Hiking Aconcagua: Tackling the Highest Peak in South America

A part of the Andes mountain range, Aconcagua is the highest mountain outside of Asia and, at 22,841 feet, is the highest mountain in both the Southern and Western Hemispheres.

Brad Fain, CEO of Fain Signature Group in Prescott Valley, and fellow hikers Mark Peterson and Sean Fain began their journey up the mountain on February 5, 2020 with their two guides, Argentinian Gustavo, and American Will. Their journey started, however, long before that first step in February. Months of preparation were involved to be prepared for this journey as anyone who hikes this mountain must be prepared for several days of strenuous exercise and be ready to carry a 33-45 pound pack.

The crew also learned that gear was to be an important part of this journey. “My wife took one look at me in my down jacket and said ‘You look like Kenny’” said Brad Fain as he described some of the gear he’d need. Brad went on to describe the layers of clothing he would need and the different types needed as the hike started in a hot moist climate then cool as elevation levels rose; finishing at the peak with temperatures averaging around zero degrees (before the wind chill!).

The trio began their trek up the mountain on February 5th. At the end of the first day Brad shared “Day one complete. 8.8 mile trek. Hot and rocky. Team is glad to be moving finally. Tomorrow we get to see Aconcagua for the first time.”

On February 16th, twelve days after they set out, the team summited the Aconcagua at 22,841 feet!

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