Success on Aconcagua is our specialty. At Aventuras Patagonicas, we guide climbers to not just face but conquer Aconcagua. We understand the allure of striving to summit Aconcagua, and we’re here to help make that aspiration a reality. Here’s how you can enhance your chances of reaching the top with us.
Choose the Right Guide Service
Success begins with choosing an experienced guide service. At Aventuras Patagonicas, we have four decades of experience and the highest success rate on Aconcagua. Our guides are seasoned professionals who are not only skilled in mountaineering but also in ensuring your safety and comfort throughout the journey. When you choose us, you’re partnering with experts who are deeply committed to your success.
Understand the Climbing Itinerary
Our 12 Day Climb is meticulously planned to maximize your acclimatization and prepare you for the summit attempt. This expedition is designed for individuals who are pressed for time but are in excellent physical condition and ready to take on the challenge of a rapid ascent. The shorter duration does not compromise the acclimatization process, as long as you are able to prepare using a hypoxic tent at home in the 4-6 weeks leading up to your climb. Even with a shorter duration, we are deliberate about the ascent profile to give you the best shot at reaching the summit.
Opt for a route that allows for gradual acclimatization
The route you take to ascend Aconcagua can significantly impact your success. We prefer the less crowded Ameghino Valley route, known for its scenic beauty and effective acclimatization profile. This route embraces the “climb high, sleep low” method, a proven strategy for acclimatization. By making carries to higher camps and then descending to sleep at lower ones, your body has the opportunity to adapt gradually to the altitude, enhancing your ability to perform as you ascend.
Pre-climb Acclimatization
To further boost your chances of success, consider using a hypoxic tent at home before your trip. This method of pre-acclimatization can significantly reduce your body’s shock to the sudden high altitudes on Aconcagua. By simulating high-altitude conditions at home, you can begin adjusting your body to the lower oxygen levels you’ll experience on the mountain, making the actual acclimatization process smoother and quicker.
Consider Using Supplementary Oxygen
While Aconcagua is often climbed without supplemental oxygen, we offer the option to use oxygen on summit day. This can be a game-changer for climbers, especially those who might find themselves struggling with the altitude. Oxygen can alleviate some of the harsh effects of high altitude and increase your strength and stamina during the most challenging part of the climb. This option is offered in combination with our 12 Day Climb.
Prepare Physically and Mentally
Climbing Aconcagua is not only a physical endeavor but a mental one as well. Prepare yourself by engaging in comprehensive physical training that includes cardio, strength training, and hiking with weighted packs. Equally important is mental preparation. Be ready to face extreme cold, high winds, and the psychological challenges of long days. A strong mind is just as crucial as a strong body. If you feel that your body might not be able to ensure all of the carries and moves between the camps, don’t hesitate to make use of the porter service to lighten your load and save your energy for summit day.
Choose the Right Time to Climb
The best time to attempt to summit Aconcagua is during the Southern Hemisphere’s summer, from December to March. This period offers the most stable weather conditions on the mountain. Planning your climb within this window can significantly increase your chances of success due to more favorable weather. All of Aventuras Patagonicas’ climbs take place during this window to maximize success rate and optimize for everyone’s safety.
Bring it all together
Want to have the absolute highest chance of achieving success on Aconcagua? Bring it all together by hiring the right guides and consistently training for months ahead of your climb. Also make use of a hypoxic tent at home before you leave to ensure you hit the ground running (proverbially speaking!) when you get to Aconcagua. Choose our 12 Day Climb that uses the Normal route – while much less scenic than Ameghino Valley, it is slightly shorter in miles covered. And finally, consider hiring porters and booking a climb that allows you to use supplemental oxygen for summit day. If you do these six things (hire the right guides, train hard, use a hypoxic tent, choose a 12 Day climb, hire porters, and use oxygen), we are confident that you’ll be setting yourself up for total success!
Join Us for Your Aconcagua Adventure
At Aventuras Patagonicas, we are dedicated to providing you with an unforgettable and successful climbing experience. Our expertise, coupled with our strategic approach to climbing Aconcagua, ensures that you have the highest chances of standing on the summit. Whether you are a seasoned climber or looking to undertake your first high-altitude expedition, we are here to guide you every step of the way. If you’re ready to take the next step or have any questions, please don’t hesitate to Contact Us!
