Argentina what is the name and height of the mountain. Mendoza mountains

The mountains of Argentina are surprisingly vividly fit into the local landscapes, aptly diluting exotic landscape designs with sharp peaks of chiseled massifs.

The contrasting beauty of the hills is complemented by their outstanding uniqueness, nuances of climate and geological factors.

That is why the peaks have always attracted the attention of numerous scientists who want to get to know the Argentine giants better. The rocky massifs of the Andes are not only considered the longest mountain system on the planet, but also shock numerous tourists with an incredible height ( average height mountains exceed 4 km above sea level).

Graceful heights stretch picturesquely across the lands of seven countries, the continent is literally covered with sharp-nosed peaks. They are also for South America a central climatic barrier, protecting against weather influences The Pacific.

The highest representative of the legendary - Aconcagua, whose "height" reaches 7000 meters, is located in the catchy Argentina, being one of the national symbols country.

Geological structure and relief, memorable facts

Argentine peaks are classified as revived mountains, erected by new uplifts on the site of the Andean fold belt. The mountain ranges of the Andes are an uncommon system of alpine folding, the conception of the formation of which dates back to the distant Jurassic period.
For the design, there is naturally a large number of so-called troughs, which have the form of a standard depression with a trough-shaped transverse profile, a spacious bottom and steeply concave sides. Subsequently, deep valleys were completely filled with thick layers of sedimentary and volcanic rocks.

Mineral resources of the mountains of Argentina

An arsenal of ores and surprises with a vast number of elements, the Andes are rich in many rocks, including:
Vanadium is a plastic object of silvery color;
tungsten is a durable steel-colored element;
bismuth is a shiny silver object;
zinc is a brittle metal with a bluish tint;
arsenic is a greenish semi-metal.
In the foredeeps of the Argentine mountain points oil and gas are also produced. In weathering crusts, it is easy to find entire deposits of bauxite, the most important aluminum ore, which is the basis of virtually the entire world industry for creating objects from "winged metal".

Orography, climatic nuances of the southern Andes

The next region of mountain peaks is officially divided into two parts - north and south. If the first component of the Andes belongs to the Chilean-Argentinean, then the second to the Patagonian, which also connect the two states.
The climate is subtropical; the slopes are humidified by winter cyclones. Moving south, large amounts of precipitation increase violently on the slopes of the western side of the mountains.

Summers on the territory of the bright peaks are dry, without a particularly large amount of precipitation, while winters, on the other hand, are rather humid. Seasonal air temperatures, continental climate change with distance from the ocean depths.

When moving to the southern side of the peaks, the former climate is gently replaced by the humid oceanic environment of temperate latitudes. The amount of precipitation is increasing (up to 6,000 mm per year), for almost the whole year the south is shrouded in heavy rains, the coasts are always covered with a dense veil of fog, the sea is steadily raging.

The eastern slopes have more arid areas of residence, average temperature in summer it is no more than 16C, in winter - 2-8C. Tierra del Fuego has a humid climate formed by powerful westerly winds.
Flora, altitudinal zonality

The varied magic of the plant component of the mountain ranges is amazing, because in the Andes, you can easily find many bright representatives of the flora, interesting variations of the soil. This fact is due to the height of the mountains, due to which the degree of moisture content of the slopes changes.

Argentinean peaks are home to cinchona, tobacco, coca and many other beneficial plants that are often exploited by the inhabitants of the entire globe. Also on the lands of the picturesque Andes, the beloved potato and tomato were first discovered.
Altitude zoning surprises with precise clarity, experts distinguish only three belts:
Tierra Caliente
Tierra Fria.
Tierra Elada.
"Thiera" is translated from Spanish as "earth", "caliente" - "warm", "fria" - "cold", "elada" - "frosty". The richness of the language clearly emphasized the climatic conditions of each section of the mountains.

The lower layer of mountain ranges is generously strewn with equatorial jungles and forests. They are characterized by many amazing palms, ficuses, bananas. Also on the territory of tropical forests there are quite a lot of bamboo, large-scale subspecies of tree-like fern.

Slightly higher tall trees are replaced by shorter representatives of the class, neat shrubs. Epiphytes, lianas, and also oaks are found literally at every step.
At the very top, the vegetation is predominantly xerophytic. Flora of this kind is prone to frequent droughts and easily tolerates the absence of life-saving moisture. Mossy bogs are also common, and the steep slopes have a lifeless landscape of rocky spaces.

