Tag: Aconcagua Guided Climb

Aconcagua Climbing – Never underestimate the “age” of Aconcagua

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The cabinet tests carried out on the matrix of the deposits were carried out according to the operating conditions and are described below.

Mineralogical analysis: The mineralogical composition, except clays, has been analyzed from 2-3 grams of an 80-gram sample, ground to a size less than 35 μm, through X-ray diffraction, using a D5000 diffractometer ( Bruker AXS). The Aconcagua 360 Route used Cu radiation and an accessory graphite monochromator. Diffraction data were taken from 4° to 70° 2θ, with a scan width of 0.02° and a counter tube scan time of 2 seconds per step. We worked with 40 KV and 30 mA. The quantitative analysis of the phases was determined using the Rietveld technique contained in the BG MN/AUTOQUAN software (Bergmann et al. 1998).

Grain size analysis: For this type of analysis, 12-15 grams of sample were used. The organic components were dissolved through treatment with H2O2. The remaining material was sieved into two fractions: larger and smaller than 63 μm. The first was screened at all phi divisions (phi > -2). From the material smaller than 63 μm, the clay-sized fraction was separated using the Atterberg method, while that corresponding to silt was analyzed with a Micromeritics SediGraph 5100 in all phi divisions.

Grain roundness grading: Some of the remaining material was sieved at 250-500 μm and 100 grains from each sample were graded using Turner’s two-dimensional visual roundness tester. Bearing in mind that Confluencia is the site where both types of deposits are best exposed, we first How to Climb Aconcagua proceeded to define their lithological characteristics there, to compare later what was observed in the different valleys. With this information, the proper genetic interpretation was carried out. The Confluence above profile is exposed in the ravine located on the left bank of the Inferior Horcones River, just in front of its junction with the Superior Horcones River. This profile, of approximately 20 meters, presents two types of deposits recognizable by their different color and stratigraphic position: 1) reddish, the oldest, and 2) gray, the youngest (upper third of said profile).

The upper, grayish deposit comprises a breccia with blocks several meters in diameter (recognized up to 5 Aconcagua Guided Climb meters) scattered in a poorly selected, also breccia matrix (from gravels to clays), predominantly of the same composition as the blocks. The latter shows the typical lithologies of the volcanoes of the Aconcagua Volcanic Complex, made up of lavas, breccias, and tuffs, of andesitic and dacitic composition. It is important to note that this breccia level covers most of the Confluencia sector.

Aconcagua Climbing – Flora and fauna in Aconcagua

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climbing the colossus

In 1833, the German Paul Gussfeldt managed to climb to a height of 6,560 m. But it was not until 1896 that serious attempts were made to climb it through the Valle de los Horcones (Edward Fitz Gerald’s expedition). the following year, in the second expedition of Fitz Gerald, the Swiss Mathías Zurbriggen reaches the summit on January 14.

On March 8, 1934, the first Argentine to do so reached the summit of Aconcagua: Lieutenant Nicolás Platamura.

nearby towns

In the vicinity of the Provincial Reserve of Aconcagua there are several towns that have services for tourists (accommodation, food and fuel). We mention the most important located on Route 40 or close to it:

Uspallata

Mendoza City

Lujan de Cuyo

Tupungato

Tunuyan

Maipu

barrel

Tips and advice to visit the area

Weather in Cuyo

Fall and Spring. Little rain. The harvest takes place at the end of summer and beginning of autumn.

Summer. It’s hot; daytime temperatures are very high. Low relative humidity. It is the rainiest season. It can rain torrentially and even hail Aconcagua 360 Route

Winter. It hardly rains. Diaphanous sky, frost in open areas. Except for the school vacation period there are no crowds of tourists.

Climate in the foothills: Uco Valley

It is a very arid zone with barely 230 mm of annual rainfall and an average relative humidity of 45%. The rains are summer, torrential with hail and electrical storms.

In the Pedemonte, there is a great thermal amplitude between day and night and between seasons. In winter there are strong frosts. The areas of lower altitude or close to the rivers have a mild climate.

