ACONCAGUA

ARGENTINA / 6961m

Bar Everest, this is the highest of the Seven Summits and the tallest peak outside of Asia, where tectonic collision has created monsters and time has yet to wear them down. Despite its mighty stature, Aconcagua is still quite achievable by those with fitness and tolerance for thin air.

The most common route up follows the north-west ridge and is, effectively, a hard walk. There are no technical sections, so you don’t need climbing skill. But that doesn’t mean it’s easy. Any physical work at height is demanding and altitude affects people

in different ways. If you’re happy to bear a heavy load over distance, and love the mountains enough even to appreciate a steady plod, then you’re onto a winner.

The Andes mountain range is about 4500 miles long and you’ll be on the highest point of it, looking down on a range that stretches the entire length of South America. Unless you’re very skilled, experienced and have the lightest kit available, you’ll want to join an expedition. They can provide load hauling and camps all the way up, as well as experience of typical difficulties at altitude.