My First Summit on Aconcagua – February 2025

Two years earlier in 2023, my dad, 59 at the time, randomly struck up what seemed like a futile conversation about possibly traveling south to attempt this highly arduous task. At 19 and living at home in Seattle I acted interested and entertained the idea. At the time my mountain resume was not very impressive – quite frankly, it was embarrassing. My only big mountain experience consisted of a failed guided attempt on Chimborazo, a failed attempt on Mount Rainier, and successful summits on some of Washington’s smaller volcanoes. Nonetheless, I saw my father’s possible mid-life crisis idea as genius! We originally planned to climb in January 2024.

Throughout that year, my dad trained hard but ended up needing a hip replacement, which postponed our trip by a full year and ultimately prevented him from summiting. Being 19 and turning 20 later in the year, I didn’t have that physical limitation and was able to train myself into a highly durable endurance maniac. My dad only had about six proper months of training with his new hip before we packed up and headed out. Although we were in very different conditions, both of us were ecstatic and prepared for whatever the outcome might be.

It was stellar to be alongside my dad for this journey, and even better to watch him face disappointment, frustration, and letdown after letdown, yet still keep his hopes high and continue to persevere.

We arrived in Mendoza on January 18, 2025, dialed in all the logistics and gear, and the next day met our guide, Matias. From the very first moment, Matias impressed me. He came across as an experienced, adventurous, and genuinely happy mountain guide who loved what he did. From day one, I looked up to him and made sure to annoy him with endless questions so I could learn as much as possible. He took it well.

As we trekked to base camp, our trio grew a tight bond through many interesting and comical conversations. At base camp, Matias handled a tough conversation with honesty and care when it became apparent my dad’s hip wouldn’t allow him to continue safely. Thanks to Matias’s experience and thoughtful approach, my dad made the smart decision to stay behind without disappointment weighing him down.

From there, Matias and I pushed on together through Camps 1, 2, and 3. The moments shared after base camp were full of learning, laughter, headaches, and deep conversations. I grew extremely fond of Matias. He shared stories from his many expeditions around the world, while I opened up about my own goals and uncertainties in life. He stopped feeling like “just a guide” and became a true friend and mentor on the mountain.

On February 1st, we reached the summit. The feeling was overwhelming, pure joy mixed with the ache of wishing my dad could have been there with us. I summited for both of us, and I know he was proud. None of it would have been the same without Matias.

Even now, Matias and I still stay in touch and hope to plan another mountain together. Aconcagua started a burning desire deep inside me to push my limits in the mountains. Since then, I’ve climbed all the major volcanoes in the Cascade Range, three of Mexico’s tallest volcanoes, and many other notable summits in the Sierra Nevada, Andes, and Cascades. Matias didn’t just help me reach the top of Aconcagua, he helped spark a lifelong passion for mountaineering. I’m deeply grateful to have shared that experience with him.

Patrick McKenzie

More info to: mcxenzie.31@gmail.com

Aconcagua climbing information