Aconcagua Expedition - The Road To The Summit
Mountain Madness guide extraordinaire Arthur Herlitzka reflects on an expedition, a trip with all the usual challenges and rewards. Some great insight on what to expect on the climb. View more info about the Aconcagua trip and start planning now
![Aconcagua climbing to the summit with Mountain Madness](https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fgeneral-images%2F1.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=300&s=32c2c810c731e05a7aee3d0a7ffa2abb 300w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fgeneral-images%2F1.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=500&s=2257f7763fc19f8b5aa2a089a0a9de26 500w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fgeneral-images%2F1.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=700&s=bc8c764ed708dc09392e64a821355c49 700w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fgeneral-images%2F1.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=800&s=08219553444ed809000af9c5a3b3326e 800w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fgeneral-images%2F1.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=1000&s=bdd904821890c5725d6d1125a605bd3a 1000w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fgeneral-images%2F1.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=1200&s=d6126f10ae1b17e09a28a70f92c1ea9a 1200w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fgeneral-images%2F1.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=1400&s=3934bd0954ee3425401bce97b2d2e7a0 1400w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fgeneral-images%2F1.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=1600&s=321c16e38f3e9b3bb257cb6f878cb6e8 1600w)
As an Aconcagua climber this is where you want to be. High camp, camp Cólera at 19,600ft at sunset the night before the summit push. You have a weather window, you are acclimated, fit, and ready to dig deep to try to climb to the top of the highest mountain in South America, the highest mountain outside of Asia.
Do I have what it takes to climb Aconcagua?I’m sitting here camped on bureau of land management land just outside City of Rocks National Reserve in Idaho, reflecting on time spent only a few months ago in the Andes mountains of Argentina. Times sure were different then, what a drastic shift it has been. I’m reflecting on five weeks spent in Argentina, almost four of which guiding a Mountain Madness expedition on Cerro Aconcagua, 6960 meters i.e. 22,837 feet above sea level. I worked along side MM guide Paul Guerra, a veteran IFMGA certified mountain guide hailing from Ecuador. Adding some excitement to the mix, neither Paul or I had successfully summited the mountain before. Each of us had attempted— guiding MM groups in previous years, but turned back on each previous summit push due to dangerous weather and or altitude illness.
![](https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fgeneral-images%2F2.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=300&s=56e6fb59ed6322dfe5a7b6512344e1f9 300w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fgeneral-images%2F2.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=500&s=cd20e22aeae3efa72a20846a124729de 500w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fgeneral-images%2F2.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=700&s=0b746a43afb0fdb0774bf9dc2ca82e1c 700w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fgeneral-images%2F2.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=800&s=f06e40d6ead3b58ac7e5044aa8432cd3 800w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fgeneral-images%2F2.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=1000&s=437c3c6d0421fbb22332a81366a93492 1000w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fgeneral-images%2F2.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=1200&s=e40d38723548d4da28118c6ab573e6ea 1200w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fgeneral-images%2F2.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=1400&s=aab7a3abf6cd723f5256228b73738d73 1400w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fgeneral-images%2F2.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=1600&s=17b3fdfb01475dc56589e0f213e9dd3c 1600w)
Here’s the crew, minus myself, under the massive south face of Aconcagua. L‑R Kevin, Greg, Alan, Tim, Matthew, Tim, and MM guide Paul Guerra
Our expedition was a team of all men this time around. Two guides, six guests. We had one Ecuadorian and seven US citizens ranging from the states of Texas, Colorado, New York and Washington. Paul was in for some serious culture shock!
