I am not making light of climbing Kilimanjaro but climbing Aconcagua is a big step up. People always think if I can get to 5,895m/ 19,341 feet in 8 days, how hard can it be to get to 6,962m/ 22,841 feet. If you are looking to join one of our Kilimanjaro climbs, here is some information how prepared you need to be for climbing Kilimanjaro. We can help you gather all you need to know before signing up to a Kilimanjaro climb.
I can tell you, no mountain is the same. People think Aconcagua is only 1,000m/ 3,200 feet higher than Kilimanjaro but there are different support mechanisms, food, weather, altitude, load carrying heavy backpack and harder and steeper terrain. Also remember after days of hard work you have to try and rest and sleep at 6,000m/ 19,685 feet and I can tell you from doing it many times this is not easy.
The success rate on Aconcagua is in the 30% success range. This might shock you. I can tell you most people completely under estimate what it takes to climb Aconcagua.
Think about the altitude for a minute. The higher you can the worse it gets. I can take you from sea level to 3,000m/ 10,000 feet with minor effects of altitude, maybe a headache, which can be cured by hydrating, rest, sleeping and spending more time at this elevation before going higher. If I take you from sea level to Everest Base Camp at 5,300m/ 17,400 feet and we try and stay there over night there is a very high chance of death. If I could miraculously take you from sea level to the top of Mount Everest we would be dead within minutes.
Here are three things you need to consider before going to Aconcagua
1). Do you have enough high altitude mountaineering experience. This does not mean trekking. In my opinion you need at least three trips and have been above 6,000m/ 19,685 feet. I highly recommend climbing Kilimanjaro, Mera peak and Island peak before going to Aconcagua. The more high altitude experience you have the better.
2). In essence you need to know the challenges of going to high and extreme altitude. Experience is everything. The more trips you have under your belt the better prepared you will be. Having the right experience helps you understand the specific training that is needed to be safe and successful.
3). Have you picked the right team with the right acclimatization, safety and infrastructure in place. We work with a well established team on the ground to offer the best service showers, WiFi, communications, safety equipment, quality food, the best guides and along with expert support and information from professionals before your trip.
Why not CONTACT US and learn from our experience. We can help you achieve your goal of reaching the summit of Aconcagua.