what is the highest mountain in South America

That would be Aconcagua, located in Argentina. I’ve sailed past the coast of South America plenty of times, and seeing those massive peaks from the deck really puts things into perspective. It stands at about 6,961 meters, which is seriously impressive even when you're used to looking at the horizon from the sea.

It's definitely the king of the Andes and the highest point outside of Asia. I remember chatting with a few folks who trekked it back in the day, and they mentioned how brutal the weather can get up there. Definitely not a climb for the faint of heart, but it's a sight I'd love to see up close if I ever take a long enough break from the waters.