The definitive guidebook to climbing Aconcagua in South America. At 6962m, Aconcagua is the highest peak outside the Himalayas and is accessible to both trekkers and mountaineers. The book covers two popular trekking routes: the Normal (Horcones Valley) route and the Vacas Valley (Polish Glacier) route. It 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. The guide provides a wealth of practical and indispensable 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. It gives expert advice on permits, food and water, hiring guides and mules, and staying healthy. With maps and colour photos and supplemented by background information on the mountain, its history, geology, wildlife and local culture, this is a comprehensive and must-read guide for anyone considering tackling Aconcagua.
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
