Tag: Aconcagua

Aconcagua Argentina – 6 months of prior preparation

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This exit variant simplifies the climb of the last third of the South wall.

From the “Upper Glacier”, instead of going to the right in search of the base of the spur that the French followed in 1954, take a clear left of the visual vertical of the northern peak. In the direction of the “Guanaco” pass that extends between the two peaks of the mountain.

Aconcagua Mountain Guides

Climb the slopes of ice and snow that lead to an obvious rocky fringe. Slopes from 50° to 55°. The rocky strip is climbed in an ascending traverse to the left, 5 or 6 pitches of mixed terrain, (IV) and some passage of (V). Belay possibilities on natural ledges, poor quality rock. The start, depending on the general snow conditions, can be on very dangerous frozen mud.

The beginning of the slope of ice and terminal snow is thus gained. This large, very open terminal channel has an average slope of 50°. It is dominated to the left by a large hanging serac that is threatening and dangerous in the event of landslides.

Go straight up the great channel to a small rocky barrier (6,700 m), go around it to the left and continue until you reach the “guanaco” crest or summit ridge. From the “Upper Glacier” to the crest about 8-12 hours. It is possible to bivouac in the lateral cracks of the hanging serac (6,650 m). From the starting point to the top there are about 2 hours.

Aconcagua Ascents

When the conditions of the wall are unfavorable (excessive accumulation of recent snow or, on the contrary, a winter with few snowfalls), the Messner variant is dangerous; Therefore, the original exit/54 is advisable, technically more difficult, but exposed to fewer objective dangers. If the snow is abundant, the dangers of being swept away by an avalanche in the “Messner Canal” are very great. Likewise, when there is little consistent snow that fixes the rocks of the top edge and other upper areas, the channel collects the constant falls of fast projectiles.

Beyond difficulties and dangers, the Messner/74 route is the most elegant route on the southern wall of Aconcagua, after the Slovenian route/82, direct to the southern peak. Plaza Argentina is located at 4,100 meters and is a good place to camp. To access this place, you start from the town of Punta de Vacas (2,400 m) and go up the “de las Vacas” river to the north. There is water and firewood throughout the creek, the path is well marked.

Aconcagua Treks

On the orographic right bank of the «de las Vacas» river, 15 km away is the «Casa de las Leñas» refuge (2,350 m). At 31 km (from Punta de Vacas) you cross the river of Las Vacas. Finally, and on the orographic left bank of the same river, rises the small shelter «Casa de piedra» (3,060 m), 47 km from the starting point, just in front of the mouth of the «de los Relinchos» ravine. This small shelter blends in with the landscape and is difficult to find, there is water in the area.

Aconcagua Climbing – How to Prevent Mountain Diseases

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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 recommended to make animal reservations well in advance. Once the Aconcagua Argentina Base Camp has been installed, acclimatization practices will be carried out, the surroundings. Depending on the physical conditions, you can try the ascent of Cerro Catedral or Cuerno; failing that, the cargo can be transferred to the high altitude camps and returned to Plaza de Mulas. This practice of ascending and descending at a lower altitude greatly benefits acclimatization. According to scientific reports, the acclimatization period varies according to people .young people acclimatize worse; the best age is between 30 and 40 or 45 years old. Nervous balance is critical in acclimatization.

Another problem to consider is the descent of Mount Aconcagua. If you sleep poorly, you recover badly. Very mild sleeping pills must be administered. Suppose acclimatization is a corrective phenomenon of the elements put to the test and always compatible with life. In that case, adaptation is a harsh discipline of the organism that seeks to compensate the limits of what is possible, the elements incompatible with life: the rarefaction of the air, the decrease in atmospheric pressure, cold, dryness, alkalosis, etc.

At altitudes above 6,500 meters. (maximum acclimatization zone), the individual lives only from his reserves from the need to interrupt the stay in the high altitudes descending to the points where he can recover. In this way, with frequent rocking, acclimatization can be achieved. The maximum time to stay at that altitude can be determined without the appearance of deterioration phenomena, a severe alarm signal. The “mountain sickness” usually manifests itself through the following symptoms:

Acute malaise with headaches, nausea, vomiting, feeling sick, and feeling sick.

Brain edema with severe headache, unsteady gait, mental and visual disturbances, nausea, coma, etc.

Pulmonary edema manifested through respiratory difficulties, cyanosis, tachycardia, cough, restlessness, etc., is typical in Aconcagua.

These signs and symptoms overlap in such a way that they often occur in combination. They are stages of the same process and have a common denominator: the decrease of oxygen in the air. All these manifestations can be prevented and overcome by adequate acclimatization. Knowing the signs and symptoms of altitude sickness will allow the athlete to avoid severe disorders, even death, which can occur briefly. Patients who descend rapidly to lower heights generally recover well, which is not the case with those who do not do so in time. The recommended behavior in such cases is to descend to a lower altitude when the slightest symptom of the illness is noticed.

