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Record of the First Ascent of Aconcagua and Tupungato in Argentina

Peter Carter

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Published in The Highest Andes: A Record Of The First Ascent Of Aconcagua And Tupungato In Argentina And The Exploration Of The Surrounding Valleys

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Aconcagua, the highest mountain in the Americas, and Tupungato, its towering neighbor, have long captivated the imaginations of mountaineers. In 1897, a daring expedition led by the British climber Edward Fitzgerald set out to conquer these formidable peaks.

The Highest Andes: A record of the first ascent of Aconcagua and Tupungato in Argentina, and the exploration of the surrounding valleys

by Jonathan Kellerman

4 out of 5

Language	:	English
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This article presents a detailed account of their expedition, based on Fitzgerald's own written record. It offers a glimpse into the challenges they faced, the triumphs they celebrated, and the lasting legacy of their historic achievement.

The Expedition

Fitzgerald's expedition consisted of a team of experienced climbers, including the Swiss guide Matthias Zurbriggen and the Austrian climber Vittorio Sella. They arrived in Argentina in January 1897 and began their ascent of Aconcagua in February.

The climb proved to be arduous, with extreme cold, high winds, and treacherous ice conditions. After several grueling days, Fitzgerald and Zurbriggen finally reached the summit of Aconcagua on March 14, 1897, becoming the first people to conquer the mountain.

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After their triumph on Aconcagua, the expedition turned its attention to Tupungato. The climb was equally challenging, but Fitzgerald and Zurbriggen once again prevailed, reaching the summit on March 22, 1897.

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The Legacy

Fitzgerald's expedition remains a landmark in the history of mountaineering. It marked the first ascent of both Aconcagua and Tupungato, and established new standards for climbing at high altitudes.

The expedition also had a significant impact on the development of Argentina as a mountaineering destination. Fitzgerald's account of his adventures inspired future climbers to tackle the challenges of the Andes, and helped to establish Argentina as a world-renowned mountaineering destination.

The first ascent of Aconcagua and Tupungato by Fitzgerald's expedition is a testament to the human spirit of adventure and exploration. Their achievement stands as a reminder that even the most daunting challenges can be overcome with determination, skill, and perseverance.

The Highest Andes: A record of the first ascent of Aconcagua and Tupungato in Argentina, and the exploration of the surrounding valleys

by Jonathan Kellerman

4 out of 5