64 Miles, 10,500 Vert, 100 Lbs. of Gear: Summiting Aconcagua Is Filmmaker’s ‘True Test of Endurance’

Deep in the Principal Cordillera range in Argentina’s Andes Mountains, Aconcagua Peak draws mountain climbers from around the world. It is the highest peak outside of Asia, the tallest in both the Western and Southern Hemispheres, and the second-highest prominence globally. At 22,837 feet, it is a truly imposing mountain. In January 2025, Herman Hoek, a mountaineer and filmmaker, documented his Aconcagua climb.

Carrying close to 100 pounds of supplies, climbing gear, and camera equipment, Hoek embarked on the “360 Route.” This approach circles the mountain to its summit, and then descends the regular route to Plaza de Mulas, the second-largest mountain base camp in the world behind Everest’s.

Follow Hoek’s journey, and immerse yourself in his hypnotizing cinematography. His one-man-crew approach to filmmaking is akin to Les Stroud’s “Survivorman” TV show — except he isn’t just surviving in a harsh environment. He’s actively climbing one of the most challenging peaks in the world, and filming it all himself. The act of creating this film is almost as impressive as climbing the mountain.

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