Where is Aconcagua?
Towering high in the Andes, the longest mountain range in the world, Aconcagua overlooks the rugged border between Chile and Argentina, separating these two exciting South American countries. Cerro Aconcagua, or Aconcagua Mountain, is just inside the country of Argentina, where the astonishing Andes Mountains form a natural boundary with Chile along the pointed base of the continent.
The Andes themselves stretch from Venezuela on the northern edge of South America, south through Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Chile and Argentina before meeting the ‘end of the world’ at Ushuaia. The highest point of this iconic mountain range, at an elevation of 6,961m, is the summit of Aconcagua.
Within Argentina, Aconcagua can be found in the province of Mendoza, a region famed for producing magnificent Malbec wine, stunning natural landscapes and awesome adventure activities. With a setting like this, it’s no wonder that Aconcagua is one of the most popular mountains to climb in South America.
Top 10 Reasons to Climb Aconcagua
Let’s take a closer look at what makes hiking Aconcagua special. We know that the vibrant culture of Argentina draws visitors from all over the world who come to sample the Latin cuisine, warm hospitality, spicy entertainment and colourful heritage. But why should you choose this peak, on this continent, over a trip to the Himalayas, where there are more, higher mountains to climb?
We'll tell you!
1. Aconcagua is the highest mountain in South America
It is one of the famed seven summits – the highest mountains on each of the seven continents. As the highest mountain in South America, Aconcagua is the tallest peak outside of the Himalayas and the highest mountain in the southern and western hemispheres, as well as the tallest mountain in Argentina. That’s a fair few heavyweight credentials in its favour. If this doesn’t sway you as an aspiring mountaineer or bucket list adventurer, then let’s see what else an Aconcagua hike has up its sleeve.
2. Bragging rights
Climbing the highest mountains in the world offers unimpeachable bragging rights, there’s no doubt about it. Yes, climbing Mount Everest may be the ultimate brag for mountaineers as the highest mountain in the world, but summitting the highest mountain in the southern and western hemispheres is damn impressive too.
Tackling the likes of Aconcagua is tough but achievable and won’t set you back £60k+ ($80k+). With plenty of planning and preparation, climbing Aconcagua offers unrivalled bragging rights to every successful summiteer who doesn’t typically climb mountains professionally and is something you should undeniably shout about.
3. Aconcagua is a non-technical trek
Technically, there is no climbing involved in summiting Aconcagua via the Normal Route, unlike other Aconcagua routes, such as the Polish Glacier Traverse which is as technical as it sounds!
The conditions are the biggest adversary you’ll face when climbing this mountain, as well as the high altitude. As such, experience of using crampons and an ice axe is recommended. You can prepare for this by joining winter trekking courses, visiting your local ice climbing centre or heading out into your local mountains with a guide in winter conditions to practice using ice axes and crampons and hone your skills ready for taking on this exciting adventure.
4. You get to explore the Andes Mountains
Every mountain range looks different to those who know where to look. Along the Horcones Valley of the Normal Route up Aconcagua, the lower landscapes morph from dry, rugged terrain littered with strange rock formations, riverbeds and open space to the massive, jagged peaks and glaciated ridges above as Aconcagua rises like a pinnacle from the valley below.
The lack of light pollution in the mountains also means the starry skies on a clear night are truly something else. During the day, the shadows thrown by the rocky ridges create contrasts of light and shadow that are a photographer's dream. Even more intriguing is the vegetation that survives at the high altitudes of the Andes, which is often out-of-this-world looking, and each day will surprise you with sightings of the local wildlife that call these diverse slopes home.
5. Spot unique flora and fauna
The Andes are renowned for their length but at ground level their biodiversity is one of the biggest distinguishing characteristics of this incredible landscape. From big game and large mammals to the thousands of amphibian, bird and insect species, the sheer range of wildlife that resides here is owing to the unique size and diversity of the range itself.
