Aconcagua and Other Large Mountains

Argentina has some of the tallest mountains in the world, including the tallest mountain in the Western Hemisphere (shown in the picture). This mountain is Aconcagua. Even though Argentines call it Cerro Aconcagua ("Aconcagua Hill"), it stands at 22,841 feet. Imagine one Mount Timpanogos on top of another and that is about how tall Aconcagua is! It is located in the west of Argentina, near the border with Chile in the province of Mendoza. One has to travel far into the Andes to see it, as there as many mountains in front of it that block Aconcagua from view.

After Aconcagua, Argentina has many other very tall mountains that form parts of the Andes range. Monte Pissis (22,293 feet), Cerro Bonete (22,175 feet), Incahuasi (21,719 feet) and Mercedario (20,570 feet) follow Aconcagua as Argentina's tallest mountains. Argentina also shares many tall peaks with its neighbor on the west, Chile. Ojos del Salado (22,615 feet), Llullaillaco (22,109 feet), and Tupungato (21,555) are examples of such mountains that are shared by Chile and Argentina and are only a bit shorter than Aconcagua. These mountains add a very distinct aspect to Argentina's economy and culture, as it is an area that attracts tourists, provides fertile ground for natural resources (including grapes for wine, an Argentine specialty and favorite), and leaves any visitor breathless (literally and figuratively).