At 6962m Aconcagua is the highest peak outside the Himalayas and is accessible to both trekkers and mountaineers. The approach through Santiago and Mendoza is attractive with scope for equipping expeditions, and meeting the contrasting cultures in the region. In addition, the guide also highlights the trekking and mountaineering opportunities throughout the southern Andes, particularly in the Valecitos and Tupungato ranges. There are also treks in the area around Santiago and Aconcagua itself and supporting background information to the region and its climbing and trekking opportunities.

Table of Contents:
Introduction The attraction for climbers Two trekking routes Location PART 1 Aconcagua - A profile Geology Topography Flora and Fauna Ancient History Recent History Climbing History Trekker/Climber Profiles Weather on Aconcagua Getting There When to Go The Inward Journey Visas, Passports and Permits Travel and Climbing Insurance Preparations Essential Gear The Medical Kit Other Considerations Acclimatisation Getting Used to Thin Air Recognising Altitude Sickness Saturated Oxygen Guides and Mules Guides and Their Necessity Choosing a Guide Without a Guide The Arrieros Hiring Mules PART II Mendoza to Puente del Inca Mendoza Buying Provisions The Road to Puente del Inca Mendoza to Santiago Disused Railway Los Penitentes Puente del Inca Aconcagua Routes The Normal Route The Vacas Valley Route The Route to the Summit Summary Comparisons Other Routes PART III Treks in the Aconcagua Area Puente del Inca and Los Penitentes A Walk up to Cristo Redentor Horcones Valley to Plaza Francia Treks at Vallecitos Vallecitos Ski and Mountain Lodge Lomas Blancas 3850m Cerro Vallecitos 5770m PART IV Tupungato Tupungato - Andes Great Mountain The Mountain, The Glacier, The Missing Aeroplane and The Lost Gold Tupungato Routes The Route via Chile and Rio Colorado Tupungato Provincial Park Wilderness Trek to Friar's Coll PART V Santiago Santiago City Treks near Santiago El Morado Valley La Campana National Park El Plomo 5430m Provincia and San Roman PART VI Useful Information Maps, Guidebooks and Further Reading Guides and Mountain Services Checklist of Essential Kit Accommodation Mendoza Vallecitos Los Penitentes and Puenta del Inca Santiago Tupungato South American Cuisine Spanish-English