Adventure Travel Destinations | BY Elie Abi Akar | PUBLISH DATE: November 14 2024 | READ TIME: 3 mins | UPDATED DATE: October 31 2026
Things I Wish I Knew Before Climbing Aconcagua
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Aconcagua is one of these mountains that will stay with you forever. No matter what the outcome of the expedition is, you’re bound to have the adventure of a lifetime with enough stories to share for years to come. This is what I wish I knew before climbing it. It gets windy. Very windy. The […]
Aconcagua is one of these mountains that will stay with you forever. No matter what the outcome of the expedition is, you’re bound to have the adventure of a lifetime with enough stories to share for years to come. This is what I wish I knew before climbing it.
It gets windy. Very windy.
The biggest challenge on the expedition is managing the wind. It’s always best practice to include several reserve days in your schedule because trekking in 70 km/h wind is not something anyone should have to do. Since the wind is very unpredictable, it’s best to check forecasts regularly and plan your rotations accordingly. More importantly, invest in some high-quality windbreakers—both light and heavy—so that you’re ready for any and all conditions!
Prioritise self-care.
This is one of these mountains that you simply can’t afford to let yourself go in. Skin-care routine? Make sure you have it. Showers? Take them when you can. Wash your clothes on your rest days if there is good sunlight, indulge at the base camp bakery, and do whatever it is that you usually do at home to self-care. Base camp will be your home for 3 weeks!
Drink a lot of water.
Aconcagua is super dry. Chances are, you’ve already been at altitude before and understand the importance of drinking water and applying moisturiser. Double your efforts on Aconcagua. I’m used to having 3-4L of water per day at altitude, but I was finishing almost 5-6L up there. Prioritise your water intake at all times!
Invest in lightweight gear.
Once you’re ready to move up the mountain from base camp, it helps when your gear doesn’t weigh a ton on your back. Invest in technical, lightweight layers even if this is not a technical mountain, because your back will thank you (and me). Brands such as Arctery’x and Rab have fantastic options!
Invest in a comfortable hiking boot.
This is most likely your make it or break it item in your gear list. You’re going to walk long distances over rugged terrain, and making sure you’re not getting blisters or facing any other issues is what’s going to determine the level of fun you have later higher up the mountain. Investing in a good and comfortable hiking boot is a no-brainer, but make sure you break it in before starting the expedition!
Daily routines that matter
Small routines become performance tools at altitude. Bring familiar snacks you know you will eat, test your sleep system before departure, and treat hydration, hygiene and recovery as daily disciplines rather than afterthoughts. Appetite, sleep and morale can all become harder as you go higher, so familiar food, warm drinks, clean layers and honest rest habits can make difficult days more manageable. Follow the guide team’s plan; this is practical fieldcraft, not medical advice.
Turn these lessons into a complete plan with our guide to planning your Aconcagua climb, then view the Aconcagua Expedition.
Expert review
Reviewed by
Dr. Nima Namgyal Sherpa
Mountaineering guide and expedition doctor
Dr. Nima is LHO’s high-altitude and wilderness medicine reviewer. He has reviewed the altitude-related medical and physiological guidance in this article.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Elie Abi Akar
Elie is the Base Camp Chief at Life Happens Outdoors, orchestrating every adventure from first step to summit. He believes the outdoors offer something essential which is a space to disconnect from routine and reconnect with what truly matters. His mission is simple: to make every journey feel meaningful and unforgettable.
