Jump to: Our Verdict / Features / Specifications
Guidebook to climbing Aconcagua in Argentina. With descriptions for the Normal route (taking 12 days) or the Vacas Valley route (14 days). The treks cover difficult mountain terrain up to 6962m and are suitable for experienced walkers and mountaineers. Also features other treks in the southern Andes, including the Vallecitos and Tupungato ranges
Cicerone says
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.
Our Verdict
For nearly 50 years Cicerone have been producing guidebooks on recognised treks, regions, areas and general tips for hikers.
We have used them countless times and they've always provided excellent insight and knowledge that you only get through experience, giving you the edge to make your trip a success and more enjoyable too.
If you're a gram counter you can easily remove sections of the book to take with you making your own ultra-lightweight guidebook with only the essential sections that you require.
- Reviewed by Ultralight Outdoor Gear
Features
- Seasons: Possible mid-November to mid-March; high season is December/January; weather is best mid-December to mid-February
- Centres: Santiago, Mendoza, Puente del Inca, Los Penitentes, Tupungato
- Difficulty: The highest trek in the world, the climb of Aconcagua is a mountaineering route that requires relatively little technical expertise, but climbers must acclimatise to the altitude and to the cold
- Must See: Aconcagua, highest mountain in the world outside the Himalayas, summit of the Americas; Tupungato and El Plomo; Maipo volcano; Santiago City
Specifications
- Edition: Third
- Number of pages: 184
- Size: 17.2 x 11.6 x 1.1cm
- Weighs 230g
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