I love Aconcagua expeditions for several reasons. Its the flow of the trip, the actual areas we are able to visit and most importantly the people and communities we interact with and become a part of. The climbing is cool too. What I like about the flow of the expedition is that we are exposed to different facets of Argentina. We don’t just go directly into the backcountry as a group of foreigners. We all meet in Mendoza, a city known for vineyards, fine wine and steak dinners, vibrant night life. (I suggest extending your trip and flying in a few days early to explore.) I personally ended up getting out sport climbing at crags near town. We are able to settle in, check our gear, as well as experience some of the culture of this region of Argentina. Mendoza is just above 3000ft in elevation, so the need is great to get moving to higher altitude to maximize our acclimatization and fitness come summit day, just three weeks away. The first goal of our expedition is to pack the mules and get to base camp at Plaza de Mulas. The flow goes Mendoza about 3000ft — > Hotel in Penitentes about 9000ft —> Confluencia Camp 11,300ft where we spend two nights acclimatizing —> Base camp at Plaza de Mulas 14,400ft.
![](https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fgeneral-images%2F3.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=300&s=29a5bb67a16312aa1e8fa6ce62872eea 300w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fgeneral-images%2F3.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=500&s=49601842321411b29c5444a098c8a1b3 500w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fgeneral-images%2F3.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=700&s=30fd77f4b2c05257ea19e8ecac4d02cc 700w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fgeneral-images%2F3.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=800&s=12344bc9293586710702c71b000559e7 800w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fgeneral-images%2F3.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=1000&s=03d22f728ec27d530645908c60c16f63 1000w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fgeneral-images%2F3.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=1200&s=287fd4d641a86ed6b3474c60371fee49 1200w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fgeneral-images%2F3.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=1400&s=b6ae7f2b5138ab792b86a8d764d8e6f4 1280w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fgeneral-images%2F3.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=1600&s=990004d124719de69815da2f0ad38213 1280w)
View from the hotel in Mendoza. Beautiful town and sweet culture.
![](https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fgeneral-images%2F4_200701_170603.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=300&s=4b74304d3b2db1c0525cd5febe0a8392 300w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fgeneral-images%2F4_200701_170603.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=500&s=55ec73c48e794727f42a0c4ac54fae54 500w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fgeneral-images%2F4_200701_170603.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=700&s=d903dfa6d8f83d709b4da42c6d2c113f 700w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fgeneral-images%2F4_200701_170603.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=800&s=e77c4772c3cc9f055ed1e18ddd3fc5e5 800w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fgeneral-images%2F4_200701_170603.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=1000&s=825be6db7d4c32ea6985535ffe901079 1000w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fgeneral-images%2F4_200701_170603.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=1200&s=323e16f03807741ae51b1c9f35a67c9d 1200w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fgeneral-images%2F4_200701_170603.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=1400&s=123f73b673aecaf5cbb68012c4b1507d 1280w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fgeneral-images%2F4_200701_170603.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=1600&s=7f71da27312002878a21dedb41251b4d 1280w)
Gauchos and Mules are the spine of our expedition!
Do I have what it takes to climb Aconcagua?The logistics of this expedition are dialed. All our heavy gear gets transported directly to base camp by mules and their gauchos, so we get to hike with light packs for the first phase of the trip. We are served delicious meals by the basecamp chefs catered to our time needs. Most importantly, due to our scheduled itinerary. we are able to take the acclimatization slowly and not climb too high, too fast, which is key to success on summit day.
The works begins when we reach basecamp, and the backpacks become heavier. Our goal is to stock our camps on the upper mountain because from base camp there are still three more camps to go before our summit attempt.
This is where guests decide whether to fork some cash up for porter support. Each porter can carry up to 20kg, and let me tell you it is hard work if you don’t have any help. Each team member is responsible for their own gear, food, as well as their share of group expedition equipment. Having porter support definitely correlates statistically with success on summit day is all I’ll say.