Fauna and fauna of the Argentine mountains

Among the animals that inhabit the proud peaks, there are amazing representatives of the class of the animal world, bearing names that are unusual for a European:
Spectacled bear;
deer poodu;
blue fox;
vicuna.
Also on the territory of the mountains there are charming alpacas, fluffy chinchillas, charming sloths. Nimble hummingbirds, known for their tiny size, flutter in bamboo thickets, monkeys rest imposingly on vines.
In total, there are about 550 different breeds of mammals in the Andes, over 1500 subtypes of birds and 300 species of freshwater fish. The numbers are inaccurate, because it is impossible to fully study all the wonders of the tropical forests, even the most meticulous botanists are not able to get acquainted with all the representatives of the flora of the mysterious lands.

Information about some mountains of Argentina

Obviously, many representatives of the Argentinean hills need special attention, because each mountain has its own impeccable nuances of the structure. In addition, it is on the territory of Argentina that the highest components of the magical Andes are located.
Among the world-famous representatives of the Argentinean heights are the following peaks:
Monte Pissis - 6 793 m;
Cerro Bonete - 6,761 m;
Mercedario - 6,722 m;
Tupungato - 6 568 m;
Cerro Solo - 6,203 m.
And this is far from full list various mountains and volcanoes located in the exotic country of Argentina.

Aconcagua is a member of the Seven Summits Club

The height of this beauty exceeds 6,960 m above sea level. The mountain is located in the provincial town of Mendoza, which is located just 15 kilometers from the cordon with the neighboring state of Chile.

The proud member of the Seven Summits Club, occupying the second position in the leading top of the world's giants, is located in the central part of the Andes. The mountain arose from a sharp collision of two lithospheric plates, Aconcagua has volcanic roots, although it is not a volcano itself.
Climbers call the mountain quite easily from the technical side of the ascent, if they choose the northern slope of the peak as their route. However, the destructive effect of altitude is felt; extreme climbers often stop climbing due to severe symptoms of altitude sickness.

Ojos del Salado - volcanic record holder

There are several variations of the translations of the name. highest volcano Earth, according to the first, the name of the Argentine giant means "salty eyes", another theory calls dormant volcano"Through the eyes of the desert."
The height of the stratovolcano reaches 6 893 m, the desert landscapes of the hot Atakma stretch to the west, and a lake is located on the eastern slope in the depths of the crater. Since 1993, Ojos del Salado has not shown any signs of activity, with only a few sulfur emissions.

The first ascent was made by a brave duet of Polish climbers, who also discovered the remains of sacrificial altars on the top. Experts suggest that the Incas considered the mountain sacred.
It is possible to conquer the sharp peak of the old volcano even with the help of a car. This fact was proven in 2007 by a Chilean athlete who managed to climb a steep slope thanks to a modified Suzuki SJ.

Llullaillaco is the highest active volcano

The complex name, which is almost impossible to pronounce the first time, is not the only characteristic feature of the high mountain. A sharp-nosed summit with an icy peak is located in the Atacama Desert, the driest place in the world.

There are several assumptions that explain the history of the name of the volcano, both are related to the intricacies of ancient languages. The mysterious word lullu for the Quechua people was translated as "water that cannot be found." For people from the Aymara clan, the expression meant "a soft substance that later hardens."

The painstaking process of formation took place in 2 evolutionary stages, initially a wide cone was formed, the upper part of which collapsed about 170 thousand years ago. The second stage meant the natural birth of a new small cone, on the territory of which there were numerous “domes”.
The fame of the old volcano is provoked by another interesting fact, in 1999, mummified bodies were found at the summit. Experts believe that children (two girls, one boy) were part of an act of sacrifice performed by the Incas about 500 years ago.

The existing list of "Seven Summits" second place after the highest point on the planet of the Asian Chomolungma is given to Mount Aconcagua, geographical coordinates which is 32 ° 39 "11" south latitude and 70 ° 00 "44" west longitude. The mountain, under the jurisdiction of the state of Argentina, in the center of the Andean Cordillera, has absolute height 6,962 meters (22,841 feet).

Climbing Aconcagua

Being the main attraction of the national park of the same name in Argentina, the volcano Aconcagua, which has been inactive for a long time, attracts climbers and athletes from all over the world. Moreover, 75% of tourists are foreign citizens, among which the leaders are Americans, Germans, British. The inhabitants of Argentina make up 25% of all travelers reaching this height.

Interesting fact. The idea to conquer the highest mountains of all continents, including the peak of Aconcagua, led to the creation of the "Seven Summits Club". The statistics of the conquerors indicate a large age range for height lovers. The youngest to climb Aconcagua was ten-year-old American Matthew Monitz (2008). The oldest was his compatriot Scott Lewis (2007), who turned 87 years old. The first woman to reach this height was the representative of France, Adrienne Bunce (1940).