Aconcagua Climbing – How to build your gear without problems

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We must bear in mind that to climb Mount Aconcagua we will have to, if necessary, adjust our footwear with gloves on, the boots we choose must meet that requirement. With the heat we emit when we walk, the inside of our double boot can get wet. The usual tactic is to put the inner booties with us in the sleeping bag overnight, leaving the carcass on the outside.

In the morning they will be dry and hot. The same is true for stockings. As important as the clothing and our camping equipment is the technical material. The use of technical equipment is essential to be able to overcome all the eventualities that we may encounter.

Technical Equipment for Aconcagua

Crampons

Helmet

Ice axes

First aid kit

Razor

Thermal bottle

Miner lantern

Attack backpack 20L

Hand and foot warmers

Tips and equipment to climb aconcagua cheap and some electronic devices

Bear in mind that with such low temperatures, electronic devices tend to discharge their battery in a very short time. Keeping them close to body heat will lengthen their wearing time.

Have professional advice.

Having professional advice, the necessary equipment and the right companions are issues that every lover of this sport should be clear about when drawing up their goal.

Aconcagua has witnessed great values ​​of companionship, acts of courage and innumerable experiences of personal improvement.

Crowning its peak is one of the most important achievements in mountaineering.

GO IN POST OF OUR OWN SUMMIT …

We believe that each person should go after their own summit and we want to accompany you on your way.

In interforces we are adventurers by nature and we have many friends with whom we share our passion.

We hope that this information and study that we did, meets your objectives and helps you. It is not advisable to go to the highest hills of the Andes Mountains, without a great deal of respect and veneration.

At 6960 m, Aconcagua is the highest mountain outside the Himalayas, and is suitable for hikers.

It takes at least 15 days to climb to the top, including acclimatization time to the altitude. The traditional ascent is by the northwest route, through a 40 km path from the Laguna de los Horcones; the Polish Glacier route is longer (76 km) and harder, but more scenic and less crowded. The south face route is a demanding technical climb.

Only expert climbers should tackle Aconcagua without the security of an organized circuit, and even so, many hire guides who know the changing weather of the mountain

Aconcagua Climbing – Training is vital for the mountain

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Aconcagua hiking circuits are enabled through the Horcones lagoon, tracking to Confluencia camp, at 3,200 meters, where camping is only allowed for a maximum of two nights.

In addition, you can visit the Matienzo waterfall, an area of ​​particular beauty in the high mountains that is located at 2,900 meters above sea level.

They are accessible prices for national tourists since for foreigners it is much more extensive.

For its part, in the area, we can find Pumas (Puma), mountain mice, foxes, lizards, toads, guanacos (Lama guanicoe), and introduced hares can live or hibernate in their skirts, and several species of eagles and some hawks are seen flying overhead.

The condor of the Andes (Vultur gryphus) and the Andean or spiny toad (Rhinella spinulosa) are some of its most iconic inhabitants.

Since 1983 Aconcagua and its immediate surroundings make up the Aconcagua Provincial Park, protected by the Argentine government, which intends to preserve the natural and cultural values ​​of the site. Aconcagua is the highest peak in America. Its 6,962 meters high rise majestically between the Principal mountain range, which is part of the Andes and separates Argentina from Chile.

Although part of the mountain is on the Chilean side, it is on the Argentine side where the entrance to the Park is to do an Aconcagua Mountain guides and where the best views are obtained. The closest city to Aconcagua is Mendoza. The capital of beauty and Malbec wine, it lives far from the glamor of this mountain because it cannot be seen from the city. You have to travel part of National Route 7 to see the top for the first time, probably covered with snow.

During the first kilometers of the Aconcagua treks, it is possible not to see the mountain clearly, since sand storms are common and the air is not clean.

You have to bear in mind that the entire region that surrounds Mendoza is desert. If you get there by plane, you will see it right away. There is very little vegetation, so the water is well used.

The entrance to the Aconcagua Provincial Park is about 114 miles from Mendoza and has more than 65,000 hectares that protect and conserve by the Mendoza government.

From the beginning, you will see impressive images. Every hill is different from the next; they have hundreds of colors and other shapes. Plus, the river of meltwater has formed impressive vertical walls over the years.

It is demanding that you won’t feel like stopping at each curve to take photos or videos. Besides, you will quickly discover a train track, which is no longer used. This road accompanies the road all the way, sometimes very close and sometimes far away, but they never get separated.

You hope that a train will pass at some point, but you end up disappointed when you see the track invaded by stones or cut by some landslide. At El Puente del Inca, you will pass over the ways.

