Aconcagua and the Southern Andes

Contents

Index of maps and illustrations
Map key
Map of South America
Area maps in this guide
Aconcagua – Normal and Vacas Valley Routes
Routes to the summit
Summary of camps
Summary comparison of Normal and Vacas Valley Routes
Table of co-ordinates and elevations
Foreword by Sebastian Tetilla
Preface
A note on the third edition

Introduction
The mountain in context
Two trekking routes
Location
Geology
Topography
Maps and co-ordinates
Wildlife
History
Climbing history
Trekker/climber profiles
Weather
When to go
Getting there
Preparations
Acclimatisation
Guides and trekking companies

Part 1 The ascent of Aconcagua
Mendoza to Puente del Inca
Mendoza
The road to Puente del Inca
Aconcagua routes
The Normal Route
The Vacas Valley Route
Summit day
The long walk out
Other routes

Part 2 Acclimatisation near Aconcagua, 
Vallecitos and the Maipo Volcano
Treks in the Aconcagua area
Puente del Inca and Los Penitentes
A walk to the Statue of Cristo Redentor
Horcones Valley to Plaza Francia
Routes at Vallecitos
Vallecitos Ski and Mountain Lodge
Lomas Blancas (3850m)
Cerro Vallecitos (5770m)
The Maipo Volcano

Part 3 The Tupungato area
Tupungato
The Andes’ Great Mountain
Tupungato routes
Tupungato via Chile and Rio Colorado
Tupungato Provincial Park
Wilderness Trek to Friar’s Col

Part 4 The Santiago area
Santiago
Santiago City
In and around Santiago
Routes near Santiago
El Morado Valley
La Campana National Park
El Plomo (5430m)
Provincia and San Roman

Appendix A Maps, guidebooks and further reading
Appendix B Checklist of essential gear
Appendix C Guides and mountain services
Appendix D Accommodation and local facilities
Appendix E South American cuisine
Appendix F Wine tasting in Argentina and Chile
Appendix G Spanish–English language notes

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Aconcagua is not out of reach for the average hiker

Rising forebodingly 6,962m into the sky, Aconcagua is the tallest mountain in South America and the highest peak outside the Himalayas. The intriguing thing is that it's not technical so, as long as you've got the experience at altitude, the summit of Aconcagua is not out of reach for the average hiker. In this Cicerone guide, Jim Ryan outlines in detail the ascent of this incredible mountain by the Normal Route and the Vacas Valley Route. Beyond that, the book holds much information about the finer details of all that one must consider when looking at climbing the mountain, including when to go, the logistics behind the climb, how to deal with altitude and ideas for nearby mountains that are ideal for acclimatisation runs.

Adventure Travel magazine

This book certainly preps you for what you can expect on the trek, and for that alone is worth the cover price.

Aconcagua is a great peak for the typical Trek & Mountain reader to consider taking on. At nearly 7000m it gives you a taste for extreme high altitude and lets you experience multi-camp mountain climbs, yet it's non-technical nature means it's accessible to non-climbers.

Jim Ryan's book has been the go-to guide for anyone considering climbing Aconcagua for many years, and this new version brings it right up to date. The book covers the two popular trekking routes: the Normal (Horcones Valley) route and the Vacas Valley (Polish Glacier) route.

lt also includes trekking routes up Tupungato, the Maipo Volcano, and other acclimatisation treks, with suggestions for things to see and do around Mendoza and Santiago City. As with other Cicerone guides, it provides a wealth of practical and information for those taking on the challenge of Aconcagua. There is information on travel to South America and to the start of the trek, and essential know-how on preparing for high-altitude mountaineering, including advice on equipment, coping with altitude, and strategies for acclimatisation. lt gives expert advice on permits, food and water, hiring guides and mules, and staying healthy. The guide also includes maps and colour photos, supplemented by background information on the mountain, its history, geology, wildlife and local culture. Aconcagua is definitely not a mountain to be underestimated -especially its beast of a summit day - so anything that'll give you an extra edge to reach the highest peak outside of the Himalayas is worth considering. This book certainly preps you for what you can expect on the trek, and for that alone is worth the cover price.

Trek and Mountain Magazine