2. Aconcagua

• Highest mountain in South America
• Highest mountain in western hemisphere
• Has seen more than 100 deaths since records began
• Located on Chilean-Argentinian border
• First summited in 1897 by Mathias Zurbriggen
• 2^nd most prominent mountain in the world (6959m prominence)

Distance (base camp to summit): 7.5 miles.
Season: Late November to late February.
Estimated time to complete (days):  20 days on average.
Temperatures:  10f to -25F.
Altitude: 6959m/22,833ft.
Summit GPS Waypoints: S 32.39’ 02.2”, W 70.01’ 03.3”.
Required Gear: Down suit or down trousers and parka, 12-point crampons, oxygen tanks and mask (optional), ice axes(s), high-altitude gloves, down sleeping bag (rated to at least -20F), harness, belay device, ascender, ice screws, slings, carabiners, prusik cord, tent, rope.

Average Cost: $4,700
Difficulty: A non-technical climb by the standard route. The greatest difficulties are presented by the weather and the altitude.