Chile Activities : Mountaineering

Notice: We inform you that due to the holiday taking place on the 21st of May, all your requests and doubts will be processed from the 22nd of May onwards. Thanks!

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Trekking W circuit in Torres del Paine

5 days / 4 nights

From US$ 818

Cochamó Valley trekking aided by horses

5 days / 4 nights

From US$ 1125

Cerro Castillo trek in Aysen

7 days / 6 nigths

From US$ 220

Description

The magic of the mountain has always captivated the imagination of men, bringing more and more followers to this activity everyday. Among the various mountain sports, mountaineering is, undoubtedly, the most dangerous activity. Combining technique, equipment, and good physical conditions, this sport is a challenge to your skills, abilities, and endurance.

Unlike hiking, mountaineering requires three basic components

Solid technical knowledge
Excellent physical conditions
Specialized equipment

Even though a good physical condition can be obtained by exercising in a gym, and the appropiate equipment can be bought in a specialized store, the only way to acquire the necessary competences and knowledge to climb high summits is through the instruction given by qualified mountaineers and guides, and with increasingly challenging goals.

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Destinations

Atacama Region and Altiplano

Parinacota and Pomerape (Los Payachatas)
Ojos del Salado, Llullaillaco

Central Area

Aconcagua
La Paloma, El Altar and El Plomo
El Morado
San Jose Volcano
Tupungato

Northern Patagonia

Villarrica Volcano
Osorno Volcano
Llaima Volcano
Lanín Volcano

Southern Patagonia

Torres del Paine
Cerro Torre
Fitz Roy

For more places to visit, check out our destinations section .

Recommendations

Basic Aspects
The key aspect for the safe practice of this sport is, undoubtedly, the appropriate instruction on techniques and gear with qualified instructors.

Choosing the correct equipment is also fundamental, because, considering the conditions in which this sport takes place, defective equipment may make the difference between an adventure and a tragedy.

Good physical conditions and right judgement are also crucial. Tiredness, cold, height, lack of oxigen, snow, wind, etc. pose several challenges to our organism and mental strength. Despite all this, this sport is worth every sacrifice it demands. The contact with the mountain, self encounter, team work, and the freedom and humbleness given by the mountain are enough reward. In our country, the Chilean Mountaineering Federation gives basic mountain, rock, and ice climbing courses. It is also the entity that authorizes guides and instructors to give tours and excursions.

Ecology

Considering the fact that mountaineering is and outdoor activity, that occurs in direct contact with nature, it is necessary to have some ecological behavior.

High altitude ecosystems are very delicate, take care of them
Do not litter. If you brought garbage, take it with you.
A piece of paper may take more than 15 years to decompose in altitudes over 3,000 meters (9,840 ft).
Do not scratch or paint rocks.
If you need to go to the toilet, dig a 25-cm (10 in) hole, and then cover it completely. This should be done at least 30 mts. away from any water source (rivers, lakes, creeks).
Avoid leaving traces of your visit.

Safety

Practicing mountaineering implies accepting the inherent risks and dangers of this activity. Expert instruction, good judgment, and the right equipment can help to diminish the risks, but they don’t eliminate them. Getting hurt or losing your life is an ever present posibility. Remember, being safe is your own responsibility.

Equipment

When buying or renting your equipment, seek help from someone experienced, so that you choose the implements that best suit your needs. Before buying, you can rent your equipment until you are sure that you like this sport and you want to continue practicing it.

Basic Equipment