Tupungato – One of Highest Mountain in South America

Tupungato is an Andean lava dome dating back to Pleistocene times, and the highest point in the South Americas. About 80 kilometers east of Santiago, it lies on the border between the Chilean Metropolitan Region and the Argentine province of Mendoza at a distance of about 100 kilometers south of Aconcagua, the highest point in both the Western and the Southern Hemispheres.

In 1897, Edward Fitzgerald and members of his expedition made their first ascent of the mountain. Due to its location in the rain shadow of the Andes, Tupungato does not receive much rainfall. Wineries irrigate vineyards with high-quality Andean meltwater throughout the growing season, and they can make sure that vines receive adequate water.

A volcano that erupted last in 1987 lies immediately southwest of Tupungatito (lit. little Tupungatito). It is located in the Mendoza province in the Tupungato Department, a region that produces wine. Its height is estimated by recent Chilean mapping to be 6635m. Several dozen climbers attempt it every year, and the reason may be that its neighbor, which attracts tens of thousands of climbers every year. 

Avro Lancastrian airliner Star Dust crashed into a steep glacier on the Argentine side of Tupungato on August 2, 1947, carrying six passengers and five crew members over the Andes range. In the avalanche that followed and the heavy snowfall of the moment, the plane was quickly buried. Over 50 years ago, the plane lay hidden deep within the snow and ice of the glacier. The glacier terminus saw its ruins re-emerge in 2000. The debris and wreckage were soon discovered by an Argentine army expedition, collecting some evidence for investigation.  

The highest and most famous peaks in the region include Polleras, Negro/Pabellón, Chimbote, Tupungatito, and Alto, all of which are located in a beautiful and unspoiled area. On the summit, you will enjoy breathtaking views, including the above as well as those of the Cordon del Plata’s peaks, of which Cerro Plata is the highest. Ameghino and La Mano are located further north, near Aconcagua. Mercedario, Ramada, and La Mesa are the most prominent of the Mercedario Group, which is a little further north.

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