Aconcagua is the highest mountain in South America. With a summit elevation of 6,962 meters (22,841 feet) it is also one of the Seven Summits and the tallest mountain outside Asia. The mountain itself is located in the Mendoza Province in Argentina, about 70 kilometers from Mendoza city. The mountain was named after Aconcagua River that flows nearby.
Aconcagua has two climbing routes: The Normal Route (also known as the Polish Traverse) — which starts from Plaza De Mulas Base Camp at an altitude of 4,000 meters (13,120 ft) — and the Polish Traverse — which starts from Plaza De Mulas Base Camp at an altitude of 4,000 meters (13,120 ft). Both routes ascend Aconcagua’s western slope by means of mountaineering trails through icefalls, snowfields and rock crevasses on steep terrain up to 6° angle or more. In 2012 there were only 13 people who reached Aconcagua’s summit via these two routes combined.
The climb can be challenging due to its high altitude and weather conditions. It is recommended that climbers acclimate for two weeks prior to their ascent in order to prevent altitude sickness. The summit has strong winds and low temperatures that can make it difficult for climbers to stay warm enough during their climb. Climbers should also be prepared for large snowdrifts that can make it difficult to navigate through sections of the trail without proper gear such as ice axes and crampons.
Its nearest neighbor is Tupungato volcano at 6,200 m (20,308 ft). Aconcagua’s summit was first reached by Sir Harry Johnson and Dr. Edward FitzGerald on December 14th 1884 via the north face. Aconcagua has been climbed by many famous climbers over the years including Sir Edmund Hillary who completed the first successful ascent after ascending Mount Everest in 1953 with Tenzing Norgay Sherpa; Tomaz Humar who died attempting another ascent in 2006; and Ed Viesturs who has climbed all fourteen 8000+ meter peaks (including Aconcagua). SummitClimb Aconcagua expedition is open for men and women of all ages. Whether its Aconcagua or any other climb like Everest, Ama Dablam, Manaslu, K2, Cho Oyu, Island Peak SummitClimb teams will teach all of the mountain skills you need.