SummitPost.org

Hey!

I'm looking for the best maps for taking on the Normal Route for Aconcagua. So far I have come across 1:40,000 and 1:50,000 and I wonder if anyone knows if the following ones are any good? If you have any other links and suggestions I would highly appreciate your help.

http://www.bmcshop.co.uk/product_info.p ... ts_id=6338
http://www.mapsworldwide.com/sku_27474.htm
http://www.mapsworldwide.com/sku_42361.htm

I am also considering using online maps and printing out the necessary route instead. What is your opinion on doing so, and which sites would you suggest are best if so?

Thanks guys

MG

A 1:40000 map is useless for any kind of route finding. I don''t recall which map I had, but the contours were 500m, meaning a 1000' cliff does not even show up on the map. That said, you don't need a map for the normal route. The route is on a trail and, even if bad conditions, it would be hard to get far off route.

i think of the Aoneker map as the standard for Aconcagua:

http://www.amazon.com/Aconcagua-Topographic-Map-Spanish-Edition/dp/9871484135

i imagine they are all pretty comparable - as already stated, they are all useless for route-finding, but a map will help you identify nearby peaks, study the overall approach and ascent route, and make for a great souvenir

if you want a detailed map, go visit the IGM (Instituto Geografico Militar) in Buenos Aires - they sell detailed topo maps for the entire country, but good luck finding them open

Thanks for your advice guys.

Could you suggest the best online software for mapping? Perhaps custom made is a better option at this point.