Guide to climbing 6962m Aconcagua in Argentina, the highest mountain in the Southern Hemisphere (and in the world, excluding Asia). Suitable for fit experienced mountaineers, both the 12-day Normal (Horcones Valley) route and the 14-day Vacas Valley (Polish Glacier) route are described, along with several other treks in the Southern Andes in the Aconcagua, Vallecitos and Tupungato areas and near Santiago in Chile.

• Ascent of Aconcagua requires little technical expertise, but climbers must acclimatise to the altitude and to the cold
• Advice on permits, preparing for high-altitude mountaineering, equipment, food and water, hiring guides and mules, acclimatisation and staying healthy
• Overview information, route description and tips drawn from the author's wealth of experience
• Other treks include ascents of Tupungato, the Maipo Volcano and El Plomo
• Background notes on geology, history, culture and wildlife
• Things to do in Mendoza and Santiago, including information on local cuisine and wine tasting