Mount Aconcagua

Mount Aconcagua is the tallest mountain in the Americas, and is the highest mountain outside of Asia. It is located within the over 5,000 mile long chain of mountains called the Andes. While Mount Aconcagua’s peak is located in Argentina, the western portion of the mountain rests in the lowlands of Chile. It has two summits, the north and south, with the highest point being on the north peak, that are connected by a 0.6 mile long ridge. Although the true elevation is a debate, the northern peak is known to be 22,831 feet above sea level, and the southern peak is roughly 95 feet shorter. Additionally, the name Aconcagua is believed to have originated from the native language Quechua, although researchers are still unsure. The mountain also supposedly has origins in volcanic activity, but it is not an active volcano. Mount Aconcagua is one of the largest mountains in the world, and has high cultural importance in Argentina.