You Can Climb Aconcagua

For those curious about mountaineering doing their initial research, Aconcagua often comes up as a workable goal. However, contrary to popular belief, it’s not just for elite climbers. With an altitude of 22,841’/6,962m, Aconcagua is the tallest mountain outside of the Himalayas and the tallest peak in the Americas. Despite its impressive height, it’s often classified as a trekking peak as there are multiple routes that present no technical climbing, making it accessible to many climbers who are well-prepared and, even more so, choose to climb with a guide. Check out this overview of the 360 Route, Alpenglow’s chosen path up Aconcagua. 

Understanding the Climb

While Aconcagua doesn’t require technical climbing skills for the most popular routes, its high altitude presents a significant challenge. Acclimatization is crucial, and you must understand the effects of being at a high altitude, such as reduced oxygen levels and fatigue. Alpenglow Expeditions’ Rapid Ascent expeditions ensure climbers adjust gradually, spending days at various camps to allow their bodies to acclimatize. Click HERE to learn more about Rapid Ascent, and how Alpenglow uses it to cut regular expedition times in half.

Preparing for Aconcagua

Physical fitness and previous experience at high altitudes are essential to successfully climb Aconcagua. Alpenglow Expeditions requires participants to have prior experience at elevations of at least 18,000 feet. This ensures you’re familiar with the physical demands and challenges you’ll encounter on Aconcagua. Read the expedition overview to learn more about Alpenglow’s prerequisites for Aconcagua.

Need altitude experience? Consider joining us for one of our climbing schools in Ecuador or Peru. Either of these expeditions will add technical climbing skills, bolster your mountain sense, expose you to altitude, and adequately prepare you for an expedition to Aconcagua.

Why a Guided Expedition?

Experienced guides significantly improve your chances of reaching the summit and descending safely. Our guides and logistics team provide logistical support, including helicopter travel to/from base camp, expedition equipment, fresh, healthy food, and comprehensive medical support. Collectively, our guides have 100s of summits of Aconcagua, and so they understand the mountain’s challenges and intricacies. Read HERE about how Aconcagua launched the career of Esteban ‘Topo’ Mena, one of Alpenglow’s IFMGA-certified mountain guides, after climbing its extreme South Face.

Training and Fitness

Training for Aconcagua involves more than just cardio workouts. Focus on strength training for your legs, back, and core, as these muscles will bear the brunt of the trek. Regular hikes with a loaded backpack will also help your body get used to carrying the weight you’ll have on the mountain. It is also extremely important to have prior experience in the mountains up to 18,000′ (about 5,500 meters) to ensure that you have a solid understanding of how your body operates up high. For pre-expedition training, we partner with an in-house personal trainer who can get you fit for any goal in the mountains.

Curious if you’re ready? Check out our Road to Everest overview to understand our approach to climbing bigger and more challenging peaks, and click HERE to schedule a call with our team, where we can talk about your experience, goals, and ambitions in the mountains to decide what approach is best for you.