Aconcagua Climbing – Tips for a risk-free expedition

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If you are not convinced of the activity, I will not do it, but I will with the necessary confidence and inner security if I have decided to do it. Intense mountain activities such as climbing Mount Aconcagua demand this quality, which ultimately becomes the essential discipline needed to know oneself. Know my strengths, understand my weaknesses, know my intentions, know my enthusiasm, know my integrity, know my limits, and have the criteria and courage to make crucial decisions, such as turning around and returning on time.

Respect for the environment, mountains, and nature does not mean fear. The atmosphere, the weather in which we move, has unique and conditions. Fear can paralyze you and leave you without the strength to continue. Respect means that I can give myself an idea of ​​the dimensions, magic, and wisdom of Aconcagua. I will not show respect to anyone but myself. It would be best to respect the mountain you are ascending when I contemplate it in its immensity and imagine myself within it.

You must respect nature when you leave the place where you were better than how you found it. If I am going to pick up my waste, I can do it because someone imposes it on me or because I convince myself that it would be good if whoever passes through this place again gets excited in the same way. Who wants to hit a mighty waterfall and see shells scattered about? The equation is simple. Suppose you are someone who already has plenty of experience in mountain outings (surplus always adds several years in trekking, technical mountaineering, and high altitude mountaineering). In that case, you can calmly go to Aconcagua without assistance or by hiring the service of local providers that provide you with amenities such as mules, toilets, etc.

But suppose your situation is that of growth in the mountains, that you do not have such experience or that you need to prepare with professionals to arrive at the most significant number of possibilities. In that case, we will always recommend hiring professional guides or, to a better extent, experienced companies with enough prestige to provide you with the best service and security you need.

For beginners and those who dream of realizing the dream of coming to Aconcagua Argentina, some exciting companies and projects include a distance training system and progressive mountain excursions for ten months.

Suppose we take success as having a great experience and not reaching the top if or if and whatever, we will be on the right track. In short, the success of getting the top is never guaranteed since, in addition to everything you described in this text, it is not enough if other unmanageable issues occur up there, such as adverse climate or the simple refusal of our spirit, which has designated for that moment of our life another outcome and that, thus, will allow us to return to the same fantastic scene to be able to try again.

Aconcagua Climbing – Learn to trust yourself at 7000 meters

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With more than 6,962 meters high, Aconcagua Argentina is the most imposing mountain in the range. This does not go unnoticed since almost from anywhere in Mendoza; you can see its top. Climbing Aconcagua is an extreme sport and a challenge for professional athletes who spend years training. However, this is not an impediment for you to see it up close. You can visit the Aconcagua Provincial Park, reach its base, and enter one of its trails surrounded by nature. This is one of the activities in Mendoza that will leave you open-mouthed and wanting to take thousands of photos. Climbing this mountain can mean the magical entrance to this select group of Dreams to Fulfill.

Mount Aconcagua is the giant mountain in America, the Southern Hemisphere, and the Western Hemisphere. Beyond these mere numerical and statistical descriptions that also caress the 7000 meters above sea level, this prominent elevation keeps countless beautiful landscapes and stories that can become part of some of the most significant and extraordinary paragraphs of our life. Do you want to get closer to knowing her? Do you want to prepare to live it? Do you want to relight your enthusiasm? Do you want to get on a challenge that will mark you forever?

I present to your stages, moments, keys, or simply points that can collaborate and definitively clarify the path. In the previous one, to reach the day you find yourself delivering the ascent permit at the Horcones or Punta de Vacas section, there is the genesis of your expedition so dreamed of. It is always essential to have some experience in having ever been in the mountains, although the most important thing first is to walk on different terrains with loose stones such as hauling, rather than forcing yourself to go up.

First, the basics put on a backpack and trekking for two or more days, then move on to the altitude ascent. Perhaps some will be reached with a couple of outings, maybe others need a few more, and perhaps some privileged (never recommended) can ascend the Colossus of America without ever having done a trek to Sierra de la Ventana in their lives. One of the tips to success in the mountains always has to do with being physically well. We have just mentioned the technical in the previous point, which is trained by going out on the field and not at home, in the park, or the gym.

After several experiences in the preparation of large expeditions and, as my own experience, I can recommend a system that generally adapts well to anyone with a basic level of physical-mental training. The idea is to get to do a personalized follow-up on Aconcagua, with a table, where we can dump the process of each of the areas worked: aerobic, power or specific training in exercises, backpack work, the technician and the training carried out specifically in the field (outing to the mountain). The system is designed in a pyramid shape; it starts with a low demand until reaching the highest point and sustains for three months, finally descending again and ending with 10 to 12 days of complete rest, where it is prioritized to eat hydrate well.