![](https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fgeneral-images%2F5.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=300&s=c256a4edc68ed4c2fd94b55c8c12b005 300w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fgeneral-images%2F5.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=500&s=e7ce071fb88465c8192b26231c0f554e 500w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fgeneral-images%2F5.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=700&s=382c670dca9356d38c95c20194c6b8b5 700w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fgeneral-images%2F5.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=800&s=2393207886c8a6d6eda1567daa76db73 800w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fgeneral-images%2F5.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=1000&s=01409a1848fc1ee078848eb2662f66a6 1000w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fgeneral-images%2F5.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=1200&s=34a3d88286144aa60ce1e660f0a16c15 1200w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fgeneral-images%2F5.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=1400&s=b42adc330e63fc6bf542b3b0ff172b67 1400w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fgeneral-images%2F5.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=1600&s=fdf6b1d008da73ddbc5d3e12d2607dd9 1600w)
![](https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fgeneral-images%2F6.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=300&s=33e62a215da898ed5bedfd38f2d66675 300w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fgeneral-images%2F6.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=500&s=6845e01fcf625ba50eeb503ab163f522 500w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fgeneral-images%2F6.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=700&s=b9636f99b4ee3b9e44305b38b46ec6d2 700w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fgeneral-images%2F6.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=800&s=cc48d2ee41a2e219d9124458b28d8052 800w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fgeneral-images%2F6.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=1000&s=9e79698e0ed616094dae3c3cc754b806 960w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fgeneral-images%2F6.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=1200&s=ce852accd803b90c7e9babb5ad53328d 960w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fgeneral-images%2F6.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=1400&s=7fa1a640b50b39b3781ec04edcfcc7ce 960w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fgeneral-images%2F6.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=1600&s=afc74787b0e449d7a025093b021a70d1 960w)
Two examples of some strong people Making It Happen!
There are quite a few fond memories I have from our team’s time spent at basecamp. Games of the card game UNO until late into the night, laughing at Kevin’s constant flow of ‘arguably’ bad jokes, assigning nick names that we will keep unspoken in this blog post, and of course sharing the love we all have for quality time spent the mountains. We realized soon during the trip the value of cooperation and team work. We shared the value of the opinion that “we create the experience” and that an expedition like this isn’t just about reaching the top. Summit day is only one day out of almost 25 spent in Argentina, so you better be able to enjoy all the other days.
![](https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fgeneral-images%2F7.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=300&s=446f59a162e64a79f25afc15021d98f8 300w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fgeneral-images%2F7.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=500&s=45594ce74593476ad10d38bc21b12477 500w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fgeneral-images%2F7.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=700&s=d9cfe8306888d863508f9767fcfa2672 700w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fgeneral-images%2F7.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=800&s=0c28a3b8d8e77b34303f2e4206849a03 800w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fgeneral-images%2F7.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=1000&s=d07a09f33ac5e47a67b49c5deaa3f0a8 1000w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fgeneral-images%2F7.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=1200&s=0ebe123c305710b11c6538dbb0c2c592 1200w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fgeneral-images%2F7.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=1400&s=26bd6786f0fee0478fde681fb2a235e8 1400w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fgeneral-images%2F7.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=1600&s=51438ed5cf8a8e274c5c1548311d60ac 1600w)
UNO games were competitive! Here’s Matt laughing.
Tim shared stories of growing up in Louisiana, alongside memories from other Mountain Madness climbs. One coincidence was that Tim and his son Matt were on the same MM Mount Elbrus expedition as Kevin was! The three arrived and already knew each other.
It was also cool hearing from everyone about their previous ascents with Mountain Madness from areas all across the world. Some spoke of glaciated peaks in the Pacific Northwest, high peaks in Ecuador and Peru, climbs in the Alps like Mt. Blanc and the Matterhorn, waterfall ice climbing in Ouray, Colorado. We also dreamed of big peaks in the Himalaya or Alaska. Maybe next time our trip will take us there. The fun part about climbing is that there is always another objective out there to fit your dreams.
