TREK DIFFICULTY

Trek Difficulty & Training

All three of our treks, 7 Day, 3 Day and 1 Day require no previous technical training.  We walk with ski poles on most trails to keep better balance during the trek. In some area there is small to moderate size river rocks that we will walk over. All the trekking is on established trails. 


Physical Fitness & Training

It is important that you do physical training to prepare for your trek. The level of training depends on the trek you choose.  Look at the Essential Trek information and the Day to Day Itinerary on the website for your trek. This gives an overview of the time duration and altitude gained for every day.  You should slowly (over several weeks or months) train to have sufficient physical fitness to match the hardest days and the stamina to do it several days in a row if you trek requires.  

This training should include cardiovascular endurance (via aerobic training), strength endurance (through strength conditioning), and hiking-specific training (hiking with a 10 to 15lb backpack) to simulate the trekking you will do on the mountain.

NOTE: The 7 DAY TREK is considerably harder than the 3 DAY TREK.  Feel free to contact AMG at Info@aconcaguamg.com. We are happy to assist in your training or selecting the best trek for you.

Altitude

It is important to understand that hiking and sleeping at higher altitudes is more difficult than hiking at low altitudes ( 5000 ft or less).  Our trip is designed for proper acclimatization, but previous experience is always helpful.  This is particularly helpful for the 7 Day Trek.

Pack Weight

You will carry a 10lb to 15 lb pack weight consisting of bottled water, extra clothing in case of wind or rain, a camera, etc. It is important to train with this amount of weight when you are doing training hikes or using an inclined treadmill in a gym.

Self-Management

You should also be prepared to take care of yourself in a cold environment. This means knowing how to control your body temperature by hydrating well, putting on different layers of clothing to maintain body heat, and eating sufficiently (regularly throughout the day) to maintain your strength. It is important to learn how to monitor your health and know how you are feeling. We will help you to fine-tune many of these skills as we trek.