Mount Aconcagua is one of the most prominent mountains in the Andes mountain chain. The mountain is situated in the Principal Cordillera of the Andes mountain range in Mendoza Province, Argentina. This peak is known as one of the tallest mountains in all of the Americas.
A lot of people have a question in mind when it comes to climbing Mt. Aconcagua: Should they take a day or more to climb it? It is likely for a person to hike for at least 12 to 15 days, even the quickest mountaineer to this peak. Moreover, the Aconcagua peak is also the highest in both the Western Hemisphere and the Southern Hemisphere. The mountain is surrounded by the Valle de las Vacas to the north and east and the Valle de los Horcones Inferior to the west and south.
Hence, it becomes important to know about the mountain before you attempt to climb it. If you want to know more about how long it takes to climb Mt. Aconcagua, make sure to read till the end of this article!
Where is the Aconcagua Mountain located?
The Aconcagua Mountain is located in the middle part of the Central Andes in Argentina. The range is in the east of the ridgeline on the border of Chile. The mountain is the tallest among the peaks in the Western Hemisphere and Southern Hemisphere.
Best time to climb Aconcagua
The best time to climb Aconcagua is between November and March. The snow-capped mountain is rather the most beautiful looking between these months. Plus, you will have a great time experiencing the tallest mountain in all of the Americas as the snow falls and has a hint of autumn and winter. December and January have the best weather among the other months in Aconcagua.
How long is the climb to Mt. Aconcagua?
Climbing Mount Aconcagua normally takes around 12 to 15 days, and on average, it takes a mountaineer around 18 to 20 days. The 12-day route is the fastest, and it can be an enthralling adventure. However, anyone who is just beginning to mountain climb is not suggested to take the faster route, as fast really does not mean it is easier. When mountaineer Oleksii went on a 12-day ascent with guide Gastón Oyarzún, he described the experience as (“the most powerful emotion in my life”).
Acclimatization becomes essential for anyone making an attempt at the peak as the elevation of the mountain (6,961 meters (22,838 ft) gives an individual a hard time breathing and comfortably walking ahead atop. The slower a climber goes, the better he gets a chance to acclimatize. Likewise, if you are to take the 12 days shorter and quicker route, you will not have an easy time because your body won’t be as adequately acclimatized.
Aconcagua climb cost
Climbing Mount Aconcagua is likely to cost you $15,000-$18,000 for a top-end guided climb. The unguided climb is likely to cost you only $3500 to $4000. The season of your climb also determines whether you should pay high or low for your climb.
Aconcagua Valley
The Aconcagua Valley in Chile is best known for its pleasant weather and countryside experience. This valley is situated 100 km to the north of the capital city, Santiago, in Chile. While there are people living in this valley, a lot of people come from the city area to spend their weekends here. The valley has numerous aspects to offer, including the famous and most popular one, winemaking. You are likely to find fruit plantations and grapevines around a lot when you visit the countryside.
The main routes for climbing Mt. Aconcagua
The most common route of Mt. Aconcagua is the North Western ridge. You can enter the Horcones Valley from this route. Similarly, you can find the base camp of the mountain at the Plaza de Mulas. You can catch just about any EPGMAT-certified guide who is going to guide you through an 18-day program via the Normal Route. Anyone who also needs acclimatization can go for a 20-day long program.
Likewise, there is an alternate Polish route known as False Polish, which is likely to take 17 days in total. There is zero to less amount of technical difficulty when you choose to climb Mt. Aconcagua from this route. However, the difficulty of climbing this peak is quite less in general, regardless of which route you take.
If you are able to climb the mountain from the original Polish Glacier, you should have expertise in traversing glaciers. Otherwise, you might even fail to reach the peak. There is a 360-degree route between Polish and Normal routes. This route starts from Vacas Valley and has a base camp at Plaza Argentina. You can return from the peak from the same trail as you do from the normal route when you go from this route.
Which is the most difficult route to climb in Mt. Aconcagua?
The most difficult route to climb in Mt. Aconcagua is the route you take from the South face. The route is rather technical, and only the most proficient and experienced mountaineers are suggested to take it. The climbing time may range from the normal 18 days to longer depending on the time taken for acclimatization and the skills of the mountaineer.
Preparation for Mt. Aconcagua Climb
The climbing time ranges from 18 to 20 days in Mt. Aconcagua. You need to have a very good fitness level if you want to climb this peak. While a lot of people with experience in mountaineering go to climb the mountain, it is possible for even a beginner to go on an expedition to Mount Aconcagua with adequate training and skill development.
The mountain is also known as Colussus of America as it is the most colossal mountain in the Americas and is quite non-technical, given you choose the most appropriate routes to climb from. Experts suggest climbers start training for the climb at least 6 months in advance.
You can easily find a trainer who will provide you with tailored programs for your training sessions. Besides only getting the necessary training physically, you will have to undergo a physiological test overall which is also going to ensure that you have all the necessary aspects required in a climber. It is not suggested for a beginner to climb the mountain unsupervised. Though not technical, Mount Aconcagua, is like any other peak that snows and has rocky and difficult trails. Therefore, not everyone is able to climb a mountain like this one.
How can you guarantee to summit Mt. Aconcagua?
There are some aspects that are going to guarantee that a climber summits Mt. Aconcagua. Firstly, one needs to know why they fail to climb the peak;
- You don’t have the physical fitness required for the attempt.
- The weather does not come in your favor.
- You have not acclimatized as well as you should.
What should you carry during your climb to Mt. Aconcagua?
You should carry along waterproof and breathable jackets and coats, a safety helmet, woolen cap, the first layer or fleece waterproof gloves, mountaineering boots, ice axe, crampons, ice poles, sunscreen, lip balm, pocket knife, sleeping bag, etc. when you are going to climb Mt. Aconcagua.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can you climb Aconcagua in one day?
You can climb Aconcagua somewhere between 12-20 days.
Can a beginner climb Aconcagua?
A 6 month long training can help a beginner climb Aconcagua.
Is Mt Aconcagua hard to climb?
Yes, Mt. Aconcagua can be hard to climb, but it is not technical.
Is Aconcagua harder than Kilimanjaro?
Yes, Aconcagua is harder to climb than Kilimanjaro.
Which is harder, Mont Blanc or Aconcagua?
Mont Blanc is harder to climb than Aconcagua.
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