You can expect to see condors flying overhead and llamas grazing peacefully on grassy plains, lizards and reptiles sunning themselves on warm rocks, and rodents and insects feeding the birdlife that inhabits the valleys around the mountain peaks. Keep your eyes open and your ears pricked so as not to miss meeting the local critters hiding along your trekking route.
6. A peaceful climb
Due to its difficulty, remote location and changeable conditions, far fewer people climb Aconcagua each season than smaller rival Kilimanjaro, or popular hiking routes such as the Everest Base Camp trek in Nepal and Tour du Mont Blanc in France.
As such, those looking for a purer, quieter challenge away from the crowds should consider Aconcagua expeditions as an off-the-beaten-track adventure, where you can peacefully immerse yourself in the local culture, customs and climate, free from the interruptions of other visitors. Also, Aconcagua Provincial Park only allows certain providers permits to climb the mountain so there are far fewer trekking companies guiding climbing trips here than other 6,000m peaks.
7. Experience the rich culture and history
Aconcagua was an important sacred mountain for the Incas, located towards the southern edge of their ancient empire, and their indigenous ancestors, who also had strong spiritual ties to the land and mountains. Today, the remains of sacrificial offerings such as pottery, textiles, figurines and preserved bodies have been found at high altitudes on Aconcagua, suggesting that this mountain has long been important for the local people and continues to be revered.
During your visit to Argentina, take the time to find the cultural centres in Uspallata and Mendoza to learn more about the heritage of this fascinating region.
8. Escape northern winter
Being in the southern hemisphere, Argentina is the perfect place to escape the northern hemisphere winters! And the best time to climb Aconcagua is during the southern hemisphere summer, which is when the Aconcagua climbing season starts - mid-December to late January.
It takes around 3 weeks depending on where you’re travelling from, to get to Mendoza in Argentina, up Aconcagua and back to Mendoza. So if you find yourself experiencing seasonal affective disorder (or SAD) in the depths of winter, plan an invigorating trip up one of the highest mountains in the world to fight those winter blues.
9. Relatively low cost
Lastly, compared to other expeditions to high altitude peaks, Aconcagua trekking is relatively reasonably priced. If you’re wondering, how much does it cost to climb Aconcagua, a 19 day itinerary with Kandoo starts from just over £5,000, or $6,650. This incredible adventure typically includes accommodation, meals, guides, support staff, airport transfers, park entry fees and access to emergency support if needed, all within the itinerary price.
At less than £275, or $365, per day, this is far more accessible than the likes of Everest, Puncak Jaya or Denali, making this one of the more financially attractive seven summits to climb.
10. The Camps are lovely!
There are a very restricted number of companies who are allowed to operate on Aconcagua. This restriction means that the camps they provide- particularly basecamps - are great! Fully equipped with large domed dining tents containing tables, comfortable chairs, table clothes, proper cutlery and electric lights! Clean toilets and charging stations for phones and computers are also available along with WiFi (for a small charge). What more could you ask for when taking on one of the highest peaks in the world?!
Hike Aconcagua with Kandoo Adventures
We’ve enjoyed taking adventurers up and around iconic mountains for decades and we know our stuff. Our safety management systems are stringent, our local teams experienced and well-trained, and our travel experts at HQ are knowledgeable and friendly. Collectively, we’ve explored the mountain ranges we trek, the destinations we sell and tried the trips we offer, so advising travellers comes naturally to us.
If you’re looking for your next adventure and want to climb a mountain like no other, then consider an Aconcagua expedition with Kandoo Adventures, secure in the knowledge that you’re in safe hands. For trekking, Aconcagua Argentina offers a memorable opportunity to tackle a high altitude climb where no mountaineering experience is needed, just a healthy dose of preparation and plenty of grit.
We can’t wait to welcome you to Argentina soon, so get in touch and start planning your trip to the highest peak in the southern and western hemispheres!