The art of climbing is no less than mediating thoughts on a canvas. Climbing involves not only precision but also a deeper understanding and knowledge of the mountainous region. Specific factors like difficulty level, geography, climate, routes, preparation, and cost play an essential role in your quest to perform an expedition. However, when it comes to gigantic peaks that test a being’s limit, every step must be well planned. Several professional and seasoned climbers tend to quit a climb midway because of reasons like; supply shortage, lousy weather, unaccountable terrain, and many more. When you are expediting, there’s no room for stubbornness and spontaneous events since nature can be very harsh.
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When it comes to Cerro Aconcagua, which people refer to as South America’s Everest, it does not pave the way for the more effortless climbing experience. Aconcagua is the highest peak outside Asia, located in Mendoza province of Argentina. Even though this Andean giant happens to be a famous destination for expeditors, climbers, and trekkers of all levels, there are some essential things you need to know before attempting to conquer Aconcagua.
Geography, Location, and Climate
The Argentinian giant is located in the Andes’ mountain range, 9 miles from the Chilean border, and 70 miles northwest of the Mendoza city. The peak records a height of 22,841 feet above sea level, which, in turn, makes it the highest mountain in the Southern and Western Hemispheres. The peak is in the Aconcagua Provincial Park’s part and comprises several glaciers, out of which the most significant one is the Ventisquero Horcones Inferior – 6-miles long.
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Aconcagua’s climate consists of high winds, perilous, and storms. In case you observe a thin line of clouds around the summit, climb Aconcagua on some other day. Such cloud lines are a sign of an incoming storm. Furthermore, if you are planning to climb the summit, try the ascent around the high seasons of December and January. During the high season, the climatic conditions are warmer and milder. Also, there are several infrastructural possibilities and options for support.
Difficulty Level
Were you aware that out of the seven most climbed summits in the world, Aconcagua is the second most climbed summit after Mt. Everest. Climbers know this mountain as one of the most accessible climbable peaks globally. However, one considerable and common problem climbers face while performing the summit – its altitude. Climbers of all levels battle the altitude every year, but it is necessary to have the utmost aerobic fitness level. Reports suggest that around 40% of climbers make it to the summit. The rest pull themselves out because of altitude sickness.
Preparation
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Since the climb takes around twenty days, a climber needs to prepare several things. But, first and foremost, your physical fitness and leg strength are detrimental. You need to undergo half a year of regular training to perform a comfortable climb. During six months, work on your stamina levels, run, cycle, build muscle and strength, and get used to lifting weights on your back. Furthermore, experts recommend that a wise option out of all is to buy trekking or travel insurance.
It’s Not All About the Cost
Climbing this Argentinian peak requires more than obligatory expenses that you have to adhere to other than permits and fees. The equipment you will be carrying is more or less expensive, even if you purchase or rent it. Moreover, the cost involved in hiring local guides does not come for cheap. If you are thinking of avoiding guides, do not. In difficult situations, they can save your lives.
Factors like climbing several meters above sea level, diminishing oxygen, and continually rising altitude often hinder the expedition experience. In such cases, it will determine your chances of climbing the summit. However, in these situations, you rather think of stabilizing your senses instead of thinking about the climb. That is where the role of local guides count. Their presence is not only detrimental but also helps in the course evaluation.
Normal or Southern
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Normal and Sur are two of the routes through which you can commence the climb towards Aconcagua. The Normal route goes through the Horcones Lagoon, which is comparatively easier to Sur. If you are doing a climb through the Normal route, you do not require excessive mountain training. While on the other hand, the Southern route, also reckoned to as the Vacas Valley, is one of the complicated ones. This route only provides an option of trekking or ascent. Through the Southern way, you will encounter an enormous glacier, ‘Glacier of the Poles’ that has professed several lives of climbers.
Final Thoughts
Climbing requires expertise, the anticipation of what’s to come, and high-altitude training. Even though Aconcagua has an easier high-altitude trekking route as compared to its counterpart summits, one shouldn’t take it for granted. There are several things you need to be familiar with while beginning your climb to this Argentinian summit.
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