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- Aconcagua
22,838 ft · Andes, Argentina
Aconcagua
Aconcagua is a 22,838 ft peak in the Andes, Argentina. The standard route is the Normal Route: 45 mi, 13,241 ft of gain, Class 2.
Aconcagua at a glance
- Elevation22,838 ft6,961 m
- RouteNormal RouteClass 2
- Distance45 mi13,241 ft gain
- Time2 – 3 wksExtreme effort
- SeasonDec – Feb
- RangeAndesArgentina
Climbing the Normal Route
Fly into Mendoza, Argentina, then drive 3 hours west to Penitentes or Puente del Inca. Obtain an Aconcagua Provincial Park permit in Mendoza before departing (mandatory, with fees). Plaza de Mulas basecamp is accessed via a 2-day approach with mule support. The Normal Route (northwest face) is non-technical but extremely high at 22,841 ft. Expect extreme cold, high winds, and long load carries between camps. Acclimatization is absolutely critical as altitude sickness is the primary cause of failure. Most climbers spend 2-3 weeks on the mountain. Summit day is long and exposed. Conditions are best December through February.
Gear and hazards
What to bring
Backpacks (40–80L)
Hiking Boots
Base Layer
Midlayer
Insulated Jacket
Hardshell Jacket
Hardshell Pants
Warm Hat
Buff
Expedition Mittens
Trekking Poles
GPS Device
Power Bank
Water Filter
Sleeping Bag (-40°F to -20°F)
Sleeping Pad
Water
First-Aid Kit
Offline Maps
Headlamp
Satellite Communicator
Emergency Bivy
Whistle
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Glacier Glasses
Goggles
What to watch for
- High altitude
- Extreme cold
- High winds
- Storms
- Loose rock
- Remote location
- Avalanches
- Altitude sickness
- Snow near summit
- Ice near summit
- Low visibility
Quests with Aconcagua
Seven SummitsFrequently asked questions
How tall is Aconcagua?
Aconcagua is 22,838 feet (6,961 m) tall. It is in the Andes, Argentina.
How does Aconcagua rank among the Seven Summits?
At 22,838 feet, Aconcagua is the 2nd highest of the Seven Summits. The highest is Mount Everest.
How hard is it to climb Aconcagua?
The Normal Route is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort extreme: 45 miles with 13,241 feet of elevation gain.
How long does it take to climb Aconcagua?
Aconcagua is an expedition: most climbers plan 2 – 3 weeks for the Normal Route, much of it spent acclimatizing between camps.
Can a beginner climb Aconcagua?
Not as a first peak. The Normal Route needs no technical climbing, but the altitude and 2 – 3 weeks on the mountain make it a serious undertaking. Most climbers build experience at altitude first, and many go with a guide.
Do you need to acclimatize to climb Aconcagua?
Yes. At 22,838 feet, Aconcagua is high enough for serious altitude illness. Climbers acclimatize over days or weeks, climbing high and sleeping low, and descend at the first signs of trouble.
When is the best time to climb Aconcagua?
The usual climbing window is December to February. Outside it, expect snow, storms or closed access, and check the summit forecast before you go.
Can you hire a guide to climb Aconcagua?
Yes. Guide services that lead climbs of Aconcagua include Patagonicas Mountain Guides, Benegas Brothers and Aconcagua Mountain Guides.
Climb Aconcagua with Yak
Plan your route on a topo map, check the summit forecast, then log your climb and see what is left on your list