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General Information
Climbing Aconcagua
Cerro Aconcagua (6959m), the highest peak in the Western Hemisphere, lies just within Argentina, some 12 kilometres from the Chilean border. We have three trekking and climbing programmes on the mountain: the Normal Route, Vacas Valley, the Polish Glacier Traverse or climb the Polish Glacier.
To maximise the chance of summit success on Cerro Aconcagua, we typically employ a ratio of one mountain guide to every 3 or 4 clients.
In the mountains, we use two-person mountain tents. In towns, we use clean, comfortable hotels.
Fitness & Experience
A very good level of physical fitness is necessary for this climb For the Normal Route experience in the use of crampons and ice axe is not a requirement although experience of mountaineering and camping in remote mountain areas is useful.
Cerro Aconcagua is a long, tiring climb, with several stages involving steep ascent (and descent) on loose surfaces such as boulders and scree. Summit day involves up to 15 hours’ walking. Typically, walking days range between 6 and 9 hours. On most trekking days, a daypack is carried, but on days on Aconcagua you are expected to carry a full load (15 – 22 kg, approx) at altitudes ranging from 4,300m to 5,850m.
The extreme altitude and climatic conditions of Aconcagua are probably the most important factors on this itinerary and have a very big influence, both physically and psychologically, on your experience of Cerro Aconcagua. Being such a big mountain (in terms of bulk as well as height), Aconcagua – sometimes described as psychologically and climatically equating to “a small 8,000” - deserves utmost respect. In terms of the altitude, we have been very rigorous in programming our acclimatisation regime. As for climate, wind conditions and cold can be extreme on the upper slopes of Aconcagua.
It is of utmost importance that you be appropriately equipped with high mountain clothing of suitable quality & we can provide recommendations on request.
Our guides are experienced high altitude mountaineers, with extensive experience and knowledge of the potential health risk and climatic dangers inherent in a high altitude mountaineering trip of this nature.
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