The average in summer is about 25°C and in winter it is 8.5°C. There is seldom snow in the winter in the low-lying areas.

When to Visit the Cuyana Region

The Uco Valley and the province of Mendoza can be visited all year round. The weather varies but there are always activities to do.

Aconcagua and the park that protects it should be visited in late spring, summer and early fall. Snow prevents access during the period April – September.

Driving Precautions How to Climb Aconcagua

Route 40 in the Uco Valley presents no difficulties as it is fully paved and its northern section is a highway (beware of motorcycles, cyclists and pedestrians). It crosses regions with a relatively flat relief without sinuosities.

If you are going to visit the Andean areas with mountain roads, cornices with some gravel: drive carefully.

The routes that go up to the mountain range are winding, with two lanes (in some sections 3 lanes, which allows slow vehicles to safely overtake).

Aconcagua Guided Climb

National Route 7 has a high flow of trucks to and from Chile. They drive slowly on slopes and curves. Drive carefully.

Aconcagua Climbing – Experience outside the Himalayas, Aconcagua

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But I also think that we have an incomparable privilege, perhaps we are the only beings aware of the existence of the universe and when humans disappear, and that will happen at the latest when the sun goes out, if we don’t decide to destroy ourselves before, the universe will continue to exist with its great vitality, stars are permanently dying and being born, its rapid expansion that does not stop, but no one will be aware of these Aconcagua Ascents wonders, a living universe changing and uninhabited by a consciousness, and thinking about it, the human species will be a spark between the previous darkness and subsequent to its existence, that although for us who invented time, and who in general relate it to our short life, it can be a lot, for the universe that is billions of years old and with a future it is nothing more than a short and tiny spark, and I am part of that spark, I am aware of my smallness and my privilege and I try to imagine the greatness of the universe or without success…

Nor do I rule out the existence of some other inhabited planet, among so many millions of stars and planets and times as long as eternity, the conditions of ours or similar can be repeated, but contacts are practically impossible due to distances and times…

Everything is much more mysterious than is believed, and all this, (God… the universe… me), is just a mysterious corner of the unattainable truth. For example, I am standing and trying to climb a paleo volcano that is 10 million years old and 7000 m high… how are you? The things that one thinks at 5000 m. Monday 09 / 02 / 05 Aconcagua Guided Climb

At 11 a.m. we leave for Plaza Canada, this is the definitive exit, to attempt the summit, therefore we take everything we need to camp, all the high mountain clothing, I leave the traking boots, and I put on the double ones, the ones I I will use until the return. I am excited because the moment of the definitive effort is approaching, I can’t wait to see that beautiful south wall, whose photo I have at the foot of my bed and I have looked at daily before going out to train, filling me with energy Aconcagua Mountain Guides

In Canada we will continue to acclimatize in altitude, this is essential to slowly adapt the body, to function fully with little oxygen and very low atmospheric pressure. At the top of Aconcagua there is approximately half the oxygen and atmospheric pressure that in the City of Mendoza and to this we must add the effort of climbing with slopes between 30 and 45 degrees, we will see how it goes, I fully trust my strength of will and in the long training carried out, I am only afraid of the weather, with which I certainly cannot, and I do not intend to take unnecessary risks.

Aconcagua Climbing – Great destination to end your vacation

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Base Camp Confluence

If you want to go a little deeper into the Provincial Park, you can continue the trail to the first base camp of Aconcagua. It is called Confluence and it is the first of the stages on the way up to the top of this majestic mountain.

This camp is located at about 3,500 meters above sea level and it takes about 4 hours to complete the entire route if I remember correctly. The way out is uphill, so you may notice the altitude and Aconcagua 360 Route will cost you a bit. Of course, the good news is that the return is down. Along the entire path there are incredible views and you will not lose sight of the colossus, always vigilant from the bottom of the valley.

