Factors To Consider When Selecting A Trekking Organization

Have you been thinking about taking a break from your current busy lifestyle for a while now? If your answer is yes, one of the best things that you can choose to do is go on a mountaineering journey. It is the kind of trip that will enable you to feel the beauty of thrill, peace, and happiness at the same time.

Moreover, there are numerous gorgeous places around the world that you can choose to have the time of your life. In times like this, if you want to have an international experience, learn how to climb Aconcagua right away. It is a well-known peak in Argentina that you may visit whenever you get time.

However, if you want to ensure your well-being and convenience on the trip, hire a trekking organization to help you out. You can find the best one by considering a few necessary factors beforehand, such as:

  1. Experience & Reputation

The first detail that you should pay attention to when looking for the most amazing hiking company for your trip is the amount of experience they have. Any firm that knows its way around and has been in the tourism industry for a long time will be able to offer better support.

It will be easier for you to spot a seasoned agency by gauging the reputation they have in the current market. Since a good reputation implies top-notch services, it is better to always select an established organizer.

  • Safety Standards & Certifications

When you are on the lookout for the perfect trekking agency for your Aconcagua climb, make sure to check their safety standards. You can get into any kind of problem on a hiking range because of its adverse conditions.

In times like this, your chosen guiding company should be certified enough to get you out of the problem without any delay. Always look for a mountaineering agency’s permits before booking them for your journey.

  • Itinerary Transparency and Services Included

The third detail that you must be careful about when searching for an ideal company to help you learn how to climb Aconcagua is itinerary transparency. Ensure the organization you trust provides you with a detailed breakdown of the schedule beforehand to avoid unwanted surprises.

Not only that, but you should also make sure they let you know the services included in their package. These aspects will help you avoid future problems and misunderstandings easily.

  • Local Engagement & Eco-Consciousness

Another characteristic that you should look for in your guiding firm is how much attention they put on local engagement. When visiting culturally rich and historical areas, if you do not get to communicate with locals, learn about the places, or try their cuisine, your trip will feel incomplete.

Hence, make sure your hired agency for the Aconcagua climb enables you to take part in all these activities. Additionally, they should also encourage eco-consciousness to prevent harming the beautiful surroundings in any way.

Conclusion It does not matter how many trips you have planned before, organizing a hiking expedition is not like anything else. As a result, it is better for you to put your faith in an ideal touring company in times like these. This blog can also help you choose one within a short time.

A Guide To Ethical Trekking

A hike is a kind of opportunity that most people do not get to enjoy in life. You can rest assured that a vacation like this can change your life and motivate you to be a better version of yourself without any difficulty.

Since there are several mountain ranges available in the world today, you may pick any of them to have a similar experience. However, if you want to do so without any technical knowledge, the best thing you can do is book a trip to the Aconcagua 360 route. This peak in Argentina will make it convenient for you to test your physical and mental endurance levels easily.

However, when you finally get the chance to leave for a hike, make sure you are doing everything possible to be ethical and responsible. You can achieve this target with the help of a few factors, such as:

  1. Leave No Trace

The first detail that you should keep in mind if you want to be a responsible mountaineer is to leave no trace. This means that you should always pack out everything you bring in, dispose of garbage in only designated areas, refrain from being noisy, avoid plastic waste, etc.

In addition to this, you should also keep in mind that you must avoid harming the plants or trees in any way. Also, do not create a separate trail by walking through one of the many untouched areas in a hilly location.

  • Respect Local Cultures & Traditions

When you are on your much-awaited Aconcagua Vacas Valley route trip, make sure to respect local cultures and traditions. Take your time to learn more about the surrounding rules, dress codes, behavioral patterns, etc., beforehand.

This aspect will not only enable you to fit in better but can also help you avoid unwanted riffs with the local citizens. You should also remember to ask for permission before taking pictures to prevent misunderstandings as well.

  • Follow Eco-Friendly Habits

While climbing on a popular Aconcagua 360 route, always try your best to follow eco-friendly habits to prevent damage to nature. The best ways you can do so are by investing in reusable water bottles, eco-friendly toiletries, steel utensils, etc.

Not only that, but you should also keep in mind only light fires in designated areas to avoid harming the natural habitat of many animals and plants. You may also purchase eco-friendly gear from sustainable brands to minimize your carbon footprint.