Most climbers follow the classic route called the Normal Route or the Polish Glacier Route. The following stations stand out along the path of the classic ascent:

Interesting fact. The Plaza de Mulas base area provides travelers with an art gallery with an exhibition of the works of the Argentine artist and sculptor Miguel Doura, located above all galleries of world importance.

From point of view technical features climbing to the top is not considered difficult. But taking into account climatic differences in height and a careful attitude to well-being requires special attention. To overcome some conditions, the climber must have equipment that helps prevent injuries, diseases:

  • Internal clothing should have 2 main characteristics, namely, it should help to retain body heat and be breathable, evacuating excess moisture.
  • The top layer should be waterproof, windproof, breathable. It is important to remember that the body loses 30% of its heat from the surface of the head, so good warm hats and balaclavas are required. A jacket or overalls at very low temperatures should be filled with down or special fibers.
  • Shoes must be suitable for the purpose of use: stable on mountain climbs and warm.
  • A preventive measure, not an aesthetic one, is the presence of a high coefficient sunscreen, lip balm, glasses, since solar radiation and low temperatures can cause serious damage to the skin and eyes.

How to get to the mountain

21 airlines operate flights from Moscow to Buenos Aires with transfers. Below are the most economical options.

From the bus station of the city of Mendoza (Terminal del Sol Mendoza), located 183 kilometers from the national park, buses of route 7 of the transport organization "BUTTINI" leave three times daily. Time taken - 4 hours. The fare is 2 USD.

Travel companies offer a transfer for about 280 USD for one-way delivery with luggage. In this case vehicle takes you directly to the storage room, where things unnecessary when lifting are handed over. By agreement with the travel agency, equipment is transported using mules.

Tourist route and prices

To climb Aconcagua, an official personal permit (permit) is required, which is issued by the Department of the city of Mendoza. The Visitor Center is located at 1143 San Martin, 1st Floor. Opening hours:

  • Monday - Friday - 8: 00-18: 00,
  • weekend and holidays – 8:00-3:00,
  • outside the official season - 8: 00-13: 00.

In order to avoid standing in line, it is better to use the official website in advance. National park Aconcagua, register and fill out the form to pay for the permit. You can only pay in Argentina in cash (pesos). Having provided a passport and a receipt for payment, the tourist fills out the documents that provide for all the risks associated with climbing the frozen Aconcagua volcano. The climber is warned about responsibility for non-observance of the climbing rules.

At the time of issuing a permit, tourists stay at the hotel Mendoza or Penitentsa / Punta del Inca. The cost of a double room per night is USD 30 per person.

After obtaining a permit, it is necessary to present it several times at three basic points: Confluence, Plaza de Mulas, Nido de Condores. In the permit form, a note is also made about the passage of a medical examination in these camps.

Travel advice. Despite the fact that the physical examination is a voluntary matter, it is recommended to undergo compulsory examination. In case of health problems above Plaza de Mulas, a person is transported by helicopter free of charge, subject to medical examination notes. In the absence of the fact of inspection - at the expense of the tourist.

The duration of the expedition (the validity of the permit) is up to 21 days, according to average statistics, the participants stay on the route for 15 days. The cost of the rise depends on the season, the presence of an escort. The table provides details of travel agents authorized by the Government of Mendoza.

Plaza de Mulas is a small town with modern infrastructure, convenient for athletes, fans of visiting local cafes. Here the tourist receives a numbered reddish natural bag, which is also rented out upon exiting. This is necessary as there are no public toilets above this level. Most of the climbers stop at this point for acclimatization.

Nutrition

To understand in which country Aconcagua is located, you need to try local cuisine... Urban cafe settlements will offer real Argentine steaks and rich red Malbec wine. Dinner or lunch at the restaurant costs 20 USD - 30 USD.

If you order food from the local population, the cost of breakfast-lunch-dinner will be USD 100 - USD 120.

Organized groups, during the ascent to the top, carry out the cooking process under the supervision of a guide. Food and water are purchased in advance. The number of products is calculated for a certain number of days. The following meals are preferred:

  • Drinks include tea, coffee, mate. A person should consume 3-5 liters of liquid daily to facilitate acclimatization. Low-calorie juices and carbonated drinks should be avoided. Alcoholic drinks are prohibited.
  • A supply of water is required. At the beginning of the route there is Lake Horcones, the last place with clear water.
  • Crackers, candy, bread, cereals should be well sealed.
  • Canned tuna or sardines, ham, dinner dishes: noodles, potatoes, instant rice.
  • To replenish energy, dried fruits, sweets, cereal bars are stored.

