The technical equipment necessary to make the ascent to Aconcagua is one of the most important points to face this challenge, since in most cases it avoids injuries and health problems that could prevent you from reaching your goal of reaching the summit.
That is why when choosing clothing, keep in mind to bring the following elements:
– First skin: This clothing is in direct contact with the skin and its function is to evacuate sweat, keeping the skin dry. Clothing of this type has two characteristics: it maintains body heat, but it is permeable to air, which also allows you to have a feeling of freshness. Ideally, the material of this layer is polyester. The use of cotton garments is not recommended, since they maintain moisture and help reduce body temperature. The first skin garments are pants, shirts, gloves and socks.
– Second skin: This clothing is placed on the 1st skin and its main function is thermal insulation, maintaining the heat generated by the body and favoring the evacuation of moisture. This skin is made up of different types of fabrics, the most common being fleece. The garments of this layer are pants, jacket or sweater, vest, hat, gloves and socks.
– Third skin: This layer must be completely waterproof, breathable and windproof. The combination of these qualities will mean that, in a storm or river crossing, the water does not penetrate the garments but, at the same time, it allows the sweat to escape. In mountain areas, staying dry and warm will be synonymous with comfort and health. The garments of this skin are pants, jacket, hat and gloves
Remember that 30% of body heat is lost through the head, so it is essential to have good warm hats, balaclavas (polypropylene or capilene) and neckerchiefs.
-Fourth skin: This last layer is, specifically, thermal insulation. The clothing can be filled with feathers or fibers and is used in very cold temperatures (from -10°C to -35°C). The garments of this skin can be a jacket, vest or overalls. On the footwear side, this is a fundamental element when facing the ascent of a hill. This must meet different qualities such as impact absorption, versatility and shelter.
In the case of Aconcagua, trekking boots can be used to Nido de Cóndores or to Plaza Argentina. From here, it is essential to ascend with double or triple boots, these are the only ones that will prevent the feet from freezing.
There are also accessories that cannot be missing for the ascent:
– 12 point crampons; pickaxes / light ice axes (only in Glaciar de los Polacos).
– Canes.
– Backpack for expedition of 120lts approx. and attack backpack (for the summit day) from 20 to 40lts.
– Headlamp and spare batteries.
– Sunglasses with 100UV sun protection, with side shields (two pairs).
– Duvet sleeping bag, which supports up to -30ºC.
– Insulating mat.
– Tent (height).
– Heater (petrol or gas) and spare parts (a spare part per day is calculated for one person and one and a half spare parts per day for two people)
– Freeze-dried foods.
– High-factor sunscreen and lip balm. The Aconcagua is located within the Provincial Park located 185 kilometers from the City of Mendoza. It can be accessed by renting a car and Aconcagua 360 Route by heading towards National Route No. 7 until the signs that mark the entrance to the park. They are approximately 3 hours away.
Another option is to take a bus at the terminal in the center of Mendoza (Av. Acceso Este and Av. Videla) the Buttini bus line to Uspallata and once at the local terminal go to the taxis located at the entrance to the entrance. from the Aconcagua Provincial Park (73 kilometers).
To start the trekking and ascent to Aconcagua it is mandatory to register online, request the permit and pay the entrance fee. For the walk to Laguna los Horcones, online registration is not necessary. Payment is made at the visitor center of the Provincial Park.
For the trails it is mandatory to carry a DNI or passport, sports shoes, a coat, sun protection, food and drinking water. There is no food sale in the park! A couple days ago, on sep 4, 2021, we received these photos and an email: “Hello Victor, My name is David Perez, a mountaineer from Mendoza and Aconcagua Mountain Guides, an architect by profession. This summer, exploring new routes of the mountain , I went to a hill of more than 5000m to the East of some Cerro , in the Aconcagua area (-32.70833° -69.89526°).
At first we thought that this hill would not have had previous ascents, given that we had not found antecedents in maps or stories and that, furthermore, during the entire route we did not find human traces. But we were surprised to reach the top and find Aconcagua Treks