DESCENT TO PENITENTES

Finally after eleven days of starvation, we get to enjoy a normal breakfast. We need all the energy we can get because today we have to hike to the trailhead at the beginning of the Horcones Valley. The distance is almost 30 kilometers (19 miles).

Last breakfast at Plaza de Mulas.

Emilio preparing our duffel bags for transport to Penitentes.

Descent through upper part of Horcones Valley.

This mule did not make it to the camp.

Hiking along the Horcones River.

Red rocks of the upper Horcones Valley.

My bad luck continues as dense clouds cover the South Face of Aconcagua. At more than 3,000 m (9,840 ft) high, it is one of the most difficult and dangerous climbs in the world.

Nowhere in the world can one find such a strange and colourful mountains.

After seven hours of hiking, I  arrive at Horcones Lake situated just above the rangers' station. (Photo Mark Horrell)

Aconcagua Park Rangers Station at the Horcones trailhead. (Photo Mark Horrell)