  • Support The Local Economy

Another amazing step that you can take to make it convenient for you to hike the Aconcagua Vacas Valley route ethically is by supporting the local economy. This means that you should stay in locally owned homestays, purchase goods from surrounding markets, eat in local restaurants, etc.

In addition to this, you can also avoid bargaining or lowering the price of souvenirs in any way. Always remember to pay your guide fairly once they are done helping you.

Conclusion 

Are you somebody who wants to go on a hike while making sure they are doing everything ethically? If your answer is yes, you have come to the right blog for help. The above-mentioned details will enable you to make the best of your journey without adding to the carbon footprint of the world.

KNOW THE RELEVANCE OF TREKKING

Trekking is something that everybody who enjoys adventures and vacations will know about. You take a long walk to get to a specific mountainous location and witness the lovely scenery and destinations. Hiking is a significant part of many people’s lives, and many do it at least once a year. On the other hand, several people have never trekked before. If you are one of these people, you should take some time out of your schedule to visit the Aconcagua ascents, which have some of the most beautiful scenery in the world.

It is a journey where you will get to meet different individuals and learn about various challenges and pleasures of life easily and efficiently. Trekking can assist you in altering your life’s trajectory. If you are tired of the same old work and home atmosphere, go on a hike with your loved ones to break up the monotony and deepen your bond in a few days. Depending on your preferences, this trip can be long or short. With the assistance of this activity, you will be able to improve several skills, such as perseverance, strength, mental stability, etc. There are various institutions accessible nowadays that can help you prepare for a hike. They will teach you how to safeguard yourself while enjoying your trip to the fullest.

How Can You Benefit From Trekking?

You can view trekking as either an intensive and challenging exercise or a beautiful trip to enjoy because it encompasses both of these things. An activity will teach you multiple essential life lessons. It will make it easier for you to learn to be patient and persevere. You will experience several problems when hiking the Aconcagua 360 route, but you will also learn to deal with them wisely. This factor will assist you in becoming a brave, trustworthy, and educated individual. You will learn to appreciate and respect nature when you see it close. Trekking’s key advantage is that it can help you better understand your health and fitness. You will also be able to put your strength and endurance to the test using this activity.

What Are The Precautions You Should Keep In Mind?

Although treks are one of the best experiences of your life, they still come with a few precautions that you must keep in mind since hikes take place in mountainous regions. Let us now take a look at them in detail:

  • Remember to begin your excursion as soon as possible because you will have more time to walk this way. Plus, hiking in risky areas after sunset is dangerous
  • Because you will be going through the mountains, bring clothing that will keep you warm and dry.
  • If you are going on the Aconcagua guided climb, make sure you have a first-aid kit to deal with unexpected situations.
  • Because a heavy bag can slow you down, you should attempt to bring as few clothes as possible.

Conclusion

If you are looking for a fun way to spend your holiday, consider trekking. It is an activity that can change your life completely. When you go on a hike, you will be able to experience various essential things and explore areas that you do not get to see normally. You will learn more about trekking in this blog.

A GUIDE TO TREKKING

Do you have any idea of what trekking is? Various people embark on a lengthy and beautiful adventure, which they do by walking. One of the most thrilling experiences you can ever have. It’s an activity makes you fall in love with life and everything you watch here. If you want to escape from your mundane life, you should go on a hike immediately. People who enjoy traveling to new areas and going on long excursions should know about trekking and how it can transform their lives. Because of the diverse scenery and places available, mountain regions are the most popular destinations for trekkers. If you have trouble deciding where to go on your hike, you should learn how to climb Aconcagua.

The mountain range is considerably popular among trekkers due to its scenic beauty. If you go on a journey in this area, you will witness snow-capped mountains and different types of trees and creatures that you won’t see anywhere else. However, before visiting Aconcagua, you should understand more about what you will need and how to prepare. This procedure will ensure that you are always safe and secure. It also makes sure that you can enjoy your trip to the fullest.

Types Of Treks

There are many different options regarding treks to choose from, depending on your preferences, price, and time constraints. The hikes are classified into numerous forms, usually depending on their duration. If you want to go on a trek that will last for two to three days and take you through a comfortable landscape, you should choose an easy hike. You should go on a moderate hike if you wish to embark on a multi-day excursion that includes walking through various types of terrain. A hard trek is ideal for experienced hikers who want to take an exciting vacation. They will have to walk for several hours each day and climb and descend a mountain; for example, Aconcagua ascents.

