Aconcagua and the Southern Andes

Horcones Valley (Normal) and Vacas Valley (Polish Glacier) ascent routes
Guidebook to climbing Aconcagua in Argentina. With descriptions for the Normal route (taking 12 days) or the Vacas Valley route (14 days). The treks cover difficult mountain terrain up to 6962m and are suitable for experienced walkers and mountaineers. Also features other treks in the southern Andes, including the Vallecitos and Tupungato ranges.

Stand beneath the highest mountain in South America and explore the dramatic spine of the Southern Andes in Argentina and Chile — a landscape of immense skies, sculpted glaciers and windswept high-altitude deserts.

Dominated by Aconcagua (6961m), this region offers high-altitude trekking and serious mountaineering objectives amid some of the most spectacular scenery outside the Himalaya.

Aconcagua and the Southern Andes is a comprehensive guide to trekking and climbing in this remarkable corner of South America, written by experienced mountaineer Jim Ryan. It combines detailed route descriptions with practical expedition advice, covering the two principal Aconcagua routes alongside acclimatisation treks across Argentina and Chile to help you prepare thoroughly and climb with confidence.

• Complete coverage of the two main ascent routes on Aconcagua is provided, including the 12-day Normal Route (Horcones Valley) and the 14-day (Vacas Valley) Polish Glacier Traverse, with clear, stage-by-stage descriptions
• Summary tables are included that break down the key features of both the Normal and Polish Glacier Route so you can make an informed decision on which is best for you based on factors such as weather, cost, busyness and likelihood of reaching the summit
• Additional routes are provided for acclimatisation or as standalone objectives with detailed descriptions of 5000m and 6000m peaks in the Aconcagua, Vallecitos and Tupungato areas of the Southern Andes of Argentina and Chile
• Essential information on permits, park regulations and logistics for Aconcagua Provincial Park is included, as well as accommodation details and things to do in nearby Mendoza and Santiago
• Practical guidance on altitude awareness, expedition planning and equipment for high-altitude environments

From the dusty trails of the Horcones Valley to the vast sweep of the Vacas Valley and the thin air above Plaza de Mulas, the high Andes deliver an experience that is as demanding as it is unforgettable. Whether your ambition is to reach the summit of Aconcagua or to explore the wider southern Andes as preparation, this guidebook provides the clarity, expertise and inspiration to help you climb Southern Hemisphere's highest mountain with confidence.

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