Aconcagua Summit

If you are in good physical shape and have mountaineering experience, you can join an expedition to climb to the top as well. In this case I don’t have much information, but I’m sure there are agencies that organize it from Mendoza. The ascent lasts several days (I think at least two weeks) and involves a high level of demand due to the extreme conditions of the high Andean mountains. Please note that this is NOT an activity suitable for everyone. How much does the entrance to the Aconcagua Guided Climb cost?

The Aconcagua Provincial Park is a protected space and to help in its conservation, visitors must pay an entrance fee. The price of this depends on the nationality and the activity to be carried out. Here I leave the amounts, but you can also check the park page for more details:

How to Climb Aconcagua

Entrance to the Laguna de Horcones (small path to the viewpoint):

Argentines: free entry

Latin Americans: 550 pesos

Rest of foreigners: 820 pesos

Day Trekking Ticket (walk to Confluencia):

Argentines: free entry

Latin Americans: 2720 pesos

Rest of foreigners: 3400 pesos

If you visit Aconcagua with a tour, it is possible that the entrance is included in the price and you will not have to register, but if you go on your own you must register online and buy your ticket beforehand. I explain how to do it:

You must go to the reservation website of the natural areas of Mendoza and select the Aconcagua Provincial Park.

Indicate the number of people and click on the activity you want to do. You will see the option to choose the dates of your visit and the number of seats available per hour.

Select the day and time and click the “Book Now” button below.

Indicate your personal data and proceed to pay the indicated amount.

Aconcagua Climbing – Protected areas near Aconcagua

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The Puente del Inca is a protected area, very close to the entrance to Aconcagua Park. It is a rock formation suspended above the Las Cuevas River at a height of 27 meters.

It is made up of sediments and other types of materials. Under the formation there are stalactites.

Since 2006 it is forbidden to cross the bridge, due to landslides and cracks in the rock. For years the waters of the river were used as thermal springs, since it has healing properties. Experts believe that the use of water caused water stress to the bridge, which, together with the passage of goods, caused the cracks that led to its closure.

Aconcagua 360 Route

Around the bridge there are some shops that sell local products and many others serve food. Barely more than 100 people live in this town, many of them assigned to the barracks. The train track that you will see throughout the journey to the Aconcagua hill, corresponds to the old Trans-Andean Railway, which made the journey from Los Andes to Mendoza since 1910.

But as you will see along the way, the difficulties due to time, orography and landslides made the train stop working in 1984. 

How to Climb Aconcagua

At the time, the construction of the road was a challenge for engineering, since they had to use state-of-the-art technology. Currently there are several areas of the road where you can stop very close to the road and take some photos. The one that accompanies this text was made by returning to Mendoza, just after leaving El Puente del Inca, next to a small cemetery.

An Argentine company has proposed to resume the project and make the train work again, although it will spend a lot of money if it wants the track not to suffer the same fate as before. The reservoir is 30 kilometers from Mendoza. It was open in 2003 and has a height of 116 meters.

Because the water comes from melting ice, its color is less dark. The people of Mendoza usually go to the reservoir to enjoy the bath in the summer.

It is normal for them to even park their cars and vans very close to the water, although access is prohibited. There are also water activities such as rafting and sailing. 

Aconcagua Guided Climb

Activities in Aconcagua Park

If you only go up to admire the views and sightsee, you can buy the entrance to the Park right there. At the entrance there is a parking lot with a small building and some free toilets.

To the right of this building there is a dirt road marked with ropes that leads to the first viewpoint. It is usually empty and if the weather is good it makes for a spectacular photo.

After paying the entrance fee you can enter the park and start the tour.

Aconcagua Argentina – adventures in south america

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Aconcagua Mountain

At his feet, we realize how small we are. The Aconcagua inspires respect in the most reverent and at the same time pride in the adventurers. Let’s learn more about this mountain.

How tall is Aconcagua?