How To Prepare Yourself Before Going On A Hike?

After opting to go on a journey, the first step is to prepare yourself mentally and physically. Trekking requires a significant amount of energy and determination, so make sure you take proper care of yourself beforehand. Because you will be walking for lengthy periods, you should begin taking morning walks or running to strengthen your legs. It would help if you also began incorporating exercises into your daily routine because they can improve your stamina by a wide margin. You can start with short exercise periods and then increase them gradually.

If you smoke, you should quit immediately because it damages your lungs and makes it hard to breathe at high altitudes. If you pass out in a mountain region, such as the Aconcagua 360 route, it can become a serious problem. If possible, you should also have a health checkup since it will help you understand if you have any health problems and whether or not you are fit for the trek.

Conclusion

Many people worldwide wish to go on treks but are unable to do so for several reasons. As a result, you should never pass up a chance to go hiking. To ensure your safety and security, you should conduct thorough research on the route you wish to take before embarking on your journey.

A Guide to the Top Three Routes to Reach the Aconcagua Peak

Aconcagua peak stands at around 22,838 feet above sea level, and it has been recognized as one of the most beautiful mountain peaks in the world. Aconcagua is the tallest mountain peak outside Asia. Mountaineering enthusiasts may have heard about seven summits, and Aconcagua is one of those seven summits. You can plan your next mountaineering trip to Aconcagua if you have previous experience of climbing one or two of the seven summits.

Aconcagua treks have become popular due to the natural surroundings along the trekking route. Around 3500 people complete Aconcagua climbing successfully, though the success rate is pretty low. Bad weather and steep climbing routes are the main reasons behind the poor success rate.

Trekking Routes to Aconcagua

Climbers traditionally use three trekking routes to reach the Aconcagua mountain peak. The routes have specific names: the Normal Route, the Vacas Valley Route, and the Polish Traverse Route. All three routes are popular among trekkers. Moreover, all these routes have their pros and cons. It would help if you had a professional guide to select the right route according to your climbing experience and expertise.

Moreover, the weather should also consider choosing the right route to reach the Aconcagua peak. In the following section, you will find a brief guide to the trekking routes to Aconcagua.

  1. Normal Route

The normal route is the most popular trekking route to Aconcagua, and the route has fewer technical difficulties. Climbers occasionally need poles and crampons on this route, though weather conditions remain good during the climbing season. It takes around 18 days to complete the trek if you follow the normal route.

The best time for trekking along this route is between November and March. However, the weather can deteriorate anytime. The harsh icy winds will make the journey difficult. The normal and Polish Traverse routes meet around 1000 m below the summit. This last 1000-meter climb is the most difficult for the trekkers.

  1. Polish Traverse Route

The Polish Traverse Route starts from the eastern side of the mountain. According to the guides and experts, this route is more challenging than normal. You should choose this route only if you have years of training in climbing. Like the normal route, the Polish Traverse Route takes around 18 days to reach the peak. As stated above, the last 1000m of the route coincides with the normal route.

  1. Vacas Valley Route

The Vacas Valley Route is the second-most popular route of the Aconcagua guided climb. Also known as the Polish Glacier Route, this route offers amazing natural surroundings. However, the route is only recommended for experienced climbers. You will need ropes, harnesses, ice axes, crampons, and other important accessories for this route. Typically, it takes two days more to reach the peak if you choose the Vacas Valley Route over the normal route. The journey starts in the eastern region of the mountain.

So, these are the three routes to reach the Aconcagua peak. Make sure that you choose the perfect route to make your journey seamless and successful. Finding a professional guide for the journey is imperative.