![](https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fgeneral-images%2F8.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=300&s=6b19c4738658318c87d1559e595bf4fb 300w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fgeneral-images%2F8.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=500&s=e3848bc80740b60c35e1fbe57b446f93 500w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fgeneral-images%2F8.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=700&s=302801c1bd2214653b95f5acf19806ef 700w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fgeneral-images%2F8.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=800&s=5f04050e5bf66dd04b3a132cb953fdcc 800w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fgeneral-images%2F8.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=1000&s=a20a02da36243230497bca1ae842b0e3 1000w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fgeneral-images%2F8.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=1200&s=9127b2066aee8b23285a5cd2ff3855dd 1200w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fgeneral-images%2F8.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=1400&s=8128c6ab8097cf0dd43b3ecbfc357c3f 1400w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fgeneral-images%2F8.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=1600&s=7d642e2d5e6dd663db6322fec799528a 1600w)
Chefs hard at work at Nido de Condores camp 18,300ft
Another memory— it was dry in the Andes this season. Low winter snow levels and hot clear days meant that an already low level snow of was melting fast. We were the first MM expedition of the season and fortunately had the best odds for finding snow to melt into water in comparison with other expeditions to come later in the season. At the camps on the upper mountain, climbing teams are dependent on patches of snow and ice to melt for water. Occasionally at camp 1, camp Canada, there is running water to harvest.
Our water harvesting system this season was quite a contraption and pretty hilarious. But it did indeed do the job well! It helped gather water, and importantly clear water as opposed to the ‘willy wonka’s chocolate milk’ water that flows during mid-day when the temperatures are warm and the sun is shining. We opted to fill water at sunset, when the flow of chocolate milk slowly decreases and clear water begins to trickle. There is a 30 minute window where there is enough water to harvest that is clear until everything freezes solid. Check out the system.
Water harvesting system
There’s my current reflection on another expedition well spent on the flanks (and on the SUMMIT of) Cerro Aconcagua. While I am uncertain when the next time is when I will visit again, I hold the memories, the mountain, and the people in my heart until my return. I hope to see whoever reads this down in Argentina someday on a Madness expedition! Whenever we are able to explore the world freely once again.
…I’m not going to write anymore but check out some of the captioned photos listed below! Good memories and definitely had to include some sweet landscape shots.
Cheers all! ‑Arthur Herlitzka
Enjoy the photos and for a short blog about what it takes to climb Aconcagua go here
![](https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fgeneral-images%2F10_200701_173748.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=300&s=f466a9edc28095facc0700b7619b3f67 300w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fgeneral-images%2F10_200701_173748.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=500&s=ebe822f73af906e81707612aabac50ec 500w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fgeneral-images%2F10_200701_173748.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=700&s=debcc5455a55eb3751913c41695076e8 700w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fgeneral-images%2F10_200701_173748.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=800&s=dd472d149211397a52d9c146448fff53 800w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fgeneral-images%2F10_200701_173748.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=1000&s=ebb42711f6e5106365769caef7e24f18 1000w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fgeneral-images%2F10_200701_173748.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=1200&s=93997a1649a7fa670cbde45b4ccff717 1200w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fgeneral-images%2F10_200701_173748.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=1400&s=40a0c3531e66f01716377ca5b3552672 1400w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fgeneral-images%2F10_200701_173748.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=1600&s=a52da0ff7269711e6ea6bb37acc9052e 1600w)
Paul Guerra. Mr. Serious as usual. Pizza looks good
![](https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fgeneral-images%2F11.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=300&s=c4f1ffce6e97e260f19402557f0c18bb 300w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fgeneral-images%2F11.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=500&s=0c3f200e04fe04348ac452dfcf96a21f 500w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fgeneral-images%2F11.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=700&s=f31544273f69221dd6d062fe30453e53 700w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fgeneral-images%2F11.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=800&s=4cf39e74c286a4ae3919c3266dc7b335 800w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fgeneral-images%2F11.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=1000&s=e086e27c93fdc9066a9ed5f8012a01bf 1000w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fgeneral-images%2F11.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=1200&s=ddea2bfd27758e16fbe3d00a6d79988b 1200w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fgeneral-images%2F11.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=1400&s=b14fb9838b1242c694047f76ec4248f6 1400w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fgeneral-images%2F11.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=1600&s=f68d6aa8e6561dd63019c868d0b937bf 1600w)
Matt and Kevin. Stoked at camp Canadá
![](https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fgeneral-images%2F12.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=300&s=313f764e72dfa02f77e5c86474733072 300w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fgeneral-images%2F12.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=500&s=d91d4289a5eb482c0e5e1c2804be0a96 500w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fgeneral-images%2F12.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=700&s=5b76cb5c945b4e52b0eaabdcdca029c2 700w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fgeneral-images%2F12.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=800&s=6119301b66b758becbb03879649ef202 800w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fgeneral-images%2F12.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=1000&s=050072cd05ab0afc3dea91be46922dc7 1000w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fgeneral-images%2F12.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=1200&s=1ca72ade2c53d186aec5f10d953c87d9 1200w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fgeneral-images%2F12.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=1400&s=1a3fe65dede30bbb76a4fa48b6fb9710 1400w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fgeneral-images%2F12.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=1600&s=acaa783db6724c5d4e82c08fa9dd1153 1600w)
Matt and Kevin. Even more stoked with pizza for dinner!