The Aconcagua is geographically located in the department of Las Heras in the northwest of the Province of Mendoza. It is a mountain and is part of the Cordillera de los Andes, integrating the Cordillera Principal (see map). It is the highest peak in the American continent and the second on the planet, after the Asian Himalayas. How tall is Aconcagua? Its North Summit measures 6,960.80 meters above sea level and its South Summit, 6,930 meters above sea level.

Also called Cerro Aconcagua, the formation is geologically recent as this massif was the product of the sinking of the Nazca tectonic plate below the South American Plate, in the Triacic period.

The Weather on the Aconcagua 360 Route

In Aconcagua height and extreme go hand in hand. Due to the altitude, first of all, the exposure to solar radiation is high. Secondly, its arid and dry climate forces the body to lose fluids, so it is important not only to protect yourself from UV rays but also to be adequately hydrated.

Thirdly, the thermal amplitude is excessive because during the day the heat is perceived but at the beginning of the sunset, the temperature drops drastically. Although this mountain climate reigns in the lower valleys, these changes between day and night are more aggressive as you ascend the Cerro, climbers realize this.

How to Climb Aconcagua

Finally, we must bear in mind that it is a territory crossed by strong winds of up to 200 kilometers per hour.

How to get to Aconcagua

Before knowing the majesty of this mountain, it is necessary to enter the Mendoza territory. It is possible to use terrestrial means and enjoy the crossing from the first minute. For this we have, for example, with the comfortable services of the San Juan Mar del Plata Company and its modern fleet of buses.

Long-distance buses usually use the facilities of the Mendoza Bus Terminal, located in the town of Guaymallén and known as the Terminal del Sol, with all the services for travelers.

The best accommodation option is the Hotel Aconcagua, also known as Hotel Raíces Aconcagua. It has complete comforts and services of a special category, located in the heart of Mendoza, a few blocks from the Aconcagua sanatorium.

Aconcagua Guided Climb

adventures for all

The great view of the Cerro gives rise to different activities both in its valleys and on its slopes. But for all the recommendation is the same: if you suffer any discomfort due to altitude, you have to know that there is no clinic in Aconcagua to be treated. Let’s discover some places and things to do.

Aconcagua Provincial Park

Its location is 183 kilometers from the capital of Mendoza and is accessed by National Route 7. It was declared a protected natural area in 1983, along with nine other natural sections in Mendoza. It is a vast area of ​​pure mountain ranges of various colors, levels and heights where only the highest peaks are home to glaciers, which are the source of the planet’s most valuable natural resource: fresh water. In addition, it presents immense areas of valleys.

Aconcagua Argentina – It is always good to return to Aconcagua

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In the Cordillera de los Andes -in the province of Mendoza- is the Aconcagua hill, the highest elevation in America. Framed by a spectacular natural environment, it integrates one of the most beautiful landscapes in Argentina. In the geological constitution of this Andean sector, it is recognized: a pre-Jurassic basement, formed between 320 and 205 million years; Mesozoic sequences made up of marine and continental rocks, aged between 170 and 80 million years; Neogene sediments and volcanoes formed between 20 and 8 million years ago, and a cover of recent sediments. The geological evolution of the Aconcagüina region is a magnificent example of mountain-generating processes, which began in a marine basin in the Jurassic and reached the formation of a massif that reaches 7 kilometers in height today. South of Aconcagua, the Cuevas River valley has been a crossing point for the Andes since pre-Columbian times, and that is why there are historical remains from different eras scattered throughout the area. Currently, Aconcagua is a privileged tourist destination, especially for lovers of mountain sports.

Cerro Aconcagua is a mountain in the Cordillera de los Andes, located in the province of Mendoza, 185 km. from its capital and 15 kilometers from the border with Chile, in the Department of Las Heras. With an altitude of 6,962 meters above sea level, it is the highest peak in America.

On February 28, 2017, the MSI sensor on board the Sentinel-2A satellite obtained an image of Cerro Aconcagua with a spatial resolution of 10 meters. Aconcagua 360 Route

In the image in natural color combination, the surface covered by eternal snow and the numerous glaciers such as the Polacos on the northeastern slope can be identified in white, which contrasts with the brown of the bare soil and exposed rocks of the environment. In this high-altitude area, the climate is cold, dry and windy, so no development of vegetation is seen in the image.

