Aconcagua, at 6,961 metres, is the highest mountain in the Western Hemisphere and the highest outside Asia — a fact that draws climbers and trekkers from around the world. It lies about 112 kilometres northwest of Mendoza city within Aconcagua Provincial Park, accessible via the RN7 highway through the Uspallata Valley toward the Chilean border.
For serious mountaineers, the Normal Route is the standard ascent — technically straightforward but demanding in terms of acclimatisation time, typically requiring 17 to 22 days round trip from the base camp at Plaza de Mulas (4,370m). Permits are required and must be obtained in Mendoza before heading to the mountain. Several specialist agencies in Mendoza city handle the logistics.
For non-climbers, the lower sections of the Aconcagua Provincial Park are accessible as day walks or short treks from the roadside. The view of the peak from the valley below is itself impressive, particularly in winter when the snow cover is at its maximum. The village of Puente del Inca, a natural mineral-encrusted arch near the base of the access road, is a worthwhile stop en route.