Having reached Cumbre (the highest point of the mountain), climbers look at the world from the height of one of the most significant peaks on the world map.

The tallest batholith on earth (a large intrusive massif of igneous rock) is located in Argentina. It is the highest point in South America and the southern and western hemispheres.

Where is Mount Aconcagua located? Why is it called that? Everything related to this natural miracle will be briefly described in this article.

General information: origin, location

The massif arose in the process of collision of two tectonic plates: South American and Nazca.

The mountain is located in the Main Cordillera (in the center of the Andes - the High Andes). The massif is bounded in the north and east mountain range Valle de las Vacas, and in the west and south - Valle de los Orcones Inferior.

There are many glaciers on the mountain, the largest of them are located on the eastern and northeastern (Polish Glacier) parts.

The location of the mountain is the territory of the Aconcagua National Park. 32.65 degrees south latitude and 70.02 west longitude, respectively - the coordinates of Mount Aconcagua.

Midwest Argentina - the location of a mountain surrounded by several neighboring, no less interesting, mountain peaks... All of them attract the attention of many climbers and tourists (over 10,000 per year).

Description of surroundings

Steep mountains with a small amount of greenery surround the gorge leading to the famous national park, and then to the Chilean border. At the entrance to the park, you can still see some vegetation, but there is practically no further. In this regard, it may seem that the landscapes here are rather boring. However, the fantastic, gorgeous colors of the surrounding peaks fully compensate for the lack of greenery (trees, flowers and other vegetation).

The mountain slopes have a wide variety of colors: reds, golds and even greens. It all looks amazingly beautiful.

The height of Mount Aconcagua is 6962 m. For climbers, this mountain is technically relatively easy, especially its northern slopes. In any case, the effect of altitude is noticeable almost everywhere, since at the very summit the atmospheric pressure is about 40% of the pressure at sea level.

In 1991, the minimum time for passing the route was recorded - 5 hours 45 minutes.

The emergence of the name

There is no exact origin of the name of the mountain. It is believed that it arose from the Araucanian language (translated "from the other side of the Aconcagua River"). Another version is the origin of the name from Ackon Cahuak, which means "stone guard".

What attracts tourists to Mount Aconcagua?

All lovers of romance and travel will find something to their liking here. Regular hikers can go on an interesting trekking day, while professional climbers can try climbing the more challenging South Slopes of Aconcagua along any of the many routes.

Aconcagua is part of the Seven Summits program (these are the highest points of all continents).

Climbing the classic route to the summit is easy even for non-professional climbers. There is enough for climbing and other beautiful neighboring peaks, also interesting.

The magnificent surrounding nature will be interesting for recreation for people who are not very interested in mountaineering.

Climatic conditions

Mount Aconcagua is the highest peak, so the weather is often bad here. Cloudy is often observed. It should be noted that abrupt and frequent weather changes are characteristic of these places. A clear sunny day can turn into a very windy and unpleasantly cloudy day at any time.

The scariest moment and the most notorious phenomenon in these places is Viento Blanco (white wind). This rather terrible phenomenon is usually preceded by the appearance of clouds (loose, like cotton wool, and constantly changing shape) over the highest peaks. This means that a terrible storm with strong winds and an unexpected significant drop in temperature may soon break out. A heavy snowfall usually occurs immediately after a storm. Such cataclysms usually come from the western direction.

Another of the most common weather conditions is a clear day with cool clean air but strong winds. This kind of weather is the most stable, therefore it is the most successful for making summits.

Mount Aconcagua can please with warm, sunny, good weather conditions which usually persist for a long time. How lucky.

In conclusion, some interesting facts

Due to the fact that Mount Aconcagua is considered relatively easy to climb (northern route), no pitches, ropes or other climbing equipment are required.

The first to conquer this peak in 1897 was Edward Fitzgerald (Briton).

The youngest climber to reach the summit of Aconcagua in December 2008 is 10-year-old Monitz Matthew, and the oldest (87 years old) is Scott Lewis (2007).

The French were the first to conquer the South Wall. It was a hard struggle for life for several days. On this campaign, young Lucien Berardini helped his comrades, eventually losing the phalanges of his fingers.

Mount Aconcagua is located in Argentina and is the most high point mountain system Andes, which runs across the continent of South America.

The peak reaches 6960 meters in height. At the same time, the mountain is considered one of the most accessible for climbing among the highest peaks in the world. Every year hundreds of climbers conquer the summit of Aconcagua, climbing one of 3 routes.

