Aconcagua

Aconcagua is the tallest mountain in the Western Hemisphere and the highest peak outside Asia, with a summit elevation of 6,961 meters. It dominates the high Andes of Mendoza Province and is the centerpiece of Aconcagua Provincial Park.

Mountaineers use established routes to attempt the summit, with the northwest (normal) route the most frequented and non-technical in dry conditions, while other routes involve steeper and more technical climbing. Base camps and approach trails funnel climbers into the high mountain environment where acclimatization and logistics are central to summit attempts.

The mountain has long been known to indigenous Andean peoples and was first recorded in modern climbing annals in the 19th century; the first documented ascent of the summit was achieved in 1897. Since then Aconcagua has become a major objective for high-altitude climbing and trekking.

Located in Mendoza Province near the border with Chile, Aconcagua rises from the high Andes and is accessed overland from provincial roads and established mountain approach tracks serving the provincial park.

• Summit elevation: Highest mountain in the Americas and outside Asia, with a summit elevation of 6,961 meters, making it a primary objective for high-altitude mountaineers.

What to See#

• Aconcagua summit (6,961 m): Summit of Aconcagua, the highest point in the Western Hemisphere at 6,961 meters above sea level.
• Plaza de Mulas base camp: Plaza de Mulas base camp, the main high-altitude base used by the normal northwest route and logistical operations for summit attempts.

From the city of Mendoza (the usual gateway) drive west into the Andes to Aconcagua Provincial Park - the Horcones valley trailhead is the main public access point. The road from Mendoza follows National Route 7 (RN7) into the mountains; driving distance is roughly 110-120 km from Mendoza city and takes several hours by car.

There are seasonal private shuttles and occasional bus services from Mendoza’s long‑distance bus terminal to the towns and trailhead areas serving Aconcagua; once at the Horcones trailhead you start on foot for the park’s trails. If you plan to climb, use licensed guides and confirm transport schedules in Mendoza before traveling.

• Best time to attempt Aconcagua is in the Southern Hemisphere summer (the established climbing season runs in the December-February window) when routes and park services are open and weather is least severe.
• Use the Horcones Valley/Plaza de Mulas approach for the standard (Normal) route; most logistics (permits, mule caravans, base-camp access) are handled from the Horcones entrance and Mendoza as your gateway.
• Obtain the official Aconcagua Provincial Park permit and park insurance well in advance and arrange a licensed guide or porter if you are not an experienced high-altitude mountaineer - the park strictly enforces permit rules.
• Avoid peak congestion on the trail by scheduling acclimatization hikes and summit push starts very early in the morning and by booking permit slots and camp sites as soon as they are released.