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So you want to climb in the Andes?
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| The Andes |
The Andes form the backbone of South America. Aconcagua lies in
the Argentinian Andes very close to the border with Chile. At 6962m, it is the highest mountain in the Americas, the Western
Hemisphere and the Southern Hemisphere, and the highest mountain in the world outside Asia. It is part of the Seven Summits
Circuit, the highest peaks in the seven continents. The nearest Argentinian city to Aconcagua is Mendoza, which is approximately
3 hours away by road from where the trek begins.
Aconcagua was first climbed in 1897 by Matías Zurbriggen. Nowadays the
mountain falls within the 71000 hectare Aconcagua Provincial Park, which was created in 1990 and is part of an excellent chain
of National and Provincial Parks in Argentina.
Every year over 7000 people visit the Aconcagua Provincial Park, some to
trek, but over 4000 to climb Aconcagua, with 30% making it to the summit. The majority of overseas visitors come from
the USA, Germany, the UK, France and Spain.
The season lasts from mid November to the mid-end of March each year.
All our
mountaineering expeditions are run by an experienced guide, who has worked on Aconcagua for more than 16 years, has summited
33 times and who has made successful summits with more than 70% of his groups. The itineraries include additional days for
acclimatisation. The oxygen content of your blood, your pulse and your blood pressure are measured twice a day and the decision
on whether to go higher is based on this information. Further details about the logistics of the expeditions can be found
here: Logistics
Expeditions
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Andes and More offer expeditions up Aconcagua via the Normal
Route. The last Aconcagua expedition and the Pissis expedition can be combined.
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After the Aconcagua season ends, Andes and More offers an
expedition up Pissis in northern Argentina. The last Aconcagua expedition and the Pissis expedition can be combined.
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A group expedition doesn't suit everybody. Maybe
you and a group of friends want an expedition group exclusively for yourselves. Or maybe for other reasons (experience, health,
whatever) you would prefer a private expedition with a guide solely devoted to you. In that case, please send us an e-mail
to info@andesandmore.com to ask about the possibility of a special programme.
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Andes and More also works with
a specialist outdoor consulting company in Argentina. Amongst other things, it organises teambuilding exercises on Aconcagua.
If you want to strengthen the teams within your workplace in a challenging environment, using an innovative and unique programme,
then please visit their website:
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Explore other parts of Argentina before or after your expedition.
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| Negotiating the penitentes - typical of the Andes |
How Difficult is it to Climb Aconcagua?
Aconcagua is not a technically difficult mountain, in terms of climbing
techniques, but it is still a mountaineering expedition, rather than a trek. Even though it is not technical, what sets Aconcagua
aside in terms of difficulty, is its altitude. It is not easy.
There will
be extremes of temperature, wind and adverse weather, and you will be expected to camp under these conditions.
It is not necessary
to have previous ice climbing experience. Your guide will show you how to use crampons and an ice axe before you need to use
them.
Your body will
be pushed to its limits to carry out even the smallest action at this altitude, nevermind carry out a long and tiring climb.
You will
need to be in peak physical condition to climb Aconcagua, and should prepare yourself mentally for a tough climb.
Please read
the section we have prepared specifically about your health and training with respect to your expedition.
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