Aconcagua, the Highest Mountain Outside of the Himalaya, Opens for Climbing

Aconcagua, the highest mountain in the western and southern hemispheres and the tallest peak outside of Asia, rises to 22,841 feet (6,961 meters). As the highest peak on the continent of South America, Aconcagua belongs to the renowned Seven Summits group - the highest peak on each of the seven continents. This mountain attracts mountaineers from around the world seeking to climb the Seven Summits and to prepare for higher Himalayan expeditions. The annual climbing season during the southern hemisphere’s austral summer opened on November 1st and will remain open to trekkers and climbers through April 30th. Located in the Andes mountain range of Argentina and near the border with Chile, Aconcagua receives environmental protection as part of the Aconcagua Provincial Park - a protected area known for its stunning alpine scenery. Climbing Aconcagua presents many difficulties including the dangers of high altitude, unwelcoming rock, challenging glacier travel, and scree. The mixture of loose rock and uneven ice p