Historical discovery on Aconcagua

Although part of the local population was used as labor, in general the dominated towns preserved their cultural autonomy, and there are few cases in which there are mixtures or influences detectable by archeology on the side that is today Argentine. Here the Inca only occurs along the roads and associated sites, and also in some fortified places (pucara) that only occur further north in the Cuyo area. In contrast, on the Chilean side the Inca presence is stronger, with permanent settlements such as Copiapó, Ovalle, Quillota and Santiago, as well as known fortifications at Cerro Mercachas (opposite the entrance to the road to Mendoza), at Cerro Chena to the south of the city of Santiago (which guarded the Maipo river valley), and in the “Cerro de la Compañía” in the Cachapoal river basin, recently discovered and studied. We have already said that this was the last effectively dominated area, after which the Mapuche or Araucanian sphere began. Observing a map, it is clear that ceremonial sites in general and high-altitude burial sites in particular, are Cerro Aconcagua associated with high sections of the Inca road network. Said in functional terms: where a transverse path connected both slopes of the Andes or other mountain ranges such as those mentioned above, a high and prominent hill was sought and chosen for ritual ascents that left as a vestige what we call sanctuaries of height. Clear examples are, among others, the PichuPichu hills (southern Peru), Licancabur (east of San Pedro de Atacama in northern Chile), Azufre or Copiapo, Incahuasi (in the last two beautiful statuettes were recently excavated and found), El Toro (at whose foot there is a path that crosses the Valeriano pass in the direction of the Huasco river valley), Las Tortolas, Mercedario, and Aconcagua, related to the southernmost section of the Inca “royal road” that – like the current international route – connected the Uspallata valley with the basins of the Aconcagua, Mapocho and Maipo rivers in central Chile.

The network of high altitude sanctuaries that extends for about 2,000 km. from the south of Peru to the center of Chile and the west of Argentina, constitutes an important proof of the Inca Aconcagua Ascents

domain over these regions, as is also the organized network of roads and dairy farms. It was at the service, above all, of trade, mineral transport, troop movements and chasquis or messengers. Also, on certain occasions, they were traveled by ceremonial retinues. Through their relationship with high-altitude sanctuaries, they reflect the importance of the religious factor in the expansion and in the life of this last great Andean empire. High mountain archeology was practically inaugurated with the mummy of El Plomo hill, excavated by treasure hunters in 195 I and whose research was directed by Dr. Crete Mostny (at that time archaeologist – head of the National Museum of Natural History of Santiago de Chile ), served as a basic model for further findings. Its interpretation as a product of a human sacrifice from the Inca era remains in force. (The calculated age for this toddler was 8 years). Significant parallels are observed with our Aconcagua burial: in addition to the geographical proximity to the southern border of the Empire and a similar height above sea level. the analogies are found in the ages of the sacrificed children and in their sex (male in both), in the richness of the textile garments, and above all in the statuettes: the golden flame and the two with Spondylus shells are practically identical to those Aconcagua Argentina

recovered on the summit of Cerro El Plomo. (This suggests the possibility that both ceremonies were held simultaneously). Between 1956 and 1968 Chilean climbers explored an artificially filled platform located on the very summit of Cerro Las Tortolas (6,300 meters), which provided a series of elements, even statuettes. In 1956 the Austrian Mathias Rebitseh extracted silver human statuettes from structures on the summit of Cerro Galan (Puna de Catamarca), carrying out three other expeditions to the area between 1958 and 1965, accompanied by Argentine climbers. For our part, together with collaborators from the Institute of Archeology and Ethnology of the U.N. Cuyo, we began in 1963 a series of explorations in the highlands of San Juan and western La Rioja. whose most spectacular result was the discovery of the mummy of El Toro hill (approximately 6,200 meters) by the climber Erico Groch accompanied by Antonio Beorchia. In the same year of, 1964, Peruvian climbers excavated a rich Inca tomb near the summit of the extinct volcano Pichu-Pichu in  ​​Arequipa (at 5,600 meters). But in this case, the body of a woman of about 15 was very poorly preserved. Other finds of high-altitude mummies in southern Peru are ancient, and the material has been lost (the case of Chachani hill), or they badly have dementia Aconcagua

(Coropuna). The latter also happens with a child of about six years of age. Found in 1905, with a simple trousseau, on the Charli hill (about 6,000 meters), on the eastern edge of the Puna de Jujuy, donated to the Ethnographic Museum of Buenos Aires.

