Aconcagua II: Willie and Zach at Camp 1

20 Jan 2019 1 min read Aconcagua Antarctica

Expedition series

Aconcagua 2018–19

Dispatch 8 of 15

12 Dec 20181 Mar 2019

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AFTER A HIGH SPEED TURN-AROUND FROM VINSON AND A SNOW STORM, THE GUYS ARE HEADING FOR HIGH!

We’ve had an exciting week at BBE! Less than 100 hours ago, the team were on the ice in Artarctica. They have flown literally thousands of miles north, spent a day re-supplying in Mendoza and next day took a quick heli from Penitientes to Plaza De Mulas BC! Thanks to their acclimatization from Vinson they can make a rapid ascent, so after waiting out a heavy snowfall at base camp (for them relatively warm after -35oC temps in Antarctica!) they have headed on up to Camp 1 to begin positioning themselves for their next challenge: finding a gap in the Aconcagua winds to climb to this summit, the highest peak in the world outside the Himalaya. Sadly our Aconcagua I group weren’t granted a drop in wind for their summit day, un-deserved after such a great expedition, so we are hoping for the best for Willie and Zach this time in this more than usually windy season.

Aconcagua Ii Willie And Zach At Camp 1

Meanwhile our Aconcagua III team have arrived in Mendoza and are headed for the mountains tomorrow.

From the BBE archive. First published on the original Benegas Brothers blog.

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Benegas Brothers Expeditions – Terms, Conditions & Cancellation Policy

Last updated: October 2026

Benegas Brothers Expeditions, Inc. (hereafter “BBE”), based in Sandy, Utah, operates international mountaineering and adventure programs worldwide.
By registering for any BBE expedition, trek, or course (“Program”), participants agree to the following Terms and Conditions.

1. RESERVATIONS & PAYMENTS

A 20% deposit reserves your place and includes a $350 nonrefundable booking fee. Your reservation is confirmed when we receive your deposit, your completed registration form, and your signed acceptance of our Payment & Cancellation Policy. The balance is due 120 days before departure; if you book within 120 days, full payment is due at booking. We accept wire transfer, bank transfer/ACH through our QuickBooks invoice (no fee), and credit card (3% surcharge). Everest and other major expeditions have their own terms, provided with your application. Full payment terms are in our Payment & Cancellation Policy.

You accept these Terms and our Payment & Cancellation Policy by checkbox or signature on the registration form.

2. PRICING

All published prices are expressed in USD and may change without prior notice due to variations in permits, logistics, or currency costs.
Once your deposit is received, your trip cost is locked, except for changes imposed by third-party providers (e.g., park fees or government taxes).

3. RELEASE AGREEMENT

Participation in any BBE Program requires signing the Participant Release of Liability and Assumption of Risk Agreement before the start of the trip.

No modifications to this document are allowed.

Failure to sign will result in the denial of participation, with no refund provided.

4. PROGRAM OPERATIONS

BBE reserves the right to:

* Modify itineraries, schedules, or services before or during a Program, and
* Cancel or alter segments of the trip due to weather, safety, natural events, political instability, illness, or guide discretion.

We always act in good faith to preserve the integrity of each expedition.
However:

* BBE is not responsible for expenses incurred in trip preparation (flights, gear, visas, etc.).
* BBE is not liable for additional costs from itinerary changes or delays.
* All guide and leader decisions are final, made for the safety and well-being of the team.

5. GUIDE AUTHORITY

All BBE expedition guides have full authority over route, schedule, and safety decisions.
If a guide determines that a participant’s condition, behavior, or actions jeopardize their own safety or the team’s, the participant may be asked to withdraw.
No refunds will be issued, and the participant will be responsible for any additional evacuation or transport costs.

6. HEALTH, FITNESS & CONDUCT

Participants must be in good physical health and adequately prepared for the altitude and demands of their chosen Program.
By registering, you affirm that:

* You are medically fit and have disclosed all relevant medical conditions.
* You will follow all guide instructions and expedition protocols.
* You agree to maintain hygiene and Leave No Trace principles.
* Drug or alcohol use during an expedition is prohibited.
* You will treat all guides, team members, and local staff with respect.

BBE reserves the right to remove any participant whose condition or conduct compromises safety or the expedition’s success, without refund.

7. TRAVEL & LOGISTICS

Participants are responsible for:

* All travel arrangements to and from the meeting point,
* Valid passports, visas, vaccinations, and customs compliance,
* Personal baggage, equipment, and valuables.

BBE provides detailed pre-trip logistics but cannot guarantee the services of third parties such as airlines, hotels, or transport operators.

8. TRAVEL INSURANCE (REQUIRED)

All participants must carry insurance that includes medical evacuation, repatriation, and medical coverage for the full duration of the trip.
Trip Cancellation Insurance is strongly recommended.
BBE does not provide insurance coverage and is not responsible for costs related to evacuation, rescue, or trip interruption.
For details on current insurance requirements and recommended providers, please visit our Travel & Rescue Insurance page.
Participants who choose not to purchase insurance accept full financial responsibility for any losses or emergencies that may occur.

9. CANCELLATION & REFUND POLICY

Cancellations, refunds, transfers, credits, and BBE cancellations for international programs are governed by our Payment & Cancellation Policy (version INT-2026-02). Everest and other major expeditions have their own terms, provided with your application. U.S. programs operated by Wasatch Mountain Guides follow WMG’s terms.

10. SUMMIT ATTEMPTS

BBE will make every effort to provide an opportunity for a summit attempt.
However, summit success cannot be guaranteed.
Weather, route conditions, health, or team safety considerations may prevent reaching the summit.
No refunds are provided for unattempted or unsuccessful climbs.

11. ADDITIONAL EXPENSES

Participants are responsible for any extra costs arising from:

* Early departure for personal, medical, or disciplinary reasons,
* Rescue or evacuation services not covered by insurance,
* Extended lodging or transportation delays due to weather or border closures.

12. PHOTOGRAPHY & MEDIA

By joining a BBE expedition, you grant Benegas Brothers Expeditions permission to use photographs and video footage from your trip for promotional or commercial purposes, without compensation.
If you prefer not to be included, please notify BBE in writing before departure.
Participants agree not to broadcast or publish live expedition updates, media, or sponsor content without BBE’s written consent.

13. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY

BBE, its owners, guides, and contractors act only as agents in arranging logistics, accommodations, and third-party services.
BBE is not responsible or liable for injury, loss, or damage resulting from:

* Acts of nature, war, terrorism, or government actions,
* Equipment or transportation failures,
* Illness, altitude sickness, or accidents,
* Negligence of third-party providers.

Your signed Release Agreement acknowledges these inherent risks.

14. GOVERNING LAW

These Terms are governed by and interpreted under the laws of the State of Utah, USA.
Any disputes shall be resolved exclusively in the courts of Salt Lake County, Utah.