![](https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fgeneral-images%2F13.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=300&s=0287bf066d493b7f23929477fe65f72c 300w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fgeneral-images%2F13.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=500&s=918df1f26729330f5a2b11d7cc19ddf9 500w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fgeneral-images%2F13.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=700&s=9eeaae3663ceb696272ec6c6fe967ed7 700w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fgeneral-images%2F13.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=800&s=9911000f67fe7453333641c5b79b9b20 800w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fgeneral-images%2F13.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=1000&s=e8daa91bb83d5a25500e2c3c1101c010 1000w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fgeneral-images%2F13.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=1200&s=cc2ee651a2654b70639df2c791f9fed7 1200w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fgeneral-images%2F13.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=1400&s=7044599d5058535982a7f5acc21dffb1 1400w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fgeneral-images%2F13.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=1600&s=cfea2420492f22beabbe1ec7a7d4aa71 1600w)
Camp Canada vibes from the tent
![](https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fgeneral-images%2F14.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=300&s=976d030f5e3b3b034714fff76b8abde1 300w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fgeneral-images%2F14.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=500&s=a7162f32e3ec45d26123afc4ef4507e9 500w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fgeneral-images%2F14.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=700&s=af448e96e7f5eedfc8528e6201248822 700w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fgeneral-images%2F14.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=800&s=bdd4151ef96fae56117762cb02a0e3d1 800w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fgeneral-images%2F14.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=1000&s=8a5cfc99c269d97cea988343be66b657 1000w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fgeneral-images%2F14.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=1200&s=8fb4e961047bc2b63bd25ea8c58528c8 1200w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fgeneral-images%2F14.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=1400&s=4a7c7d5a8737e71d5c4da47930991d0c 1400w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fgeneral-images%2F14.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=1600&s=aca87130df9e3c0a998c6d1e77090882 1600w)
Feeling high on the way up to camp Cólera. Slow and steady.
![](https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fgeneral-images%2F15.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=300&s=7e53dd3721043dec233574ed6a500cf2 300w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fgeneral-images%2F15.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=500&s=ce0c2037fff08dccf21143930d5b08f3 500w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fgeneral-images%2F15.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=700&s=5701cd270e91210f62fffa33a19bb65c 700w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fgeneral-images%2F15.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=800&s=6a2b2bbfbd5e0c2f371aae15ecd18a3e 800w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fgeneral-images%2F15.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=1000&s=b6d29c52e317dd77ff09c7ec012878ac 1000w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fgeneral-images%2F15.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=1200&s=48b102891c5a8a6a43433bae7bf3676f 1200w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fgeneral-images%2F15.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=1400&s=996e9167241693fdf1c963977e881c1e 1400w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fgeneral-images%2F15.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=1600&s=571a4543f13fff555882151ed5972ecb 1600w)
Exquisite sunsets… Cerro Cuerno in the background. Looking good, Matt.