Information to know to come to Aconcagua

A delicate task that has required a lot of time is that referring to the cleaning, conservation and analysis of the numerous textile pieces that made up the funerary bundle. The initial work was carried out by Professor Monica Ampucro de Guercio, with the advice of Lic. Julie Palma (then in charge of the respective section of the Chilean Museum of Pre-Columbian Art). After an interruption, they were taken up again in 1991 by Professor Clara Abal and Mr. Ferrari, who also had the advice of the Museum. With private funds, a Textile Laboratory was set up in the Faculty of Philosophy and Letters that allowed progress in these works in a technically adequate manner. This contribution to the cultural study of the Aconcagua burial should be especially highlighted. Some questions arise: how do we know that this burial corresponds to the Incas of Peru? When and why did these arrive to the northwest of Mendoza? Because it is supposed to be a human sacrifice, and what was the meaning of these practices Aconcagua Argentina

 

Let’s say first of all that the finding we are commenting on is one of the rare cases of “frozen mummies”, that is, well-preserved bodies for having been buried in places near high peaks of the Andes Mountains, at more than 5,000 meters Tall. In this way they differ from the numerous “drying mummies” that are usually found in the arid zones of the Peruvian coast and northern Chile. such as wood, leather, feathers, etc.). The second correspond to different times and cultures; On the other hand, the “high-altitude mummies” are, until now, exclusively attributable to the Inca Empire, which with its capital in Cuzco was formed and expanded in the fifteenth century and later fell under the troops of Francisco Pizarro in the year 1532.

Three of these finds come from the extreme south of this extensive empire, and are also the best documented archaeologically: Cerro El Plomo in central Chile (5,400 meters), Cerro El Toro in the NW of the province Aconcagua

of San Juan (approximately 6,200 meters) and Aconcagua hill in the province of Mendoza; here, not near the summit but in a place located at 5,300 meters. But there are also numerous other high-altitude sites, more or less complex, in which archaeological elements originating from pre-Columbian ritual practices have appeared. (Antonio Beorchia published a record of more than 100 of these places in 1987). The exploration and study of it have given rise to an original branch of research called «high mountain archaeology». These findings are notable not only for their content but also for what it meant for the indigenous people with their limited technical means to reach those heights (in two cases, the Mercedario and the Llullaiyaco, up to 6,700 meters) and even carry out constructions on them. . To locate them culturally we must say two words about the Inca expansion towards the South. From data collected How to Climb Aconcagua

by the chroniclers of the time of the conquest, we know that the imperial phase of the Incas (until then, a local kingdom with its capital in Cuzco) began in the year 1438 with the seizure of power by the Inca Yupanqui (whom he was given the title of Pachacuti (“renovator of the world”). Firstly, he defeated neighboring enemies; shortly after, he conquered the Colla kingdom and other smaller ones located around Lake Titicaca. With these and other territories (many of them integrated into the empire peacefully), the Tahuantinsuyo was organized, that is, the kingdom of the “Four Regions.” His son, Tupac Inca Yupanqui, continued the expansion towards the south of the Andean area, Mount Aconcagua

reaching in a few years (approximately between 1475 and 1480) the extreme reached: Uspallata valley in Argentina and Maipo and Cachapoal river valleys in Chile.These territories were integrated into the southern sector of the empire called Collasuyo, linked to each other and to Cuzco through the admirable network of paths s and roads that have recently been the subject of detailed studies. In northwestern Argentina and in Cuyo these trails are sometimes preserved (often long straight stretches, dotted with shelters or “tambos” (tampu) that today appear as small ruins of pircado enclosures. Numerous branches crossed the Cordillera or other high mountains such as Famatina in the province of La Rioja Another very interesting case is that of Aconquija, where a branch of the road that ascends from the Santa Maria valley (province of Catamarca) crosses that high mountain range and ends in a remarkable group of constructions located at 4,200 meters includes large squares for ceremonies and is crowned by an enclosure or square also of a symbolic or ceremonial nature on the summit of the nearby Cerro de las Cuevas, at almost 5,000 meters. such as this must have been associated with mining deposits, especially metals, whose search and domination was undoubtedly one of the reasons for the Inca expansion.