You should know

  • The mountain is located on the territory of the National Park of the same name. To get into it, tourists must purchase a special pass in Mendoza (the cost varies depending on the season).
  • Climbing for a sporty person with some mountaineering experience will not be difficult at all. You just need to find a guide and set aside about two weeks for the trip (this is how much time it will take to conquer the peak).

When to visit?

Due to the nearby Pacific Ocean (only 150 kilometers away), the region's weather is known for its variability and unpredictability. They often blow very often here. strong winds and the temperature at the top can reach -25 degrees. In this regard, it is better to choose the period from December to March to visit Aconcagua.

How to get there?

A bus leaving from Mendoza will take you almost to the very foot of the mountain. His path will lie across the road linking the Andes and the Chilean center of Santiago.

Do not miss!

Besides mountaineering, this part of Argentina has a lot to offer tourists.

  • Go to observation deck near the Horcones lagoon and enjoy the view of the mountain that opens from there.
  • Go on an excursion in the highlands of the Andes and explore Mount Alta Montana. The route starts from the city of Mendoza. First you need to climb up the slopes where the vineyards grow (the main wine-growing region of the country is located here). Then, when the fertile meadows and pastures with their lush vegetation are left behind, walk along deep valleys with mountain streams and bizarre rocks.
  • Explore the unique natural monument... Not far from Los Penitentes (winter ski resort located at an altitude of 2700 meters) is the main local attraction - the Inca Bridge. Nature created it from stone and laid it across a river called Las Cuevas. It is noteworthy that the bridge has an unusual golden-copper hue due to the high percentage of minerals contained in the water.
  • Book interesting day or daily excursions to camps and huts below the snow line if you look in National park Aconcagua. It is placed slightly above the bridge.

Mount Aconcagua - Mendoza, Argentina

Mount Aconcagua

Argentina

Mount Aconcagua(6962 m above sea level) is located in the Republic of Argentina. Its coordinates are 59´ 69 ° West longitude and 32 ° 39´ South latitude, within the so-called Provincial Park of Mount Aconcagua, in the province of Mendoza.
This province is located in the center of Western Argentina, with an area of ​​150.839 square kilometers. The capital - Mendoza, is located at an altitude of 750 meters above sea level and who wants to visit the Aconcagua Mountains park must go through Mendoza. Mendoza is world renowned for the production of quality wines, mainly Malbec, produced in Lujan de Cuyo, which is considered one of the best in the world. Mendoza, very modern city, where there is international Airport, all types of transport and hotels, with a capacity of more than 15,000 seats.

Climatic conditions, landscape, arouse great interest of climbers to Aconcagua, requiring physical and psychological preparation. This is the most high mountain in the Southern Hemisphere and one of the most demanded in the chain of 7-thousandth peaks (sietemil). Due to its geographical and climatic conditions, the ascent to Aconcagua is the best preparation for conquering more high peaks, 8 thousandths, such as in the Himalayas.

Colossus of America is a dream, a goal of climbers from all over the world. Sports interest and the desire to contemplate the splendor, an amazing creation of nature, attracts thousands of people every year.

Cerro Aconcagua Provincial Park is one of three Mendoza highland parks, located next to the Tupungato Volcano and the Diamond Lagoon. It was created by Act No. 4807, November 28, 1990, within the 71,000 hectares of the department of Las Heras. The official opening of the season for visiting the park is from 15 November to 15 March.

The harsh climate in the Park depends on an increased ecosystem and low rainfall, therefore the biodiversity is low. However, the species of animals and plants that inhabit this place are of particular interest, demonstrating remarkable adaptations to life at altitude, concentrating in the lower part of the park (up to 4000 meters above sea level). The dominant type of flora is low steppe shrubs such as, Yellow wood ”, Yareta”, Goat horn ”, together with large meadows such as, Yeku” and, Koirones ”.

In addition, more than 60 species of birds live. The most typical species are Condor and Eagle. Land animals are mountain mice, snipe and red foxes, the predominant species of amphibians and reptiles characteristic of the highlands.

The mountain plains and streams are home to birds such as Cholos, Churines and the Del Torrente ducks. There are also large herds of Guanacos, chased by the dangerous Puma predator. Exotic and well-adapted animals in the area are the abundant wild European hares.

A few meters from the first point of Rangers Park and the international road, you can visit one of the most exotic places in the province of Mendoza - Laguna, bluish color and characteristic temperature of the highlands, where many typical animals of this area are concentrated and many different wild plants grow.