Aconcagua

The mountain Cerro Aconcagua, or simply Aconcagua, is located in Argentina, close to the country’s border with Chile. Aconcagua is western hemisphere’s highest summit. The precise height of its tallest peak is debatable, but it is certainly higher than 6,706 metres (22,000 ft).

The Andes are home to Aconcagua as well. The mountain is not an active volcano, but its formation is thought to have been caused by volcanic activity. Some historians have speculated that the name Aconcagua originates from Quechua, however this is purely conjectural.

The highest point on each of the seven continents is called a “Seven Summit,” and Aconcagua is one of those summits. Its elevation is just below that of Mount Everest. In 1883, the first attempt that we know of to climb to the peak of the mountain also ended in failure. First known climber to ascend the peak was Swiss mountaineer Matthias Zurbriggen in 1897.

Many mountaineers today attempt the climb through the “Normal Route,” a path that requires no technical climbing skills to complete. An easy climb is one that requires no technical know-how or equipment. However, many hikers have perished from altitude sickness while attempting to reach the peak of Aconcagua. High winds from frequent storms are another difficulty for climbers.