How to face an expedition to Aconcagua

As a preliminary step, we judged it convenient to carry out an act in which the expedition’s results were publicly reported, from the University’s headquarters, with the presentation of the materials found. This was carried out in the Rector’s Office of the National University of Cuyo on February 12, with the presence of its authorities. Thus, the fact that the University, (through the Institute of Archeology that had carried out the respective work), became the custodian and owner of those elements that from that moment became part of the Cultural Heritage of the University was legally sanctioned. Nation. There, the intention was announced to exhibit some day the set of materials from the Aconcagua burial in a specially equipped “Inca Room” in the Archaeological Museum of the Faculty of Philosophy and Letters. (Despite having an excellent project designed by the architects of the University, this purpose has not yet materialized). The initial laboratory work -and the most delicate- was to separate How to Climb Aconcagua

the elements that made up the funerary bundle. For this, we carried out preliminary work with the help of Chilean specialists who visited us at the end of March, led by the anthropologist Silvia Quevedo. For various reasons, it was necessary to wait more than a year for the completion of this delicate task, until, with the invaluable collaboration of Julie Palma and Luis Solar, from the Chilean Museum of Pre-Columbian Art (endowed with an important textile laboratory), the operation It was carried out during six tense days in May 1986. The various wrappings (a total of 25 large and small textile pieces) were removed with great care and precision, beginning with the crimped mantle of feathers and the plume that had remained seen in preliminary work. The advice on the medical-biological aspect was directed by Dr. Carlos de Cicco, professor at the Faculty of Medical Sciences and deputy director of the Medical-Legal Corps of Mendoza. In addition to abundant photographic documentation, a large part of the operation was filmed on video by the independent producer Alberto Marchesini, whose materials were used to make a television program of about 45 minutes that caused quite an impact on the public in various Argentine cities. Although deformed by strong lateral compression, the child’s body appeared well preserved. He was dressed in two “uncu” (tunic or “Andean shirt”, lacking sleeves) made of wool; He was wearing flip-flops made of wool and hair with vegetable fiber soles, and around his neck, he kept a necklace made up of multi-colored stone beads. Above it was a number of other textile pieces (cloaks, sashes, loincloths, cords, etc.). Some of the cloaks are made of cotton. They have a geometric decoration and stylized birds in the brocade technique, Mount Aconcagua

which corresponds to a tradition of the Peruvian central coast and that had never been found in other high-altitude sites. One of the blankets had been knotted at one of its ends, and inside it was found a very thin gold plate rolled up. The symbolism of this escapes us. The researcher J. Roberto Barcena has detected the presence of a reddish pigment in the body, probably obtained from the seeds of a tree that grows in the eastern forests of the Andes, called “bixa” or “achiote”. This practice, undoubtedly related to red as a symbol of life, has not been observed in other high-altitude mummies (except for the child from Cerro El Plomo in Chile, which shows traces of facial paint). To enable organic studies, an autopsy was performed (on the advice of the paleopathologist Dr. Enrique Gerszten), which Cerro Aconcagua was performed by Dr. De Cicco in August 1986. One of the results was to verify that the child had ingested a liquid as his last meal. reddish, also probably obtained from achiote (Barcena, 1989). Other researchers have carried out medical studies (in relation to the cause of death), histological, microbiological, genetic, etc., as well as environmental studies about the site: geological, paleo-climatic and pollen studies. In addition to body X-rays, a computed tomography test has been carried out under the direction of Dr. Juan Carlos Cruz. A maxillo-odontological study by Dr. Mario Guinazu has made it possible to set the age of the individual at 7 years (plus-minus 9 months). The weight of the mummy in May 1986 was 11 kg with 200 grams, slightly more than 1/ 3 of the estimated Aconcagua Ascents

original weight, product of a partial desiccation. The preservation of the body has been satisfactory. It remains stored in a freezer at an average temperature of about 10 degrees below zero. For various reasons, we have decided not to exhibit it publicly in the projected Sala Incaica of the university museum. It will remain in its refrigerated chamber, subject to the least number of manipulations possible, to be seen only by specialists and reserved for future studies. Instead, a replica will be exhibited, on which part of the clothing, the necklace and the sandals will be placed. In other showcases will go the other textiles and the accompanying trousseau.

Possible itinerary to acclimatize correctly

For those who do not have previous experience or want to start gradually, it is a great path with wonderful landscapes.

