Aconcagua and the Southern Andes: Horcones Valley (Normal) and Vacas Valley (Polish Glacier) ascent routes

A guidebook to climbing 6962m Aconcagua in Argentina, the highest mountain in the Southern Hemisphere. Exploring the beautiful scenery of the Andes, the treks are suitable for fit, experienced walkers and mountaineers. The 12-day Normal (Horcones Valley) route and the 14-day Vacas Valley (Polish Glacier) route are both described, along with several acclimatisation treks in the Aconcagua, Vallecitos and Tupungato areas of the southern Andes and near Santiago in Chile. Sketch mapping is included Guidance on preparing for high-altitude mountaineering, acclimatisation and staying healthy Advice on permits, equipment, food and water, and hiring guides and mules Detailed information on accommodation and local facilities Things to do in Mendoza and Santiago, including information on local cuisine and wine tasting

Table of Contents:
Contents Index of maps and illustrations Map key Map of South America Area maps in this guide Aconcagua - Normal and Vacas Valley Routes Routes to the summit Summary of camps Summary comparison of Normal and Vacas Valley Routes Table of co-ordinates and elevations Foreword by Sebastian Tetilla Preface A note on the third edition Introduction The mountain in context Two trekking routes Location Geology Topography Maps and co-ordinates Wildlife History Climbing history Trekker/climber profiles Weather When to go Getting there Preparations Acclimatisation Guides and trekking companies Part 1 The ascent of Aconcagua Mendoza to Puente del Inca Mendoza The road to Puente del Inca Aconcagua routes The Normal Route The Vacas Valley Route Summit day The long walk out Other routes Part 2 Acclimatisation near Aconcagua, 
Vallecitos and the Maipo Volcano Treks in the Aconcagua area Puente del Inca and Los Penitentes A walk to the Statue of Cristo Redentor Horcones Valley to Plaza Francia Routes at Vallecitos Vallecitos Ski and Mountain Lodge Lomas Blancas (3850m) Cerro Vallecitos (5770m) The Maipo Volcano Part 3 The Tupungato area Tupungato The Andes' Great Mountain Tupungato routes Tupungato via Chile and Rio Colorado Tupungato Provincial Park Wilderness Trek to Friar's Col Part 4 The Santiago area Santiago Santiago City In and around Santiago Routes near Santiago El Morado Valley La Campana National Park El Plomo (5430m) Provincia and San Roman Appendix A Maps, guidebooks and further reading Appendix B Checklist of essential gear Appendix C Guides and mountain services Appendix D Accommodation and local facilities Appendix E South American cuisine Appendix F Wine tasting in Argentina and Chile Appendix G Spanish-English language notes