Aconcagua Provincial Park

By
Mick Donoff

I've laid out all my gear for the climbing of Aconcagua in the garage. I’m trying to visualize where I am
going . What will this place look like? There are summer to winter temperatures in just a few miles,
plains to high altitude starkness, comfort to discomfort in a few short days. What is this place all about?

Mount Aconcagua (6,962 meters 22,840 feet

above sea level) is located in the Argentine
Republic, province of Mendoza, within what is
called Aconcagua Provincial Park. The province is
situated in west-central Argentina. Those of us
who want to visit Aconcagua Park must go
through the capital of the province, also called
Mendoza, a modern region with an international
airport, all means of transportation, lodging, and
amenities. The city of Mendoza is well known
around the world for its wines (the wine industry
will be covered in another informational piece).

Aconcagua Provincial Park is one of the three

high-mountain parks in Mendoza province, along
with Tupungato volcano and Diamante lagoon. It
was created by Law 4807 on November 28, 1990.
The official season for visits goes from November
15 to March 15. A few meters from the first camp
and the international road, tourists can visit one
of the most exotic lagoons in the province of
Mendoza for its blue color and its cold
Map of South America, Argentina, and the Cerro
temperature. This lagoon is home to a wide range Aconcagua Mendoza Province.
of indigenous animals and wild plants.

Mount Aconcagua
Aconcagua is a preferred destination due to the physical and psychological demands it posses to
climbers. It is the highest mountain in the Southern Hemisphere and one of the most sought after in the
seven-thousand meter circuit. It is also special as an introduction to big heights since its elevation and
geographic and weather conditions constitute an ideal setting both for moderate demands and as
preparation for the more exacting challenges posed by the eight-thousand meter and other peaks in the
Himalayas.
The name Aconcagua, as with most Indian names, has generated controversy regarding its Spanish
meaning. The best known is Stone Sentinel, of Quechua origin. In the Quechua language the words
Akon (stone) and Kahuak (sentinel) gave birth to the name of the mountain. In the Aymara language
there are two terms: Kon and Kawa which mean snowed and mount respectively. Therefore, in this
language the name Aconcagua would translate as Snow-capped Mountain. Also known as the “Colossus
of America," Aconcagua is the goal of climbers from all the world as well as an attraction to thousands
of tourists every year who come enjoy its natural beauty and treasure the unique and magnificent
experience.

The Environment
The harsh weather conditions of the reserve are due to the altitude of the ecosystem. This explains its
low bio-diversity. However, the local animal and plant species are of special interest and show
outstanding adaptation to the altitude. They are found in the lower areas of the park, below 4,000
meters above sea level. The most common land
animals are the mountain rat and the red fox.
There are also large herds of guanacos and
European hares (animals on Aconcagua will be
covered in more detail in another informational
piece). The predominant vegetation are low
bushes, such as yellow firewood, yareta, and
goat horn, along with open pastures made up of
haecu’ and ichus.

There are over sixty varieties of birds that inhabit

the area (birds on Aconcagua will also be
Entrance to the Aconcagua Provincial Park, with some
covered in more detail in another informational
of the lush green vegetation that grew after an
unusual summer snow storm.
piece). I am looking forward to seeing the bird
population and adding to my check list of birds
sited. Among them, the most typical species are the condor and the purple eagle. Fertile plains and
streams are home to spotted sandpipers, churrines and a variety of duck called torrente.

Closing Thoughts
Wow what a place!! I’m now flooded with all types of feelings and emotions. I am looking forward to
seeing the beauty of the park, anxious over the challenge of climbing to the high altitude, dealing with
the cold weather and climate changes. What an adventure is ahead for all of us in the Dreams in Action
(DNA) group climbing Aconcagua.

Information for this informational piece was obtained mostly from

http://aconcaguaexpeditions.com/ingles/1/introduccion.htm