Cuban mountaineer conquers Mount Aconcagua, the highest elevation in America

December 28, 2019

Cuban mountaineer Yandy Núñez conquers Mount Aconcagua, the highest elevation in America

"I dedicate this summit to my son Yngvi, whom I will not be by his side on his second birthday, and to my wife," declared Yandy Núñez Martínez.

Cuban mountaineer Yandy Núñez Martínez reached the summit of Mount Aconcagua last Wednesday, the highest elevation in America, which belongs to the Andes mountain range and is located in the province of Mendoza, Argentina.

As the islander explained on his social networks, both he and the rest of his companions—of Mexican nationality—left the Berlín Refuge, at 5,959 meters high, around 4:20 a.m. (local time). At one point during the journey, he had to continue alone after some decided to wait for the remaining group members.

Already in Penitentes. We're on our way now to Horcones and from there our march to Confluencia at 3300 meters begins. Cuba Cuba Cuba ???‍♂️?????Viva Cuba ?? Áfram Ísland ??Expedition Cuba-Mexico 2019.

Posted by Yandy Nunez Martinez on Wednesday, December 18, 2019

"When I'm almost reaching the Independence Refuge at 6300 meters, the climb was already becoming much longer and harder than I had thought, I was already starting to feel the fatigue," narrated Yandy, who saw some guides and their respective clients hugging each other.

"I said to myself 'wow' how much I need that same hug right now. When I reach the group, the guide just stares at me (…) I look at him steadily and tell him literally: 'Brother, can you give me the same hug you just gave the companion who just passed?'" recalls Yandy. "I received two from different guides. One of them tells me: 'Keep going like that, you're doing well, you're making good time'".

Basecamp Plaza de Mulas. Base camp of Aconcagua. Plaza de Mulas 4300 meters. Yesterday we slept in Confluencia at…

Posted by Yandy Nunez Martinez on Thursday, December 19, 2019

As the climb became more difficult and physical strength began to wane, the Cuban only thought about the birthday gift for his son that he carried with him in his backpack and how he could not let him down.

Finally, around 1:30 p.m. (local time) Yandy reached the summit of Mount Aconcagua, at 6,962 meters altitude, and let out a cry of "happiness, passion and love."

"I dedicate this summit entirely to my son Yngvi, whom I will not be by his side on his second birthday, and to my wife for always showing support for my adventures in the end," declared the mountaineer. "A hug to all those who were following my climb."

Ofan á hæsta fjall Ameríku. Aconcagua 6962 meters. I'm also from Iceland. Thank you Iceland for allowing me to let…

Posted by Yandy Nunez Martinez on Tuesday, December 24, 2019

However, this is not the end for Yandy. As he made known, his challenge for the upcoming 2020 is to climb Mount Everest. For this, he is currently searching for sponsors. The goal is for "the Cuban flag to shine at the top of the world."

Núñez, who currently resides in Iceland, left Cuba in 2015 and since then has worked as a tour guide, rescuer, and fisherman. His passion for heights began after climbing local mountains Hvannadalshnjúkur and Birnudalstindur. Years later, he conquered Mont Blanc, in France, and Elbrus.

#aconcagua6962Cuba Cuba Cuba ????‍♂️???At the summit of the highest mountain in America of the entire American Continent….

Posted by Yandy Nunez Martinez on Tuesday, December 24, 2019