Aconcagua

• Address: Las Heras, Mendoza, Argentina
• Mountain system: Andes
• Height above sea level: 6962 m

Our planet is a real treasure trove of unique places. One of the natural wonders of the planet is Mount Aconcagua - the world's highest extinct volcano. Now it is covered with eternal snows, and it is hard to believe that once from this peak lava flows erupted. Where and on what continent is Mount Aconcagua, what height of the mountain, who discovered Aconcagua and in which country - these are the main issues that travelers are interested in. The answers to them you will find in our article.

General information about the attractions

Aconcagua - the highest point of the Andes, located on the territory of Argentina , the highest batholith of South America. The mountain is located in the territory of the national park with the same name. Geographical coordinates of Mount Aconcagua on the world map are 32.65 degrees south latitude and 70.01 west longitude. From the north and east, the Aconcagua mountain system is bounded by the Valle de las Vakas ridge, and from the south and west by the Vallier de los Orcones-Inferior. The absolute height of Mount Aconcagua in South America is 6962 m.

Mountain slopes are painted in a variety of colors: brown, red, golden and even green. It looks fantastically beautiful. Weather conditions here are often bad, it is often cloudy. Tourists should beware of such a phenomenon as white wind, when the sky is clouded by loose clouds. Then a strong storm is approaching, the air temperature drops sharply and a heavy snowfall begins. But on a clear day on Mount Aconcagua climbers can make great photos.

Conquerors of the summit

A well-known pioneer who conquered the summit of Aconcagua in January 1897 was the Swiss Matthias Zurbriggen. This happened during the expedition, led by Edward Fitzgerald. A few days later, two more expedition members climbed the mountain - Nicholas Lanti and Stuart Vines.

In 1940, the first woman, the Frenchwoman Andrienn Bans, climbed Mount Aconcagua in Argentina. It is known that in December 2008, the climber to the top of the mountain was made by the youngest climber - a ten-year-old Monty Matthew, and a year earlier the peak of Aconcagua was conquered by Scott Lewis at the age of 87 years.

Tourist routes

To the highest peak of South America - Mount Akokagua - every year fans of romance and adventure go, and this is more than 3500 climbers. The ascent to Aconcagua itself is possible on the northern slope, this trail is technically easy to climb. Normal Route - the most popular classic route, which does not require thorough preparation, but you should not relax. Another well-known route passes through the Polish glacier, intersecting with the Normal Route. The trails running through the South-West and South Ridges are very difficult to climb and are suitable only for well-trained climbers. Here there are slopes with stony embankments.

To make an ascension to Aconcagua, tourists need to obtain a personal permit in the Department of Renewable Resources in the city of Mendoza. Having signed it, the tourist undertakes to follow the established rules and is responsible for everything that can happen with him on the territory of the park. You can pay for the permit only in state offices, strictly Argentine pesos are accepted. The cost of the trek depends on the season and the duration of the ascent. In high season, the rise is from $ 103 to $ 700, in the middle - from $ 95 to $ 550 and in low - from $ 95 to $ 300.

How to get to Aconcagua?

In the city ​​of Mendoza there is the nearest airport , from where you can reach the mountain by car or public transport . Buses depart from the central bus station from 6 am, and a ticket to one of the national parks of Argentina , Aconcagua and back will cost $ 0.54. By the time the trip takes about 4 hours at one end.