Valley of Horcones

Day circuit:

Horcones – Confluence – Horcones (Duration: 3-4 hours)

This trekking allows the ascent from Horcones to the Confluencia approach camp. An experience that gives fascinating views of the path that is accompanied by the unique landscapes of Aconcagua.

short circuit:

1st day: Horcones – Confluence (Duration: 3-4 hours)

2nd day: Confluence – Plaza Francia – Confluence (Duration: 5 hours)

3rd day: Confluencia – Horcones (Duration: 3-4 hours) This trek allows Aconcagua 360 Route to camp in Confluencia and visit Plaza Francia for the day. The allocated time is 3 days and 2 nights. It allows you to enjoy the unmissable views and appreciate the Horcones lagoon that is on the trail.

Long circuit:

1st day: Horcones-Confluence (Duration: 3-4 hours)

2nd day: Confluence-Plaza Francia-Confluence (Duration: 5 hours)

3rd day: Confluence

4th day: Confluence- Plaza de Mulas (Duration: 10 hours)

5th and 6th day: Plaza de Mulas Aconcagua Mountain Guides

7th day: Plaza de Mulas- Horcones (Duration: 8 hours)

This trek allows camping in Confluencia and Plaza de Mulas. The allocated time is 7 days and 6 nights. Each of the marked points on this particular trail has a unique magic. It requires more physical condition but it is definitely worth it Aconcagua Treks. For those who do not have previous experience or want to start gradually, it is a great path with wonderful landscapes.

Valley of Horcones

Day circuit:

Horcones – Confluence – Horcones (Duration: 3-4 hours)

This trekking allows the ascent from Horcones to the Confluencia approach camp. An experience that gives fascinating views of the path that is accompanied by the unique landscapes of Aconcagua.

short circuit:

1st day: Horcones – Confluence (Duration: 3-4 hours)

2nd day: Confluence – Plaza Francia – Confluence (Duration: 5 hours)

3rd day: Confluencia – Horcones (Duration: 3-4 hours) This trek allows Aconcagua 360 Route to camp in Confluencia and visit Plaza Francia for the day. The allocated time is 3 days and 2 nights. It allows you to enjoy the unmissable views and appreciate the Horcones lagoon that is on the trail.

Long circuit:

1st day: Horcones-Confluence (Duration: 3-4 hours)

2nd day: Confluence-Plaza Francia-Confluence (Duration: 5 hours)

3rd day: Confluence

4th day: Confluence- Plaza de Mulas (Duration: 10 hours)

5th and 6th day: Plaza de Mulas Aconcagua Mountain Guides

7th day: Plaza de Mulas- Horcones (Duration: 8 hours)

This trek allows camping in Confluencia and Plaza de Mulas. The allocated time is 7 days and 6 nights. Each of the marked points on this particular trail has a unique magic. It requires more physical condition but it is definitely worth it Aconcagua Treks. Reaching the base camp at Plaza de Mulas (4,300 m) requires significant physical effort on the part of the members of the expedition, who must travel more than thirty kilometers on foot from the entrance to the Provincial Park.

Between January 5 and 17, and as ordered by the 8th Mountain Brigade in its Summer Activities Plan, the 8th Mountain Hunters Company led the ascent to the Roof of America. In addition, members of the Brigade Command, the Mountain Communications Company 8 and the Mendoza Regional Military Hospital participated, as well as personnel from the Special Operations Force, dependent on the Rapid Deployment Force. In total, the expedition had thirty-five members, divided into three attack patrols and one rescue patrol. Initially, tasks of health control and individual basic equipment, and patrol, enlistment, acclimatization and movement to the base camp were carried out.

Then, in Plaza de Mulas, the acclimatization to the altitude and the specific enlistment were carried out. From there, communications facilities provided by the Mountain Communications Company 8 were established, which allowed a continuous flow of information facilitating coordination and decision-making throughout the journey to the summit. Logistical support, transportation by the 16th Mountain Infantry Regiment and air support from the 8th Mountain Army Aviation Section were concentrated in this place. This last element also provided support to the expedition by carrying out medical evacuations. . As a result of the meteorological instability typical of the area, the constant assessment of climatic factors was essential, in order to adapt the initial planning to the prevailing conditions, and thus be able to face the “attack on the summit”. The ascent to the high-altitude camp called Nido de Cóndores (5,300 m) was carried out on January 13, and two days later the march to the summit began.

