Aconcagua: Highest Mountain in the Americas

Aconcagua is the highest mountain in the Americas at 6,960.8m. It is also the highest peak in both the Western and Southern Hemispheres.

Located in the province of Mendoza, Argentina, Aconcagua came to reach its present height as a result of the tectonic lifting of the Andean range.

Its first recorded ascent was by Swiss climber Matthias Zurbriggen in 1897. However in 1985 the discovery of an Inca mummy at almost 5,300m suggested that Araucanian and or Aymara people had reached the summit centuries before. Lacking natural cover that would provide shelter for fauna, the mountain’s only large mammals are guanacos, foxes and the elusive puma. However, the Andean condor is a common sight.

Ascent routes

The south face is the most difficult and dangerous. It was first conquered by a French team in 1954.

The Normal (Northwest) Route is not technically difficult and ascends the west side. However variable weather conditions and altitude can cause problems. Its base camp at Plaza de Mulas (4,200m) is the busiest of the routes’, with a year round doctor and makeshift pub. Being accessible to mules the camp has more supplies and luxuries.

The Polish Glacier Route which is long and scenic and moderately difficult, receives fewer visitors than the latter. It was first climbed in 1934.

Destination: Argentina