Aconcagua is the second highest of the 7-summits, which means it is higher than the peaks on every continent except Asia. I read that it is the highest peak outside of the Himalayas on the Aconcagua.com website (top of the page) and other websites too. After reading your comment, I did some research and see that there are some mountains in Asia - outside of the Himalayas - that are higher than Aconcagua. Thank you for pointing that out. I changed the photo caption above.
Thanks Peter. The Normal Route is mostly a trail hike all the way to the summit with some Class 2 sections. The biggest challenge is the altitude of course, which should not be under estimated. In the 30 days following my trip, 2 people died of pulmonary edima and 1 30-year old Japanese guy died of a heart attack near the summit. The second biggest challenge is the extraordinary arid conditions surrounding Aconcagua. It's more important than ever to stay hydrated and that requires melting snow for several hours every day above 14K'. Still, it's a great climb. I met climbers from 15+ different countries at the various camps and had a great overall experience there. Cheers.
I'm happy to help. We hired mules to carry our gear to Plaza del Mulas (14,000'), but we did not use porters. The cost was $120 for the mules each way (going up and return trip) for 2 people. That was the only cost we incurred on the mountain other than a couple of meals that we bought at PdM.
We carried gear to each camp above PdM in 2 trips, so weight was not a problem. The challenge is getting all your gear back down from high camp to PdM in one trip after you summit. My pack weighed ~75 lbs going down. I brought only 1 pack (6000 cubic inches). That's what I summitted with. The only time I fully needed the space was for the hike down from high camp. The rest of the time it was half empty. Most of the time your gear will be stored in duffle bags; for the mule ride, and for gear stashes at each camp.
My trip report outlines where we slept each night, when we did gear carries, and when we had rest days. Some people climb it faster and some slower, but that was a perfect schedule for me. That schedule might serve as a good starting point while planning your trip. PM me if you have any more questions. -George
ktnbs - Feb 4, 2006 10:22 pm - Hasn't voted
Trip Report CommentGood trip report and great reading...congrats!
PeterN - Feb 5, 2006 10:22 am - Hasn't voted
Trip Report CommentIt sure was a nice trip and congrats to the summit !
But Aconcagua is surley not the highest mountain outside of the Himalaya.
Alpinist - Feb 5, 2006 11:34 am - Hasn't voted
Trip Report CommentKtnbs/PeterN - many thanks!
Aconcagua is the second highest of the 7-summits, which means it is higher than the peaks on every continent except Asia. I read that it is the highest peak outside of the Himalayas on the Aconcagua.com website (top of the page) and other websites too. After reading your comment, I did some research and see that there are some mountains in Asia - outside of the Himalayas - that are higher than Aconcagua. Thank you for pointing that out. I changed the photo caption above.
Nadios - Feb 6, 2006 12:28 am - Voted 10/10
Trip Report CommentGreat trip report!
That summit day was more than a bit crazy. So many people in trouble.
The only thing I miss is a photo of your wall of rocks around your tent (Nido).
It must be an Aconcagua record :-)
Alpinist - Feb 6, 2006 10:01 am - Hasn't voted
Trip Report CommentThanks Nadios! Crazy, yes. But you and Janne did a great job of seeing people safely back to camp.
Corax - Feb 6, 2006 7:29 pm - Voted 10/10
Trip Report CommentThanks for the excellent trip report!
I will later write one or two about some other SP meetings in los andes.
I have met so many nice people down here, thanks to SP!
Alpinist - Feb 6, 2006 8:36 pm - Hasn't voted
Trip Report CommentThanks Janne. I look forward to reading about your adventures.
Alpinist - Aug 29, 2006 1:15 pm - Hasn't voted
Re: AconcaguaThanks Peter. The Normal Route is mostly a trail hike all the way to the summit with some Class 2 sections. The biggest challenge is the altitude of course, which should not be under estimated. In the 30 days following my trip, 2 people died of pulmonary edima and 1 30-year old Japanese guy died of a heart attack near the summit. The second biggest challenge is the extraordinary arid conditions surrounding Aconcagua. It's more important than ever to stay hydrated and that requires melting snow for several hours every day above 14K'. Still, it's a great climb. I met climbers from 15+ different countries at the various camps and had a great overall experience there. Cheers.
Alpinist - Aug 29, 2006 3:31 pm - Hasn't voted
Re: AconcaguaI'm happy to help. We hired mules to carry our gear to Plaza del Mulas (14,000'), but we did not use porters. The cost was $120 for the mules each way (going up and return trip) for 2 people. That was the only cost we incurred on the mountain other than a couple of meals that we bought at PdM.
We carried gear to each camp above PdM in 2 trips, so weight was not a problem. The challenge is getting all your gear back down from high camp to PdM in one trip after you summit. My pack weighed ~75 lbs going down. I brought only 1 pack (6000 cubic inches). That's what I summitted with. The only time I fully needed the space was for the hike down from high camp. The rest of the time it was half empty. Most of the time your gear will be stored in duffle bags; for the mule ride, and for gear stashes at each camp.
My trip report outlines where we slept each night, when we did gear carries, and when we had rest days. Some people climb it faster and some slower, but that was a perfect schedule for me. That schedule might serve as a good starting point while planning your trip. PM me if you have any more questions. -George