The challenge resulted in a march of more than 12 hours, during which almost 1,700 meters of altitude were overcome, passing through the Berlin (5,800 m) and Independencia (6,300 m) high altitude refuges, and crossing other places of particular mountain climbing difficulty. . Finally, the twenty-one members of the expedition’s attack patrols managed to achieve the long-awaited objective.

How should I prepare to climb Aconcagua?

Its environmental particularities make the place cold and dry throughout the year with temperatures ranging from -2º at night to 30º during the day in summer and -15º at night to 10º during the day in winter at 2800m; conversely, as altitude increases, the temperature begins to decrease.

The area is windy and sometimes supports violent gusts that exceed 200km/h. The Park’s water resources include numerous glaciers that cover an area of ​​approximately 32km 2 , among which are the Güssfeldt Glaciers, Horcones Inferior and Superior, the Cows and Polish Glacier.

The melting of these icy giants pours its waters into the Upper and Lower Horcones Rivers, through the Horcones Ravine, and into the Vacas River through the Ravine of the same name. To a lesser extent, the area also receives the contribution of water in the form of mainly snowy precipitation, which reaches an annual average between 400-600mm.

The Aconcagua region is part of the Upper Mendoza River Basin, which supplies water for irrigation and human consumption to a population of more than 1,000,000 inhabitants.

The Andes Mountain Range, a product of the interaction of the Nazca and South American plates, rose approximately 25 million years ago, giving rise to remarkable relief relief, which is clearly expressed in the exuberant elevation of the highest mountain in the American Continent. , which is called a continuous and folded belt

The capricious forms of the landscape in this sector of the Central Andes, in the form of a “U”, are mainly due to the modeling of the ice bodies (glaciers) that later occupied most of the aforementioned valleys, until approximately 15,000 years ago. The Aconcagua Provincial Park is located to the west of the province of Mendoza, 180 km from its capital city, in the Department of Las Heras.

The Aconcagua Provincial Park is one of the 17 protected areas of the province of Mendoza, created by provincial law in 1983, and is open for ascent from November 15 until, generally, the Easter festivities.

Mount Aconcagua reaches 6,962 meters above sea level, making it the highest in America. Its imposing peaks, crowned by eternal glaciers, attract a large number of climbers from all over the world. In addition, important archaeological sites are found here.

The entrance routes to the Park are those of the Horcones River and the Vacas River, which reach the base of the hill where the main base camps are located: Plaza de Mulas and Plaza Argentina, respectively. The Park is accessed through International Route No. 7, from the town of Puente del Inca Aconcagua Guided Climb

The summit of Aconcagua, covered with eternal snow, which in Quechua means “Watchtower or Stone Sentinel”, is surrounded by other peaks that exceed 5,000 meters above sea level, for this reason this area is called “The Roof of America”.

Every year about 1,200,000 people visit the natural reserves of Mendoza, and the Aconcagua Provincial Park is one of the most visited. Within these thousands of tourists who visit this circuit each year, approximately 5,500 are keen athletes prepared to challenge the high mountains, who arrive motivated to try to summit Mount Aconcagua, the world’s second highest relative summit, behind Everest.

It is the main tourist destinations in Mendoza and is frequently the scene of sports activities and cultural events such as the Ritual del Vino, Americanto or the Festival de Cine de Altura, among others Climbing Aconcagua

In addition, the Aconcagua Provincial Park is located in an environment where a strong awareness and revaluation task is being carried out (Archaeology in Las Cuevas, Puente del Inca Planning, Qapaq Ñan-Camino Real Inca World Heritage Site), Tetra Communication System in High Mountain that further positions its tourist attraction. The natural area preserves glaciers, water basins, high Andean fauna and flora, and archaeological sites related to the Inca culture. In order to preserve the natural and cultural values ​​of the area, Aconcagua was declared a Provincial Park in 1983. Being in the imposing setting of the Central Andes, it offers a

landscape of mountains of immense proportions and has peaks that exceed the

5000m, rising towards the open sky, until reaching its maximum expression in the

North summit of Cerro Aconcagua (6962m) Aconcagua Hike

Its long, deep valleys contain wide open spaces and endless views stretching into the distance. It also offers rapid and mighty rivers with brown or reddish colors, and sparkling white water streams that run down the slopes feeding small meadows and wetlands of green grasses.

Valle de los Horcones Interpretive Trail This trekking in Aconcagua can be done without a guide because it is the easiest