How to Climb South America's Aconcagua

For those who are serious about climbing Mt. Everest, Aconcagua is a stepping stone toward the high-altitude, expedition-style mountaineering of the Himalayan peaks. At 22,835 feet, Argentina's "White Sentinal" is the tallest peak in the Americas and towers above the rest of the Andes.

Instructions

Difficulty: Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• Winter Outerwear
• Travel Services
• Camp-stove Fuels
• Camping Stoves
• Climbing Harnesses
• Climbing Ropes
• Sleeping Bags
• Winter Backpacking Tents

1. Come up with approximately $2,500 U.S. for a guided expedition, not including international airfare.
2. Allow for a 17-day trip with 10 days of climbing.
3. Fly into Buenos Aires, then on to Mendoza where you'll secure your permits and meet up with your tour operators.
4. Grab your mules and local porters at Plaza Argentina for the trek up the Vacas Valley, a three-day, 30-mile stroll.
5. Hike up to Casa Peidre at 10,000 feet. There you'll have your first unobstructed view of "The Big A."
6. Set up Base Camp at around 14,000 feet where your battle with headaches will likely begin. Acclimatize and rest there.
7. Move on to Camp I at 16,600, then push to Camp II at 19,300. You'll need plenty of rest and fluids along the way, and don't forget to filter the running water in the streams.
8. Begin your summit attempt at 5 a.m. on the Polish Glacier Route for challenging ice climbing.
9. Look for signs of Incan civilization as you approach the summit.

Tips & Warnings

• Follow the Plaza Mulas route back down for a different view, or start there if you don't mind the added crowds.
• Mountaineering can cause injury, illness and even death.
• Beware of human waste along the trail that contaminates the snow and water, and filter water thoroughly to avoid parasites.