The Challenge of Conquering Aconcagua, the Roof of America

Aconcagua Mules

The Challenge of Conquering Aconcagua, the Roof of America

The Aconcacua hill reaches 6,900 meters in height.Reaching the top is one of the activities sought by foreign tourists.Source: Tur News AgencyThe Aconcagua is the highest mountain in all of America.Also known as El Centinela de Piedra is one of the most sought after destinations in Mendoza, in which Argentina, due to its majestic landscapes.The province of Mendoza is known for its ski slopes, hot springs, wineries and picturesque cities such as Malargüe or San Rafael, and, for foreign visitors who like extreme challenges, is the Aconcagua Provincial Park, on the border with Chile.It is a protected area since 1983 with the aim of safeguarding its natural and cultural values.It extends along some 71 thousand hectares on the Cordillera de los Andes and shelters in its interior invaluable heritage riches.Within the park, the site chosen by thousands of climbers is Mount Aconcagua, better known as “roof of America”, which gives its name to the reserve and represents the highest mountain in the West with 6962 meters.To retrace the route through different routes is the objective of those who choose this alternative where it is possible to observe a particular animal and plant life due to the climatic conditions.There you can do high demanding tours, circuits for those who have a better workout.According to specialists, more than the body, you have to prepare your mind and take the challenge with absolute peace of mind.According to the international mountaineering experts who have climbed in the Himalayas, the almost 7,000 meters of the Aconcagua represent several hundred meters physiologically and physiologically.This phenomenon is due to the fact that in the Himalayas there is vegetation up to 5,000 meters, in the Central Andes mountain range only up to 3,500-4,000 meters.The ambient relative humidity is very scarce and the thickness of the layers of the atmosphere, in this area of ​​the globe, have particularities that determine these effects.In the area grew a lot of companies providing services to alleviate the walks, and in the camps it is possible to hire bathrooms, lodgings and food in domes.The equipment will be of vital importance for this adventure, while the itinerary is freely chosen, but always respecting the basic conditions and giving notice of entry and exit for any emergency that may arise.The postcards will be unique and back the perception of the world totally different.

FOOTPRINTS OF THE PAST

The challenging adventure of conquering the “roof of America”The word Aconcagua, according to the Quechua language, means “Stone Sentinel”, but in Aymara it could be interpreted as “Snow Mountain”.In the area were found outstanding archaeological findings and is that these roads also traveled hundreds of years ago various aboriginal communities.

The Park constitutes one of the final parts of the extensive Camino del Inca, which was born in Colombia, passes through Chile and crosses seven Argentine provinces.A group of expeditionaries found in the Pyramid area a funerary bundle of Inca origin of a child with associated offerings.

THE ADVERSITIES OF THE CLIMATE

In the first areas of the Park, located about 180 kilometers from the capital city, the traveler will find that the air is cold and dry throughout the year, with temperatures below zero at night although they can reach 30 degrees on summer days.The access season begins in mid-November and extends until March, but for fans there are also restricted outings in winter when the minimum when the sun goes down can reach -15 degrees after a day with just 10 to 2800 meters.As you go up the grades go down, and the winds are usually very strong.

ETERNAL INHABITANTS

Despite these rigorous conditions, there is a wide variety of plant and animal life throughout the area.During the summer season, in the valleys yellow brushstrokes emerge and the bushes are rather squat.Strikingly, among the rocks and at a very important height, perennial herbs such as the quirquincho’s tail and the rosette are still visible.Among the fauna you can find guanacos, pumas and foxes.Bird species are diverse, from very small as the Andean hummingbird to others of greater scope such as hawks or the Andean condor.Passing the 4 thousand meters the stage is absolutely rocky and will generate a sense of open-air immensity.

THE MOST VISITED CORNERS

Inside the park there are impressive glaciers such as the Polish that spans some 700 hectares, the still larger Güssfeld and Las Vacas with an approximate area of ​​2,000 hectares.Among the possible destinations are Plaza France -one of the favorites-, only 25 kilometers from the entrance starting from Puente del Inca to 4100 meters, where the mountaineers organize camps.Further on, there is Plaza de Mulas at about 35 kilometers, ideal for a good acclimatization to the altitude and camping.Plaza Argentina, reaches 62 kilometers and the most demanding is the top of Aconcagua, at the southern end of the Penitentes chain.Another attraction is Laguna de los Horcones, and through the Quebrada that carries the same name enter most visitors, after a position where the park ranger is.The other access is by the Vacas River and among the less crowded routes is the Glacier of the Poles, which requires knowledge of ice climbing.The northern summit is higher and therefore more demanding.Among the options, you can trek for three days, daily departures, base camp and promotions that last about 20 days.The excursions include transportation services, food, shop, guides and accommodation with insulated mats, varying prices according to preferences and pocket.

USEFUL DATA

  • Equipment: Mountain lenses, trekking boots, backpack, canes, insulating mattress, tent mountain, sunscreen, water, food and enough shelter.
  • Income: It is mandatory to take a permit personally at the Visitor Service Center, located at Avenida San Martín 1143 of Mendoza Capital. The schedule is from Monday to Friday from 8 to 18; Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 13. The values ​​are differentiated for Argentines and foreigners.
  • There are accelerated training programs, with a weekly routine, training and a number for consultations from 250 dollars.
  • You should drink between 3 and 5 liters of fluid per day to facilitate acclimatization. Ideally, juices that contain sugar. And the foods in the march must be dried or dehydrated fruits, candies and cereal bars.

HOW TO GET THERE.

From Buenos Aires it is possible to arrive by RN 7 directly to the Aconcagua Provincial Park.In the 180 kilometers of distance from the capital city it passes through Potrerillos, Uspallata, Polvaredas, Punta de Vacas, Penitentes and Puente del Inca.By plane, there are daily flights to the Mendoza International Airport, in the town of Las Heras.

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