![](https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fgeneral-images%2F17.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=300&s=44f8bb7a93e70991aab73d03b2893800 300w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fgeneral-images%2F17.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=500&s=0c217be2bc0afe13c7060bb1b2233bdb 500w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fgeneral-images%2F17.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=700&s=6ace8e3c7ae0ad62a5670eeb67c2d2c8 700w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fgeneral-images%2F17.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=800&s=09f7cbe4cbae981b2da525c29e18edfe 800w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fgeneral-images%2F17.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=1000&s=122990000db785510476813326f0e3d4 1000w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fgeneral-images%2F17.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=1200&s=292a76d17092b69881a10009c3e8e02b 1200w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fgeneral-images%2F17.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=1400&s=b922e9f53cc7a0706b0a47efa09d2fbe 1280w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fgeneral-images%2F17.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=1600&s=9654791b6ef315a305d846ef235ec827 1280w)
Fire Dancing at Plaza de Mulas base camp… sweet party!
![](https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fgeneral-images%2F18.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=300&s=a4553d41a22ba0e66013bc840e23d7d7 300w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fgeneral-images%2F18.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=500&s=6bdf54d4828b3918597a68ff0a8acf68 500w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fgeneral-images%2F18.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=700&s=2b1dc6006dc7e2d524103bf210e111b5 700w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fgeneral-images%2F18.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=800&s=493a6378a55d08b0bb9ff0019d066fd4 800w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fgeneral-images%2F18.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=1000&s=33fb5e7c13a39c679430c3619b7e862e 1000w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fgeneral-images%2F18.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=1200&s=5f0a0ff5e97b8efa643ac0172d844b19 1200w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fgeneral-images%2F18.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=1400&s=60fc48defa2f3d60fb80c7470e9e53a7 1280w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fgeneral-images%2F18.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=1600&s=8de09b8f03853803a2ec42024639415f 1280w)
Training at base camp before dinner. Gotta stay strong while on an expedition!
![](https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fgeneral-images%2F19.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=300&s=aac97eb39686caac81fe5a9a940f6d89 300w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fgeneral-images%2F19.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=500&s=d59a4bd2ed10c5d6e7919a2cd698b291 500w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fgeneral-images%2F19.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=700&s=7836a9821dee3738255dac28d2726bb0 700w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fgeneral-images%2F19.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=800&s=5f7405daf138b013b2d196f34b3be621 800w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fgeneral-images%2F19.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=1000&s=c4e4909c26531fe709663a4c24299bf2 960w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fgeneral-images%2F19.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=1200&s=e8bc1792e5140ba85ed2b9addace6931 960w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fgeneral-images%2F19.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=1400&s=406efe6e56ce40c5f1db7db323ad3465 960w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fgeneral-images%2F19.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=1600&s=b9fc4079398dbdec217b62e2eea47787 960w)
We eat well on the lower mountain, I must say. Thanks Eve!!
![](https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fgeneral-images%2F20.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=300&s=fc5e4f117f9ca2f70c7b5ba60b83b893 300w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fgeneral-images%2F20.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=500&s=9e9741e8809cb5824adfa6ea601ee9ba 500w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fgeneral-images%2F20.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=700&s=3f55f2d7511d7cf5a0ad9a8a62ad375a 700w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fgeneral-images%2F20.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=800&s=43881da9651d8d914fd993ae2f3eb321 800w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fgeneral-images%2F20.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=1000&s=c6c90bf9b8cb31d9920d44319502d133 1000w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fgeneral-images%2F20.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=1200&s=62045b4b47161b6867fd1d9ddd6bdbec 1200w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fgeneral-images%2F20.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=1400&s=012ca2c9f330f04797d1232dd168a9f8 1280w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fgeneral-images%2F20.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=1600&s=158ff342b98d64df1ca0de2c02bbc2c1 1280w)
Running into MM friends everywhere! Here’s MM Guide Mara Larson chilling in a guides’ cook tent at Nido de Condores
![](https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fgeneral-images%2F22.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=300&s=30b2a47bcd11111a4e4a6ec50b5b4708 300w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fgeneral-images%2F22.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=500&s=81b5d19dfb6b3a5aafe68b4e46f07c62 500w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fgeneral-images%2F22.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=700&s=c9b2b4e6ee7ec4ce54018011f744d13d 700w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fgeneral-images%2F22.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=800&s=8109753f7a9d2231b855173302d4c15d 800w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fgeneral-images%2F22.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=1000&s=709c3e1903e6097fc352ccbe79364ca2 1000w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fgeneral-images%2F22.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=1200&s=41dc447a540a2a257f33893ac5119315 1200w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fgeneral-images%2F22.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=1400&s=84bc9d2c939fb93fbed9a11fec7fe9f5 1400w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fgeneral-images%2F22.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=1600&s=a38676e575c26fa34b455b2cd10879ee 1600w)
Early morning on summit day.
