Relive an incredible experience with us!
The trekking was demanding, Gaby felt bad and we couldn't get to Plaza Francia, anyway it was an unforgettable experience to which we will undoubtedly return.
Here are some recommendations based on our experience:
*Can be done without a guide: The difficulty is moderate, the terrain is loose and the slopes are steep. We suggest using an application that shows you the way to avoid getting lost, since the route is not well marked (we use All Trails). Make short stops to get used to the altitude and enjoy some snacks. If you don't feel ready to do it alone you can always hire a guide to accompany you on the tour.
*Listen to your body: Although the previous point is true, it is very important to listen to your body, read a little about altitude sickness and turn around if you have any symptoms. Some of these are: Severe headache, nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, dizziness, difficulty breathing, cough, difficulty walking in a straight line, panic, confusion... and it goes on.
It is not a joke! While we were there, 1 30-year-old boy died, on 12/31/2023 coming down from the summit and a few days later, on 01/03/2024, another boy, also 30 years old, died in Plaza de Mulas (camp next to Confluencia).
*Water is essential: It is recommended to drink between 2 and 3 liters of water per person per day. We took about 1.5 liters each (do as I say, not as I do, hehe). In Confluencia you can stock up on water, but keep in mind that it is highly mineralized and may be heavy for some. We carried water purification tablets just in case, but we did not use them because the natural water was delicious, it comes from the melting of the mountain.
*Give importance to the equipment: In the following link you will find the equipment recommended by the park itself, we relied heavily on these recommendations and it was a good decision. www.mendoza.gov.ar/aconcagua/...
Keep in mind that it can get very cold, especially in the last stretch of the route and at night, so we suggest bringing plenty of clothing (our sleeping bags are -11° and were excellent). During the day it can be hot, enough to wear short sleeves and shorts. Keep in mind the weight of your backpacks, sometimes out of caution we carry too much and then it ends up making it difficult for us to walk (It's like 36km in total). Good footwear suitable for the road is super important.
*Carry walking sticks: We don't carry walking sticks and the truth is, with the 15kg backpack we would have liked to have had them.
*Pay attention to food: Keep in mind that after a certain altitude there are foods that are not processed and excess of these can cause discomfort (it is not fun to get sick in the mountains). We highly recommend the pre-made food bags, they are already designed for these journeys and do not require refrigeration, they are also very delicious. One detail is that in Mendoza we don't get Snickers anywhere, so take advantage of buying at the airport!
Final recommendation: Go for it! It is a beautiful experience that is completely worth it. Educate yourself properly before you go, enjoy every moment, be grateful for your achievements and, above all, take care of and respect the mountain so that it continues to be the wonderful place that it is.
Thank you for watching our video and good luck on your journey!
#aconcagua #trekking #conociendoargentina #caminata #senderos #naturelovers