This hill is located within the Aconcagua Provincial Park, declared a Provincial Park in 1983 with 71,000 hectares. This protected area has one of the most valuable natural resources on the planet, fresh water, which is contained mainly in glaciers. Likewise, it houses an important animal and plant diversity adapted to adverse environmental conditions (low temperatures and great aridity), characteristics of the high Andean phytogeographic region. How to Climb Aconcagua

Cerro Aconcagua, which gives its name to the reserve, is its main tourist attraction, capturing the attention of climbers and hikers from the most diverse places in the world. Aconcagua Guided Climb

The most recognized conception of the word “Aconcagua” comes from the Quechua language Akon – Kahuak which means “Stone Sentinel”. In the Aymara language, the words Kon – Kawa can be translated as “Monte Nevado”.

Aconcagua Climbing – My experience in the Highest Mountains in the World

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When in 1954, on February 25, the French Pierre Lesueur, Adrién Dagorý, Edmund Denís, Lucien Berardiní, Guy Poulet, under the command of René Ferlet, opened the route of the central spur that leads directly to the summit, it was conceptualized as the most remarkable feat of the technical mountaineering. In 1984, the French Marie Bouchard became the first woman to overcome the wall. Previously, in January 1982, a group of Yugoslavs led by Zarko Trusnovec, displaying high sportsmanship and refined technique, performed the Aconcagua 360 Route

Name’s origin

It is assumed that its immense mass will not have gone unnoticed by the primitive settlers since it stands out clearly at a distance from its neighboring colossi. Its indigenous name, and according to those who affirm that it is of Quichua origin (the language of the Inca invaders), would derive from “acon cahuak,” which would be translated as ‘stone sentinel.’ Those who root in the Mapuche (the ethnic group that lived thousands of years at the foot of the mountain range). Affirm that it comes from “aconca hué.” a Mapuche expression applied to the river of the same name, which is said in Chile, ‘comes from the other side. ‘since ancient beliefs assumed that the Aconcagua river was born on the slopes of the mountain of the same name. The highest peak in America has been located in the department of Las Heras, belonging to the province of Mendoza (Argentine Republic). According to the “diversion aquarium” system (‘water divider’), it does not constitute an international limit since its waters run entirely towards the Argentine territory. How to climb Aconcagua

It is surrounded to the west and southwest by the Quebrada and the Valle de Los Horcones, which serve as the bed of the river of the same name; on the south side. The lower Quebrada de Horcones; to the north and east the Valley of Las Vacas, running through the homonymous river; On the eastern slopes, the stream of the neighs is born, which will swell the waters of the Vacas River.

The Aconcagua Guided Climb is not a volcano; it is a wide pedestal of marine sediments covered by an andesitic volcanic mass that forms part of its summit. It is a high massif that culminates in two peaks, north, and south, the first of which is the highest. It is located approximately between 70 ° west longitude and 32 ° 40 ‘south latitude, in Argentine territory. There is some controversy regarding its exact height due to the diversity of measurement systems and their margins of error.

According to the Geodesic Commission of the Faculty of Exact Sciences of the University of Buenos Aires, it has a height of 6961 m, with an error of 1 meter. In the surroundings, many peaks exceed 5000 meters, in which it is possible to apply all kinds of techniques, from straightforward ascent to rock and ice climbing.

Your mind must also be trained for the mountain

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Due to the distance and the road has many curves, it is vital to leave Mendoza first time in the morning. The trip, without stopping, is three hours. The treks usually include stops in restaurants that are also prominent such as Puente del Inca or the Potrerillos reservoir.

The trip runs entirely along National Route 7 and is not tiresome since the landscape is spectacular. The Puente del Inca is a protected area, very close to the entrance to the Park, where you will start your Aconcagua Expedition.