![](https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fgeneral-images%2F23.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=300&s=d73175366d48f321a733eac36627f74c 300w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fgeneral-images%2F23.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=500&s=f9b50bf30a6c28c6a133c0fcfc531ff9 500w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fgeneral-images%2F23.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=700&s=b30dd80fbd7a603e4f75e677de1447ae 700w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fgeneral-images%2F23.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=800&s=589518ffb947a38837c4d4fe18a504b8 800w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fgeneral-images%2F23.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=1000&s=484cabaf0af85d706949580f3c9e982a 1000w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fgeneral-images%2F23.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=1200&s=81d5fb9f5bee65dba8c914dd5b292fec 1200w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fgeneral-images%2F23.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=1400&s=ca65ac191f41434ff7f51af9a635dbea 1400w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fgeneral-images%2F23.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=1600&s=822d3bd1834e46e625b4c519849aa344 1600w)
View from up high. Camp Colera, looking down toward Nido.
![](https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fgeneral-images%2F25.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=300&s=4dc5179d1df94b6c0c022fd121b7e27c 300w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fgeneral-images%2F25.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=500&s=252148c2ed158c34e44c5c5c36b59d0c 500w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fgeneral-images%2F25.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=700&s=2cebed77dbe1fc8bcbbff437f7ac2a34 700w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fgeneral-images%2F25.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=800&s=bcd2a44e51875ec5669a88a46653a937 800w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fgeneral-images%2F25.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=1000&s=81a2fc28a7c68721a5abd27b236a9dd0 1000w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fgeneral-images%2F25.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=1200&s=d57403fda5aec7cb474b0347ac6cfbf5 1200w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fgeneral-images%2F25.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=1400&s=affd25378c9a4e45db66344a37f025a9 1400w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fgeneral-images%2F25.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=1600&s=5db0d2d263f7a63a97b28c4d6cc0afe4 1600w)
Paul, chilling.
![](https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fgeneral-images%2F27.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=300&s=bf968c88a76f6b764991e43bf4428c85 300w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fgeneral-images%2F27.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=500&s=1876ef6c0645e9062e68ad6c57390d3c 500w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fgeneral-images%2F27.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=700&s=47bf1df1300609ac9b6a222e1615c270 700w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fgeneral-images%2F27.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=800&s=a451356ddde57b58b2d8a93c321b4b49 800w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fgeneral-images%2F27.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=1000&s=a52136d0dabad13cb2f65d5d109458f4 1000w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fgeneral-images%2F27.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=1200&s=a68e5ce0d4fac6cd64253c1c40c0ea93 1200w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fgeneral-images%2F27.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=1400&s=29fdee66165a0e4a057b9ea789ed362d 1400w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fgeneral-images%2F27.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=1600&s=84e51cef00a76cc0ccb1c161e4b68ea2 1600w)
Good dinner at Nido.
![](https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fgeneral-images%2F30.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=300&s=0f648f0dd4157fa779a765783545fcf7 300w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fgeneral-images%2F30.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=500&s=026d3f9c7a036b085687154e66c67a3a 500w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fgeneral-images%2F30.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=700&s=491cc12823f20c5b8ecb615d5fce179f 700w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fgeneral-images%2F30.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=800&s=8adde9dadc2c60dcae9003a1be215ff7 800w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fgeneral-images%2F30.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=1000&s=a11fb1e9bb8e014c1804d5246ed1c563 1000w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fgeneral-images%2F30.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=1200&s=d453b579947d3186a98dc9d0010540f8 1200w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fgeneral-images%2F30.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=1400&s=0fd42bd53efd45f1ce350441ef524f28 1400w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fgeneral-images%2F30.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=1600&s=477d0c6f1ef4872ea840f6e8ea8a9ba8 1600w)
Maxi Blake on summit day.
