Geography
Argentina is one of South America’s largest countries, with a total land area of 2,766,890 square kilometres and 4,989 kilometres of coastline. It has borders with Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Paraguay and Uruguaya. Geographically, the country is very diverse, with vast areas of north eastern Argentina being dominated by the rich cattle-farming plains of the Pampas. To the south of the Rio Colorado lies the area known as Patagonia, which is mountainous in the west and cool, arid steppe-land in the east. The rugged Andes mountain range is the dominant topography along Argentina’s entire western border, effectively separating Argentina from Chile. Argentina’s range of climate varies from the cold and dry southeast to a subantarctic climate in the southwest. Further north, on the east side of the Andes, there are subtropical lowland areas with very hot summers, which are quite dry in the central districts around Mendoza and much wetter in the extreme north east.

The capital and largest city of Argentina is Buenos Aires. Argentina’s population is made up of 85% white, and 15% Mestizo, Indian and other non-white groups. The official language of Argentina is Spanish, but English, Italian, German and French are widely spoken. There is a considerable European influence in Buenos Aires, and throughout the rest of the country. Argentina’s population in 1995 was just over 34 millions. Lying at an altitude of 740 metres, Mendoza is one of the country’s most attractive cities. Visitors will find Mendoza to be clean and modern, comparable to any prosperous European city. It is Argentina’s fourth largest city, with a population of one million. It is a commercial, oil processing, wine producing and fruit farming centre. Mendoza is an oasis with many parks, gardens, sidewalk cafes, shade trees, as well as many fine stores and restaurants. The ambiance is more casual than in other Argentinian cities and during the hot summer days, shorts and t-shirts are the norm. There are very few incidents of violent crime, but it is always a good idea to be alert no matter where you travel. Mendoza is the home to the local alpine club, Club Andinista Mendoza, which features memorabilia of past Aconcagua climbs, and up-to-date information on mountain conditions. Also, in the middle of Mendoza’s tourist area, is Independencia Park - with its gardens, water fountains and local artisans who set up booths and display their goods each evening.

Time Zone
The time in Argentina is GMT -4 hours.

Climate
Aconcagua is located at 32 degrees 39 minutes south. The seasons are reversed in the Southern Hemisphere, and the best time of the year to climb the mountain is during the Southern Hemisphere summer - from December until early March. While Aconcagua is entirely within the Republic of Argentina, the Pacific Ocean is only 150 kms to the west. The mountain receives almost all of its bad weather from the moist winds which blow in from the west off the Pacific Ocean, but summer storms are relatively rare on Aconcagua and the sun shines for most of the climbing season.

Rough guide to temperatures December - February

Aconcagua
The Incas called the mountain Ancocahuac - the White Sentinel. At 6962 metres, Aconcagua is the highest summit in the Americas and the highest outside of Asia. The first ascent of the Normal Route was by Matthias Zurbriggen on January 14, 1897. Although the Normal Route has the reputation of being no more than a high-altitude walk, it took this first expedition a total of five attempts over six weeks before putting Zurbriggen on top. temple or shrine.

Currency
Argentina’s unit of currency is the Peso. As of February 2006, the exchange rates are:

£1 = 5.3 Pesos
$1 = 3.1 Pesos
€1 = 3.6 Pesos

It is not necessary to purchase Pesos currency outside the country. Your travel money should be carried in the form of cash or travellers cheques in US dollars. Credit and debit cards can be used to withdraw cash from ATMs in Buenos Aries and Mendoza. You can choose to draw in US dollars or Argentinian pesos and usually this will be at the most favourable rate of exchange though your bank may make a charge. Credit cards can also be used to purchase goods and at most restaurants in Buenos aries and Mendoza, and are particularly useful for more expensive souvenirs.

Visas
For entry into Argentina, you must have a full passport which has at least 6 months remaining validity. Citizens of the United Kingdom and nationals of the USA do not require a visa, if you intend to remain in Argentina for less than 90 days. A tourist card will be issued to all group members on arrival in Buenos Aries or Mendoza. Nationals of other countries should check the prevailing situation with the Argentina Consulate in their own country.

Vaccinations
You should visit your own doctor and dentist for a check-up prior to taking your trip to Argentina.
The following is a ROUGH GUIDE for immunization. (We must stress that this is only a basic guide to the most commonly required vaccinations for travel worldwide. You must seek and abide by the specific advice of your local doctor/medical professional).

(a) Polio (normally you will just need a booster.)
(b) Tetanus.
(c) Typhoid. A full course requires 2 injections separated by an interval of 4-6 weeks.
(d) Hepatitis (A) and (B).
(e) Rabies pre-exposure vaccination. Please refer to your doctor for advice on whether you need rabies pre-exposure vaccination. In the unlikely case of your being bitten, this vaccination does not eliminate the need for urgent evacuation to a suitable medical facility for additional treatment,. However, it does simplify that additional treatment and also prolongs the period that you can safely delay before receiving post-exposure treatment.

Given enough notice, your doctor will be able to administer all the above vaccinations.

Additional Sources of Information

Books
Aconcagua - A Climbing Guide. R.J. Secor. The Mountaineers.
Aconcagua - The Stone Sentinel - Perspectives of an Expedition. Thomas E. Taplin. Eli Ely Publishers.
South American Handbook. Passport Books.

Maps
Argentine Instituto Geografico Militar series:
Cerro Aconcagua. 1:50,000 scale. Catalog number 3369-7-4.
Las Cuevas. 1:50,000 scale. Catalog number 3369-13-2.
Puente del Inca. 1:50,000. Catalog number 3369-14-1.
Cerro Ameghino. 1:50,000. Catalog number 3369-8-3.

Available from:
Cordee. 3A De Montfort Street, Leicester. (tel. 0116 2543579).
Stanfords, 12-14 Long Acre, London. Covent Garden. WC2E 9LP. (Tel. 0207 836 1321).

Or order your copies via the KE website: www.keadventure.com and click on Stanfords logo on the links page.

Our trip dossiers/itineraries give details of books and maps that are specific to a particular trip. Click here for details of book and map retailers.

Web
Lonely PLanet - www.lonelyplanet.com
Rough Guides - www.roughguides.com