It is a rocky formation suspended over the Las Cuevas River at the height of 27 meters. It is made up of sediments and other types of materials. Under the shape, there are stalactites. Since 2006, the passage through the bridge has been prohibited due to landslides and cracks in the rock. For years the waters of the river were used as hot springs since it has healing properties. Experts believe that water produced water stress to the bridge, which together with the passage of goods caused the cracks that led to its closure.

Around the bridge, some shops sell local products, and many others serve food. Barely more than 100 people live in this town, many of them stationed in the barracks. Of all the wonders in Argentina, one of the most impressive is the Aconcagua peak, which earned the nickname “Sentinel of America” ​​for its 6,962 meters high, making it the highest mountain on the continent. The Aconcagua hike is located in Las Heras, where it can only be accessed by car through provincial route 7 (3 hours of travel) from the capital of Mendoza.

If you want to do an Aconcagua Guided Climb, You should know that the hill has different faces for its ascent, some relatively easy, others on the contrary, indeed for experienced climbers. Anyway, it is necessary to hire the guide’s services and carry out the ascents in a group, always following the rules of the mountain; many of them were devised and rethought based on the experience of its climbers. The so-called “normal route” is to ascend the north face of the hill; the adventure begins at the Puente del Inca (entrance to the Aconcagua National Park, 1,900 meters).

On this route, no climbing techniques are needed but somewhat stealthy and constant trekking that is animated with the use of poles and all the essential equipment to climb. Those who start the famous “normal route” pass through different mountain camps, where they rest until they are in adequate physical conditions to continue climbing. It must be borne in mind that as one ascends, oxygen decreases significantly, so it is necessary to go acclimatizing to these changes. What is recommended is to do it in the different camps that I detail below: Base Camp (also known as Plaza de Mulas) at 4,300 meters, El Semáforo, Piedras Conway, Plaza Canada, La Piedra at 5,000 meters, Change of Slope, Nido de Cóndores at 5,250 meters, is a vast sector where the rocks serve as protection against the wind, here you can also see small frozen lagoons.

Aconcagua Climbing – The Best Experience Ever

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We define it as the activity that makes us work on cardiovascular endurance, which makes us reach the limit with lung capacity and high pulsations in a prolonged period of no less than 30 continuous minutes — examples: running, swimming, cycling.

Power-strength: Exercises that give us specific work. Spinal, push-ups, etc.

Backpack: Training while carrying an expedition backpack is always cheerful. Fundamental for a good  Aconcagua Guided Climb

It is convenient to start with no less than 7 kg + the backpack’s weight, but the most significant thing is to know how to adjust the straps well and the correct size. The backpack is not the same for a woman or man who weighs less than 50 kg and measures 1.60 than for a man of 85 kg and 1.80; remember that it is vital to get backpacks for everyone’s body. These exercises may be done on stairs.

Technical: we can include everything related to the terrain (ideal for an  Aconcagua 360 Route), walk on an unstable slope, with loose stones such as hauling, with snow or ice, with sections of rock or exposed edges. Also, work with the balance of the body. This will give us much more security when walking down the slopes and gutters of Aconcagua or any other mountain. Output: It provides us with the practice we need and see where we stand with the training process. Take a walk in the mountains, the forests of Patagonia, the slopes of Mendoza and San Juan, or any other undulating place that will allow us to close the circle. One of the 5 points that I usually present as a difficulty for activities in the mountains is psychological or mental. It is not easy to spend 18 days without knowing almost anything about your loved ones and living with people who do not have the customs or habits.

Several situations in an expedition can condition our performance and throw away the exhaustive preparation work of weeks and months.

The feeling of loneliness when we ask ourselves  How to climb Aconcagua , the tiny connection with those of my group, the contact with the unknown, missing your loved ones, the rules of coexistence in a hostile environment, the extended overnight stay in a tent, an Alone or in the company of someone “forced” and mainly the negative sensations that the climate may cause me, such as height, wind, and extreme cold. We have to work on the previous one with our head, so the exits that I can add before will be very useful for this.