![](https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fgeneral-images%2F31.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=300&s=ab845f245666e6ee0a1dad7223f1405e 300w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fgeneral-images%2F31.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=500&s=183bf102f43084c6acf59bfdbc9dd298 500w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fgeneral-images%2F31.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=700&s=20611969b78109f57a02028696e358d2 700w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fgeneral-images%2F31.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=800&s=7408d82e24f0901ae8897b59740a562f 800w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fgeneral-images%2F31.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=1000&s=925046bfd0df01fe14a808dafbc90b33 1000w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fgeneral-images%2F31.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=1200&s=05eb1ed47083b8866321246714911f2c 1200w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fgeneral-images%2F31.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=1400&s=c848ba08a6f825d68d6ce322239a7282 1400w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fgeneral-images%2F31.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=1600&s=ffefa646c0b749a7a65f99f41b6ac640 1600w)
Looking at the traverse ahead of us. Long way to go to the summit!
![](https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fgeneral-images%2F32.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=300&s=d94f53dac700c64678b0d862108c3b8d 300w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fgeneral-images%2F32.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=500&s=235c665cf517e1e8c0f9fad995d6b2dc 500w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fgeneral-images%2F32.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=700&s=80d495ec1a0876073ee6b09d4269814d 700w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fgeneral-images%2F32.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=800&s=4b397c36a1a9c59f289e9c9bd2d55753 800w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fgeneral-images%2F32.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=1000&s=77e5861a51ef0299ba1168a003d9eed7 1000w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fgeneral-images%2F32.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=1200&s=d1aa7ad1e96b5b73bd0c447ee55e5d39 1200w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fgeneral-images%2F32.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=1400&s=81eae9cd83012ef0a06e42f61d08b7b9 1400w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fgeneral-images%2F32.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=1600&s=8f2230fca278f3015357dd48f23cb4dd 1600w)
Summit!!! L‑R Tim, Kevin, Alan, Paul, Matt, Greg, Maxi, and Arthur
![](https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fgeneral-images%2F33.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=300&s=d231016bf726207636c9367b47601c6d 300w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fgeneral-images%2F33.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=500&s=604f3da9e8f32b82e6deb77bd66d85a4 500w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fgeneral-images%2F33.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=700&s=87e81a03a92efd90cd027dcaff44e931 700w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fgeneral-images%2F33.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=800&s=427a6624f6119b67a9cf91757b046a57 800w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fgeneral-images%2F33.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=1000&s=3c8df22a7472fd1c4f693bd82f4493a3 1000w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fgeneral-images%2F33.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=1200&s=7f1e8933ed123d7f19d520766632eb91 1200w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fgeneral-images%2F33.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=1400&s=130aaea40501fc1dc4eb3561b35072fe 1400w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fgeneral-images%2F33.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=1600&s=9e5746870578901ffee14da9c14fd8e6 1600w)
Intimidating South Face of Aconcagua looming from our view perched on the summit.
![](https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fgeneral-images%2F36.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=300&s=7fab0738b7177e99bc9e8881e13e965e 300w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fgeneral-images%2F36.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=500&s=932529fc5d4d6365dbe2902de0dbf5c6 500w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fgeneral-images%2F36.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=700&s=1c84e407fa5e520a8788f733675b0c30 700w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fgeneral-images%2F36.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=800&s=9c67eeed698d3b663f2c478c5089d616 800w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fgeneral-images%2F36.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=1000&s=1198b17d6cb74c3f189ad2c4d4a99cda 1000w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fgeneral-images%2F36.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=1200&s=bd5aee7ad1465e5d9e360b8e137941c9 1200w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fgeneral-images%2F36.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=1400&s=469843549cabac0c3b69daa22aa74934 1400w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fgeneral-images%2F36.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=1600&s=988eba8507a8b309cd77272e27c71f0d 1600w)