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

Jim Ryan is a chartered civil engineer with a passion for the outdoors, who has had several successful guidebooks and one work of fiction published. He has a particular interest in geology and a love of mountains. Aconcagua made a significant impression on him on his first journey there, with an expedition in 1999, and he returned on two further expeditions.