The climate that affects the protected area that we analyze can be classified as a Temperate semi-arid mountain. It is characterized by the irregularity of the rainfall regime that the variations that, in this aspect, suffer from the area due to the climatic influence of the Atlantic domain, with summer rains, and the Pacific domain with its predominantly winter rainfall. Important in the Aconcagua treks. Despite the great distance that separates it from the Atlantic, this mountainous part receives from that sector the low humidity that generally precipitates in the form of significant snowfalls in the highest positions, during May to […]
Blog - Aconcagua Tips and Stories
Aconcagua Climbing – Glaciers and Formations on Aconcagua
The glacial action was much more significant in the past, and the geomorphology that can be seen today is modified by the action of subsequent processes such as mass removal and fluvial action. The current glaciers of the mountain range in general, which therefore affect the Aconcagua Guided Climb, are classified as valley glaciers, mountain glaciers, and snow patches; These, in turn, can be presented as uncovered, covered by debris and rock glaciers. Almost the entire fluvial network of Mendoza corresponds to the Desaguadero basin formed by the Mendoza, Tunuyán, Diamante and Atuel rivers. The Barrancas and Grande rivers that form […]
Aconcagua Climbing – Interesting Facts About Aconcagua
The Aconcagua hill is located at the southern end of the chain called Los Penitentes and with its 6,959 meters above sea level. It carries the attribute of being the highest elevation in the American continent and its great height, like that of other nearby hills. It does not correspond to active volcanic structures such as Tupungato, but instead, its current altitude results from the tectonic uplift of the mountain range. It is guarded by high-rise colossi such as Cerro Catedral to the northwest with 5,200 meters above sea level, El Cuerno (5,450), Bonete (5,100), and others located in the […]
Aconcagua Climbing – Structure and Age of Aconcagua
Law 5,463 approves the primary zoning proposed by the Advisory Commission referred to above and authorizes the Executive Branch to grant two hectares in Plaza de Mulas for 50 years to construct a hotel. Then, in 1990, another legal instrument – Decree 2,819 – established various regulations related to mountaineering, setting tariffs, the season for promotions, security systems, and other items related to these issues. The “framework law” that orders everything related to the protected areas of the province of Mendoza is the one that bears the number 5,630. Relief, The geological-structural constitution of the mountain range, is complex, and […]
Aconcagua Climbing – Climbing Aconcagua is Very Challenging
With the wind and the cold, “La Travesía” becomes endless, a long way along the north face, a large stone appears “El Gendarme” protects us a little, and I take the opportunity to drink some tea, but the thermos froze. Fortunately, Gabriel assists me. We advance to the beginning of the much commented and difficult “Canaleta” (6,700 mts.), The last 300 meters with a significant slope of loose rocks that making the ascent very difficult. We put on the crampons and … one, two, three steps up and one, two, three, or four back. Climb, slip and fall. What motivation […]
Aconcagua Climbing – A Dream Come True
The experience begins at Puente del Inca, entrance to the Aconcagua National Park (1,900 mts.). From there, trekking to Confluencia awaits us, an intermediate camp at 3,380 mts., A couple of excursions are made, one of them to Plaza Francia (4,400mts), the base camp of the much-feared South face of Aconcagua Ascents, a 3,000 m vertical wall. Of ice, glaciers, rocks, and many avalanches. From Confluencia, through Playa Ancha, after many kilometers and the final Cuesta Brava, we arrive at Plaza de Mula (4,370 mts.), The first effects of the altitude begin to be felt: headache, nausea, fatigue, lack of appetite, […]
Aconcagua Climbing – Alternative Itinerary for Aconcagua
During the trip and approach marches, a diet of fresh vegetables, meats, salads, milk, eggs, and fruits will be projected as much as possible in camp. As for the altitude menu, the dominant factor should be the choice of food by the mountaineer himself according to his tastes, always considering the caloric wealth necessary for eating at altitude. It will be complemented with some vitamin complex compensates for the diet deficiencies in some of its aspects. A fundamental factor in the diet is represented by the ingestion of at least 2 liters of liquid. In Mendoza, you can buy everything […]
Aconcagua Climbing – How to Prevent Mountain Diseases
For athletes who come from the plains or low altitude places, a stay of 2 or 3 days in Puente del Inca is advisable. During the visit to this area, walks and ascents can be made in adjacent hills, which contribute to better acclimatization. Another highly advisable attitude would be to arrange the shipment of the more significant load by mules to the base camp, and then the members make the journey on foot. A moderate gait requires a walk that can be done comfortably in two days: the first to Confluencia (Horcones Inferior) and Plaza de Mulas. It is […]
Aconcagua Climbing – Approximate Temperatures on Aconcagua
The low humidity, the low percentages of oxygen, and the strong winds are just some of the most wonder characteristics of the climate of this hill. The leading causes of storms and those responsible for bad weather are fundamentally the humid winds expelled by the Anticyclone of the Pacific, which run towards the South and rise towards the West, colliding with the mountainous mass of the Cordillera, cooling and where its humidity becomes snow on the high peaks of the Andes. On Aconcagua, there are storms of snow and wind, and due to its geographical location, the most feared storms […]
Aconcagua Climbing – Why is Aconcagua so Impressive?
Precipitation is always in the form of snow at high altitudes, and rain is almost unknown. On some days, between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., the air temperature near the ground rises sharply. Above a plain, vertical convection cells were produced. In the mountain range, the ascent of the air is made along the valleys and the slopes of the hills, which act as actual chimneys. The pressure on the summits drops considerably. This breeze (from the Valley) causes, in the afternoon, the formation of cumulus clouds. From January to April, the air is so dry in the Andes that […]