Tupungato, Stratovolcano in Principal Cordillera, Argentina and Chile
Tupungato is a stratovolcano in the Principal Cordillera straddling Argentina and Chile, reaching about 6,500 meters in elevation. Its steep slopes display extensive glaciers and permanent snow fields that characterize the upper reaches.
The first documented ascent took place in 1897 when mountaineers Matthias Zurbriggen and Stuart Vines reached the summit. This expedition marked a significant milestone in European exploration of the high Andes.
The name comes from the indigenous Huarpe language and means "star viewpoint," referring to the exceptional clarity of night skies at this elevation. Visitors who reach higher altitudes often speak of remarkably starry nights overhead.
Climbers typically start their journey from Mendoza and follow routes through Valle de Uco toward base camps. The best time to attempt the climb is during warmer months when weather conditions and snow stability are more favorable.
In 2000, a glacier on the south face revealed wreckage from the Star Dust, an aircraft that disappeared in 1947 while crossing the Andes. The discovery allowed identification of the 14 passengers and crew members who perished in the crash.
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