Owen Clarke

For the uninitiated, the climbing world can seem daunting (and dangerous).

The tallest mountain in the Americas, Aconcagua, falls into this category.

Damian and his twin brother, Willie, are legendary Argentinian guides and former professional climbers.

View of the Mountain

Credit:Owen Clarke

Today, their outfitter remains tight-knit offering personalized, small-footprint expeditions unlike other large-scale guiding operations on the mountain.

At 10,400 feet, Las Cuevas is the perfect point to acclimatize for an Aconcagua attempt.

We feasted on hearty quinoa stews, sumptuous steaks, sausages, and grilled vegetables.

People in the middle of hiking surrounded by mountains

Owen Clarke

Skilled climbers can even make it all the way to the top and back in a matter of hours.

Our six-person party had no issues, thanks to our lengthy acclimatization period.

They were, without doubt, the best sunsets Ive experienced.

Hikers getting close to the summit with a view of only mountain peaks reaching out of the clouds

Owen Clarke

On the summit day, we woke at 4 a.m. to begin climbing by 5:30.

The best time to climb the mountain is during the peak of the Argentinian summer, December through February.

These months usually offer the warmest, driest conditions.

The full climbing season lasts from November to mid-March.

Check outBenegas Brothers Expeditions' websiteto learn more and get in touch.