Aconcagua and the Southern Andes

Guidebook to climbing Aconcagua, with route descriptions for trekkers to the Normal and Vacas Valley Routes. They take 12 and 14 days to complete respectively and cover a variety of difficult mountain terrain up to 6962m - suitable for experienced walkers and mountaineers. Also included are treks in the Vallecitos and Tupungata ranges.

Definitive guidebook to climbing Aconcagua, the highest peak in South America. At 6962m, Aconcagua is the highest peak outside the Himalayas and is accessible to both trekkers and mountaineers. Route descriptions up the Normal and Polish Glacier routes, plus trekking routes in the Argentinian and Chilean southern Andes and the Maipo Volcano. Outstanding maps and photographs. The guide provides all the practical information on getting to South America, using time in Santiago and Mendoza (en route to the mountains) to prepare, and travel into the mountains. It also covers preparation for high altitude mountaineering - equipment, altitude and acclimatisation. In addition it provides strategies for the ascent, including preparations, food and water, whether to have a guide or not, mules and muleteers, and staying healthy. Finally, the author provides background information to help you gain the most from your experience - on the exploration and discovery of the mountain and the surrounding region, its geology, wildlife and flora, the people and local culture.

List of maps and illustrations Foreword by Sebastian Tetilla
Preface

INTRODUCTION
Two trekking routes
Location
Geology
Topography
Wildlife
History
Climbing history
Trekker/climber profiles
Weather
Getting there
Preparations
Acclimatisation
Guides and mules

PART 1 THE ASCENT OF ACONCAGUA
Mendoza to Puente del Inca
Mendoza
Changing money and paying for things
Buying provisions

The road to Puente del Inca
Mendoza-Santiago disused railway
Los Penitentes
Puente del Inca

Routes to the Summit
The Normal route
The Vacas Valley route
Summit day
The long walk out
Other routes

PART 2 ACONCAGUA, VALLECITOS AND THE MAIPO VOLCANO
Routes near Aconcagua
Puente del Inca and Los Penitentes
A walk to the statue of Cristo Redentor
Horcones Valley to Plaza Francia

Routes from Vallecitos
Vallecitos Ski and Mountain Lodge
Lomas Blancas 3850m
Cerro Vallecitos 5770m

The Maipo Volcano

PART 3 TUPUNGATO AREA
Tupungato
The Andes' Great Mountain
Tupungato routes
The Route via Chile and Rio Colorado

Tupungato Provincial Park
Wilderness trek to Friar's Col

PART 4 SANTIAGO AREA
Santiago
Santiago City
In and around Santiago

Routes near Santiago
El Morado valley
La Campana national park
El Plomo 5430m
Provincia and San Roman

Appendix 1 Maps, guidebooks and further reading
Appendix 2 Guides and mountain services
Appendix 3 Accommodation and local facilities
Appendix 4 South American cuisine
Appendix 5 Spanish-English language notes

Index