The Andes, or as the Andean Cordilleras are also called, is one of the longest mountain systems of our planet. In the largest oceanic watershed, the majestic Amazon and its tributaries begin their journey across the South American continent. The mountain range, bordering Latin America from the north and west, passes through the territory of 7 countries. We will go to the southern part of the western hemisphere to find out what is the highest mountain in Argentina. And at the end of the article you will see the highest peaks of the country on the map.
10
Incahuasi 6 638 m
One of the highest volcanoes in the world has two peaks truncated by calderas. The caldera is 3.5 kilometers wide.
The Incas considered the Incahuasi sacred, and therefore arranged sacred places on its slopes. Archaeologists find multiple altars where rites of initiation and sacrifice were performed. Easy accessibility makes the mountain popular among tourists, and frequent excursions are organized at the foot of Inkahuasi.
Climbings are made to the volcano, and climbers know that the most difficult route passes along the northwestern slope of Inkuasi.
9
Casadero (Cazadero). 6 658 m
Locals call this mountain Cazadero, and on world geodetic maps it is marked as Walter Penk, in honor of the famous Austrian geographer.
Penk first conducted research here, studying the geology, flora and fauna of a deserted area. Casadero is surrounded by other peaks, which is why climbers for a long time did not pay attention to the mountain.
To start the ascent, it is necessary to warn the rescue services, since the mountain is located far from civilization, and at the top strong winds blow, and there is a possibility of avalanches.
8
Cerro Tipas 6 668 m
In the north-west of Argentina, there is a massive volcano, which is the third largest in the world.
On the cards you can find other names - Cerro Casadero or Cerro Walter Penk. It is composed of lava deposits, domes and several smaller stratovolcanoes. It is believed that the last time was erupted powerfully during the Holocene, but in 1991 fumarole activity was recorded.
It is easiest to climb the summit on the eastern slope, and the first time Cerro Tipas was conquered at the beginning of the twentieth century by the Swiss Walter Penk.
7
Mercedario (Mercedario). 6 720 m
In the ridge of the Cordillera de la Ramada above the summit of Mercedario, only the sky. In Chile, it is known by the name La Liga (not to be confused with the name of the Spanish Football League).
The 8th highest Andes mountain rises above the picturesque expanses of the province of San Juan. Around the foot stretches the expanses of Pampa del Leosito, and from the surrounding roads offer beautiful views of the snow-capped mountain peak.
For the first time, Polish climbers Adam Karpinsky and Victor Ostrovsky visited the summit in 1934. The rest of the participants were waiting for colleagues in the base camp, and provided them with security.
6
Llullaillaco. 6 739 m
On the high plateau of Pune de Atacama is perhaps the most famous mountain in Latin America. In ancient times, a beautiful volcano was revered as a deity, and became famous throughout the world in 1999.
This year, three children's graves were discovered on the slopes of the mountain: girls 4 and 13 years old and a boy about 5 years old. It was found that about 500 years ago they were sacrificed. Want thebiggest.ru to write about the most unusual graves? Write about this in the comments.
The mountain is located in Chile, and the eastern slope invades Argentina. In addition to archaeological value, it is also unique in that it runs the highest snow line on planet Earth.
5
Tras-Cruces-Sur (Nevado Tres Cruces). 6 749 m
The two highest peaks of the Nevado Tres Cruces mountain range, which lies on the border of Chile and Argentina.
The volcanic massif extends for 12 km, and consists of four peaks covered with glaciers. In the twentieth century, the national park in Chile was named after Tras-Cruces-Sur.
Hiking trails are laid along the slopes and at the foot, on which tourists can easily admire the magnificent mountain landscapes of the majestic and powerful Andes.
4
Cerro Bonete 6 759 m
The fourth highest mountain of the South American continent is located at the very border of two provinces - La Rioja and Catamarca. Peak Cerro Bonet is located at an altitude of 6,759 m above sea level.
Like most peaks of the Andes, the mountain is covered with snow, and December, January and February, that is, the summer of the Southern Hemisphere, are considered the best months for climbing.
She was submissive to climbers relatively recently, only in 1971 a group of three climbers managed to hoist the flag on top of the mountain.
3
Monte Pissis (Monte Pissis). 6 795 m
The mountain peak rising above the province of La Rioja got its name in 1885. And it is named after the famous French geologist Pedro Jose Amadeo Pisa, who worked for the government of Chile.
Around the extinct volcano is the Atacama Desert, and therefore snow at the top can be observed only in the winter months. Monte Pissis is part of the widest Central Asian Highlands. At the widest point, mountain ranges extend over 750 km.
The first time the summit was submitted in 1937 to the climbers from Poland Stefan Osiecki and Jan Schepansky.
By the way, there is a very informative article about the highest mountain peaks of the planet on thebiggest.ru.
2
Ojos del Salado (Ojos del Salado). 6 893 m
The second highest mountain peak in Argentina is still on the list of the highest volcanoes on the planet. And it is located on the very border of neighboring states - Chile and Argentina.
To the west of its slopes are the vast expanses of the Atacama Desert. But on the eastern slope of the massive mountain, at an altitude of 6,390 m, the waters of the highest mountain lake are splashing. The cone-shaped volcano is considered extinct, since it has never been active during the entire observation period.
Archaeological research has shown that the mountain was considered sacred to the Incas. During ascents, climbers find their places of worship and places of sacrifice.
1
Aconcagua 6,962 m
Rounding out our list is the tallest and largest mountain in this South American country with the romantic name Akongagua.
In Quechua, the name of the mountain means White Guard, and the Aymara Indians call it Snow Mountain. But the people of Argentina unofficially refer to it as the "Ear of America." The slopes and peaks are covered with snow, and the mountain itself is comfortably located in the central part of the Andes.
The first ascent was made in 1897 by Swiss climber and mountain guide Matthias Zurbriggen. This is the highest peak outside of Asia, and is rightfully included in the climbing list "Seven Peaks".
Summarize
And here is the map of Argentina, on which we marked all the highest peaks described in this article.
Almost all the mountains of Argentina exceed the mark of 6,000 m, and only the ancient caldera of the extinct volcano Cerro Galan rises above the expanses of the South American country at an altitude of 5,912 m. The last time it erupted more than 2.2 million years ago, when the ancient ancestors on the other side of the Atlantic people have just begun to master the upright posture and make primitive tools.
Posted by Valery Skiba