Mount Aconcagua is 22,830 feet high, the highest point in both the Western and Southern hemispheres, looming high above its neighboring peaks in the Frontal range of the Argentine Andes. The mountain's south side is very steep, while a gentle slope dominates the north side. Mount Aconcagua has two summits, with the north summit taller than the south. The huge Polish glacier is located on the mountain.
While the first climb to the top of Mount Aconcagua was recorded in 1897, made by Swiss mountain climber Mathias Zurbriggen, there is evidence of an ancient Inca civilization near the summit. The name of this imposing peak came from the language of indigenous peoples, meaning "white peak" in the Quechua language. After that first climb by Zurbriggen, many others followed, and successful routes were found on all sides of the mountain by the 1950s.
Neighboring Mount Aconcagua is the city of Mendoza, capitol of the Cuyo region in Argentina, which is a famed wine-growing area. Penitentes Village is closer yet, and is the launching point of most climbing expeditions. For those adventurous climbers, a base camp is located 14,000 feet from the foot of the mountain, known as Aconcagua base camp at the Plaza de Mulas.
Those considering an attempt to climb to the summit of Mount Aconcagua should be aware that the extreme height and volatile weather can make climbing quite a challenge. Allowing plenty of time for acclimation to the high altitude is wise, as is making sure to leave sufficient time and supplies to allow for rough-weather conditions. While climbing Aconcagua isn't like conquering Mount Everest, several climbers die making the trek every year.
Mount Aconcagua has the potential to lose its title as the highest mountain in South America. It is challenged by another peak in the Andes--Ojos del Salado in northern Chile is the mountain in question, and the debate over its true height, begun way back in the 1950s, has begun to heat up again in recent years. While the official measurement of this peak is recorded at 6,853 meters, other measurements have placed it at as much as 7,083 meters, which, if proven, would make it taller than Mount Aconcagua.
