Mendoza - Buenos Aires and the Best of Argentina - page 403

bridge is Los Puquios , a cemetery dedicated to
those who lost their lives climbing Aconcagua.
The Parque Provincial Aconcagua is also
on Route 7. It was founded on July 29, 1983 to
preserve the flora, fauna and archaeological
remains of the area surrounding Mt.
Aconcagua and covers an area of 175,440 acres.
The landscape, beautiful in a rugged way, is
barren and threatening, with vegetation con-
centrated along the river banks. Snowdrifts,
glaciers and lakes have formed along the slopes
of the mountains, which range from 3,900 to
nearly 7,000 meters (12,800-22,960 feet) above
sea level. Guanacos and foxes roam the park,
while falcons, eagles and condors patrol the
skies. A permit is required to visit the park and
should be obtained from the subsecretary of
tourism in Mendoza before you leave the city.
Three- to 15-day permits are issued. Trekking
arrangements, including hiring guides and
mule teams can be made in Puente del Inca.
At over 21,000 feet above sea level, the north-
ern peak of Aconcagua is considered a must by
serious climbers. In 1897 Matías Zurbriggen
became the first to climb Aconcagua. Hundreds
follow his brave example every summer.
Aconcagua's southern peak reaches 5,933
meters (19,460 feet). The park is home to the
highest permanent mountain refuge in the
world, Refugio Independencia , at 6,500 feet
above sea level. The highest hotel in the world
is also nearby, the Hotel Refugio Plaza de
Mulas.