Aconcagua: Highest Trek in the World - A Trekker's Guidebook

Complete guidebook to climbing Aconcagua (6962m), highest peak outside the Himalayas and one of the most accessible. Route descriptions up the Normal and Vacas Valley (Polish Glacier) routes, plus trekking routes in the Argentinian and Chilean southern Andes. Copious practical information on preparation and strategies for the ascent.

Aconcagua: Highest Trek in the World

Practical information, preparation and trekking routes in the southern Andes

Author

Jim Ryan

Cover

Paperback - PVC

Edition

First

ISBN_13

9781852844554

Availability

Reprinted

Price

£14.00

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Cover of Aconcagua: Highest Trek in the World

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Front Cover (1)
Location Map (1)
Overview Maps (2)
Sample Routes (2)
Sample Photos (7)

Seasons

Possible mid-November to mid-March. December/January is high season. Weather is best mid-December to mid-February.

Centres

Santiago, Mendoza, Puente del Inca, Los Penitentes, Tupungato

Difficulty

Challenging high-altitude route for experienced climbers/trekkers. Routes described require minimal technical expertise.

Must See

Reaching the summit (only a quarter who start the ascent make it!); Tupungato trek; Santiago city; trek to El Plomo

List of Maps and Diagrams
Foreword by Sebastian Tetilla
Preface

Introduction
The attraction for climbers
Two trekking routes
Location

PART 1
Aconcagua – A profile
Geology
Topography
Flora and Fauna
Ancient History
Recent History
Climbing History
Trekker/Climber Profiles
Weather on Aconcagua

Getting There
When to Go
The Inward Journey
Visas, Passports and Permits
Travel and Climbing Insurance

Preparations
Essential Gear
The Medical Kit
Other Considerations

Acclimatisation
Getting Used to Thin Air
Recognising Altitude Sickness
Saturated Oxygen

Guides and Mules
Guides and Their Necessity
Choosing a Guide
Without a Guide
The Arrieros
Hiring Mules

PART II
Mendoza to Puente del Inca
Mendoza
Buying Provisions
The Road to Puente del Inca
Mendoza to Santiago Disused Railway
Los Penitentes
Puente del Inca

Aconcagua Routes
The Normal Route
The Vacas Valley Route
The Route to the Summit
Summary Comparisons
Other Routes

PART III
Treks in the Aconcagua Area
Puente del Inca and Los Penitentes
A Walk up to Cristo Redentor
Horcones Valley to Plaza Francia

Treks at Vallecitos
Vallecitos Ski and Mountain Lodge
Lomas Blancas 3850m
Cerro Vallecitos 5770m

PART IV
Tupungato
Tupungato – Andes Great Mountain
The Mountain, The Glacier, The Missing Aeroplane and The Lost Gold
Tupungato Routes
The Route via Chile and Rio Colorado
Tupungato Provincial Park
Wilderness Trek to Friar’s Coll

PART V
Santiago
Santiago City

Treks near Santiago
El Morado Valley
La Campana National Park
El Plomo 5430m
Provincia and San Roman

PART VI
Useful Information
Maps, Guidebooks and Further Reading
Guides and Mountain Services
Checklist of Essential Kit
Accommodation
Mendoza
Vallecitos
Los Penitentes and Puenta del Inca
Santiago
Tupungato
South American Cuisine
Spanish-English