If you’ve done a few high altitude treks in your time, and are looking for a new challenge, look no further. Aconcagua is one of the most incredible expeditions you could ask for. The highest mountain outside of Asia, Aconcagua is the tallest mountain in both the Western and Southern hemispheres. It’s also one of the ‘Seven Summits’. Not only that, but it’s one of the most beautiful, awe-inspiring settings in the world. If you fancy the challenge, but are worried about how hard it is to climb Aconcagua, fear not! We’ve got all the information you need…
So, how hard is it to climb Aconcagua?
Um, remember what we said about it being the highest mountain outside of Asia? Yes. You don’t get to heights like that without a fair bit of work beforehand! Our expedition takes 21 days in total, which includes 16 days of trekking. This schedule means that we can acclimatise to the altitude properly. It also means that we can be flexible about summit day, if faced with bad weather. All of that means we have the best chance of a successful summit.
How fit do I need to be to climb Aconcagua?
At Earth’s Edge, we give all of our expeditions a level rating, so you know how hard it will be. Aconcagua is a Level 8, one of our toughest. This means you can expect…
“An average of 6 to 8 hours per day at altitudes not usually exceeding 7,000 metres. Typically, it will involve one extremely long and/or tough day to reach a summit. Typical elevation gain per day would be 500 – 1000 meters, with at least one day over 1200 metres. Added to this will be the remote location of the expedition and the fact that you will typically need to carry your own equipment. You should be comfortable withstanding harsh mountain conditions for several days in a row. The itinerary is likely to change due to weather conditions. As a rough guide, you should be comfortable walking for 8 hours per day carrying a 20kg pack for two days in a row.”
Is it a technical climb?
There are no technical mountaineering skills required to climb Aconcagua. That said, it is a tough climb. You’ll need to acclimatise properly, adapt to high winds and face extreme cold.
What is summit day like?
To get to the top of Mt. Aconcagua (at 6962m high) requires about 12-15 hours tough hiking. You can read about the summit day experience of one of our hikers here.
Do you think you have what it takes to climb to the Roof of America? You can read all about our expedition to climb Aconcagua here.
