Aconcagua has the second-greatest topographic prominence on Earth. Topographic prominence measures how high a summit rises above the lowest contour that connects it to a higher mountain, rather than simply measuring elevation above sea level. Aconcagua’s prominence is approximately 6,962 meters, exceeded only by Mount Everest.
Located in Argentina’s Mendoza Province, Aconcagua is the highest mountain in the Americas, the Western Hemisphere, and the Southern Hemisphere. It is part of the Andes and rises near the border with Chile. Although its summit is below Everest’s elevation, Aconcagua is a remarkably independent peak with no higher parent mountain in the Americas.
A common mix-up is confusing prominence with elevation. Everest is the highest mountain above sea level, while Aconcagua ranks second for prominence. Aconcagua’s first recorded ascent was made in 1897 by the Swiss guide Matthias Zurbriggen, and its standard route is generally considered a strenuous non-technical climb, though altitude and weather remain serious hazards.