, with one of the best views in all of South America, Aconcagua is a beautiful mountain to climb. From the top climbers get an incredible perspective of the surrounding Andean mountains, not to mention a taste of what it would be like to scale a full blown Himalaya peak.

The altitude of Aconcagua is such that many trekkers and climbers never reach the summit. Aconcagua has a very low summit success rate for the simple reason that people tend to underestimate her. Because some routes require no technical climbing skills, thousands of people every year attempt to reach the summit without realising just how difficult the altitude factor is.

The Polish Glacier Traverse Route is one of two routes on the mountain that require no technical climbing to reach the summit. The other route is known as the Normal Route and is more popular than the Traverse route as it’s 20% shorter.

The Polish Traverse, or the ‘False Polish Glacier Route’, is a stunning option for trekkers looking to get into high altitude climbing. It should not be confused with the Polish Glacier route however, as the Direct Glacier Route is a serious high altitude climb that involves considerable technical climbing sections. The Traverse route bypasses the glacier and traverses around it to meet up with the Normal route around 1,000 meters below the summit.

Because the Traverse route is 20% longer and requires climbers to wear crampons for certain snow sections, the Traverse route is seen as slightly more difficult than the Normal route. However, because of this, the Traverse route is a great way to get a feel for high altitude climbing. Trekkers considering taking on a Himalaya peak often climb Aconcagua to get a taste of what high altitude climbing is all about.

The Polish Traverse route is approached from the east side of the mountain via the Valle de las Vacas (Cows Valley). From there you head to Base Camp at Plaza Argentina (4200m) and then traverse around the mountain to approach the summit from the North-west side.

Please Note: 

Standing at just under 7,000 meters, Aconcagua is not to be taken lightly. The weather is often hazardous and conditions near the summit are well below freezing most of the year. Many climbers have said that they felt colder on the summit of Aconcagua than they did on Everest! Therefore, wearing the right gear is essential.

Regional Map

Below is a map detailing the various route up Aconcagua. The Aconcagua Polish Glacier Traverse Route is highlighted in blue.


Typical Itinerary

Below is a detailed Aconcagua Normal Route itinerary. Please note that route itineraries vary slightly depending on what operator you use and time of year you climb.

Day 1-2

Day 3

Day 4

Day 5

Day 6

Day 7 

Day 8

Day 9

Day 10

Day 11

Day 12

Day 13

Day 14

Day 15

Day 16-17

Day 18

Day 19

Day 20-21

Recommended Guidebook

Aconcagua- Summit of South America by Harry Kikstra

We recommend Aconcagua: Summit of South America by Harry Kikstra.

For more Aconcagua guidebook recommendations and literature check out our Library.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does the trek cost?

Are permits required for this trek?

When is the best time to trek?

Is altitude sickness a risk?

How difficult is the trek?

What gear do I need?

What travel insurance do I need?


Climbing insurance is vital for Aconcagua. If an accident or incident should occur that requires immediate medical assistance and evacuation you will most definitely want adequate trekking insurance that can cover the costs of air ambulance and treatment.


Please read our article on travel and trekking insurance on Aconcagua. The article provides great information on what type of insurance you need.
