FAQ
What if the pass is closed?
This is unusual but if it happens we have several alternatives like trekking at Cerro Vallecitos and other wonderful treks.
How much equipment will I have to carry? Can I make it?
Your backpack will never weigh more than 7 kg. The rest of it will be carried by mules.
Do I actually need a passport?
Yes, on the 2nd day we have to go through Argentine customs and stamp our passports to officially leave Argentina. Your situation in Argentina has to be legal. If you don’t have an stamp in your passport, you won’t be able to leave the country and your trek is finished. So make sure your situation is legal in Argentina. Make sure your passport is at least 3 or 4 months before the due date.
Is there communication on the mountain?
The only communication we have is a VHF radio that allows us to speak with the police of both countries.
Would you guys call my family and tell them I’m alright?
Of course! Even better! We have a blog that is updated every day! We normally post messages or photos about the expedition progress. Please visit our Facebook page and check the latest posts.
Do I have to share tents to anyone?
Yes. All tents are shared by every 2 persons and this is previously agreed.
What if I abandon or quit the trek?
If you quit the expedition 1 week before departure, it is possible to recover part of your investment. Contact us and find out more.
If you quit the expedition in Mendoza, you can continue enjoying the services we provide you such as transportation and hotel. However we can not pay back the money you invested because logistics will already be hired.
If you quit the expedition after we left Mendoza, you will have to cover individual transportation and accommodation costs. Everyone who leaves the expedition for personal or health reasons, should pay these costs.
If you give during the trek, we will arrange all your transport to go back to Mendoza. Have in mind these costs will be yours regardless they might be due to health reasons.
What’s your philosophy?
We accept women and men of any age, experience or ambition. We ask our members to be patient, respect the leader’s decisions and never go up or down alone.
Remember that you don’t pay us to take you to your destiny, you pay mountaineering professionals with several years experience to assist you through the trek in the safest possible way. Still, you are the one who has to walk!
Our itinerary may seem slower than other companies, this is due to a longer acclimatisation plan based on safety. More days will actually improve the chance of reaching your goals!
How much money should I take?
You might have to spend money on dinner and lunch in Mendoza and Santiago, equipment rentals, telephone bills, tips, etc. You might also have extra expenses in case you decide to abandon the mountain. We recommend you to bring a total of $500 in US currency and 1000 argentine peso for the whole trip. Please check the expenditure list:
Dinner and lunch in Mendoza: U$25 per meal
Equipment rentals (average): U$150
Cost of abandoning trip: U$350
Can I use credit cards in Argentina?
We do not recommend you using credit cards in Argentina. In addition to the up to 25% tax, it is quite possible that your credit card might not work due to poor communication system. Only major hotels and supermarkets might accept foreign credit cards. The financial situation in Argentina is very unstable so we highly recommend you to bring US dollars.
Chile is very different and most shops or big stores accept credit or debit cards
What sort of training do I need for this trek?
For this trek we recommend you to start training at least one months before the trip, depending on your physical condition. Aerobic exercises like running and cycling are very useful. A very effective exercise is to go hiking with a rucksack on any trails. BEWARE of injuries! We have had some cases of clients who have trained too much and ended up hurting themselves.
What experience do I need for this trip?
We recommend you to have experience in multiple-day hikes.
How’s the weather up there?
Even though we’ll be going on summer, remember that we are in the middle of the Andes and the weather is unpredictable. On average the days are mild/hot, about 15ºC to 30ºC and nights can be fairly cold +5ºC to -5ºC. Occasionally we have snowstorms.
What if I have a special diet?
Please tell us in advance about any food issues you might have and also please remind our guides about it too. Unless you bring your own food, we cannot help you if you are macro-biotic, vegan or celiac due to extreme logistical difficulties. Contact us and let us know about your food restriction.
What’s the temperature my sleeping bag should stand?
We recommend you to bring good down sleeping bags with comfort temperature of -10 up to -15. Please note there are 2 types of temperatures shown in most of sleeping bags. We’re focusing on the “comfort temperature”.
What if I want to rent equipment?
It is very easy to rent equipment in Mendoza. Check out the list of equipment needed before buying anything. Rentals can be paid in dollars or pesos. These are the costs for the 2017 season. Prices are for the whole expedition:
- Windproof Jacket USD 34
- Trekking pole USD 16
- Trekking boots USD 28
- Duffel USD 20
- Fleece jacket USD 16
- Thick down Jacket USD 48
- Sleeping mattress USD 13
- Fleece gloves USD 8
- Sunglasses or Goggles USD 16
- Rucksack USD 28
- Windproof pants USD 28
- Sleeping bag -8ºC USD 40
Where will I sleep during the trek?
In the first 2 nights we sleep in beds in mountain huts. On the 3rd and 4th night we sleep in tents.
There is drinking water in the approach?
There is plenty of drinking water on the way. However we recommend you to treat it before drinking.
In which hotels do we stay in Mendoza?
In Mendoza we will use the 3-star hotel called Condor Suites which is located in the city center close to restaurants, supermarkets and shops. In Santiago we will use the Hotel Libertador also 3 star. It’s on Avenida Libertador O’Higgins, in the city center. Note that rooms aren’t included in our package but we can organise that for you if you wish to use the same hotels.
What if I need to be rescued?
Our guides are trained rescuers and also trained on WFR protocol. Additionally, the Argentine army will be very close to us most of time and can easily help us.
