An estimated 3,500 people try to climb Aconcagua every year, making it one of the most frequently attempted peaks in all of South America. Since Aconcagua is one of the more approachable mountains at its altitude, many people are drawn to it as a potential climbing destination. Aconcagua is frequently cited as the world’s highest “trekking peak.”
Here are the four most important things to consider before signing up for an Aconcagua Expedition.
● Stay Hydrated
One of the most important things to keep in mind in the dry Aconcagua desert is to drink plenty of water. One to two liters at dinnertime and two liters at lunchtime are necessary. Remember that forcing water will cause it to come out in your urine. Mineral supplements, extra water packets, and minerals are also recommended for the trip.
● Prior Altitude Experience
The ascent of Aconcagua will be much easier if you have trained for it and have prior experience with high altitudes. Those considering an upgrade of Aconcagua should prepare for it by participating in several high-altitude excursions.
● Preparation for physical activity
Successfully summiting Aconcagua calls for top-notch physical conditioning. The physical demands of climbing at high and extreme altitudes can be challenging to grasp, and we are here to help. Strength, endurance, and weight training should be a part of every day’s workout. To get the most out of the Stairmaster, you should get used to carrying around 44 pounds. We can assist you in designing a program in which you train with varying loads at various times.
● Weather
Even on a good day, dealing with Aconcagua’s weather can be nerve-wracking. Only about one-third of those who attempt Aconcagua’s summit reach the peak. The low success rate can be attributed to many factors, including inadequate training and acclimatization, lousy weather, and powerful winds.
Like Alaska’s Denali, Aconcagua experiences fierce winds and storms due to its proximity to the Pacific Ocean. Even during the best climbing months, wind chills can be dangerously low.
● Be sure to pack all the essentials.
You can make your trip to Aconcagua much more comfortable by wearing the right gear since the weather will frequently change. Bring a sleeping bag rated to -30 degrees Celsius, a winter jacket designed for alpine terrain, and thermal gloves or cuffs if you spend any time outdoors.
You’ll need dual mountaineering footwear once you leave base camp, so practice wearing them ahead of time to get comfortable in them.
Other Important Information
In many ways, climbing Aconcagua via the established path is the best option. Compared to the Vacas route, the standard route into Base Camp is shorter. Plaza de Mulas, the usual route’s base camp, sits at 4,390 meters (14,402 feet), making it slightly higher than Base Camp on the Vacas side, which is located at 4,200 meters (13,780 feet). The standard route to Camp 3 will have less elevation gain at 6,000 meters (19,685 feet). Usually, no one is responsible for transporting any group gear.
In conclusion
Climbing Aconcagua expeditions are about more than just reaching the summit; they’re also about forging bonds with your teammates, the natural world, the mountain, and the locals. It’s not just about the external excitement but also the internal thrill; you can’t overstate this point. If you take these suggestions to heart, you will be well-prepared for one of Aconcagua’s most incredible trekking adventures.
