Mount Aconcagua – Highest in South America

Aconcagua was by far the hardest mountain so far.  At almost 23,000 feet (and without oxygen of course), this trip took almost 3 weeks to complete.  Starting out in Mendoza, Argentina, we endured almost 10 days above 14,000 base camp and several nights at almost 20,000 feet (higher than Kilimanjaro).  Though not difficult from a technical perspective, it was so difficult that only 6 of the original 10 climbers were able to summit.  One of the strongest and youngest members of the group had to be airlifted out at the 14,000 foot basecamp due to altitude sickness and others either had to return due to health reasons or to be turned around.  The final 3,000 feet on summit day involved taking as many as 15 breaths for 3 steps. View photos here.