Aconcagua Ascent

Yes, taking a mix of dollar denominations is the best idea for this trip. Taking cash is fine, as long you excercise the same degree of common sense you would at home. The leader will best advise you on changing it once you arrive. ATMs are becoming more common but you shouldn't rely on them 100%, in case there are any problems.

Brendan Phelan - Customer Operations

You can decide to carry no more than 10kg at any stage - you simply hire a porter for yourself or share a porter load between a few of you.

If you want to carry all your stuff to the summit then you need to expect to have 20kg on your back at some stage. In that case a good quality pack of about 70-80L is essential. Just bear in mind that above base camp there is some communal load too that gets split between the group.

Alex Doaga - Exodus leader

I feel that winter camping is very helpful as a preparation for the trip. It doesn't have to be for an extended period of time but setting up a camp on the snow will help you get a feel for the conditions higher up on Aconcagua.

In terms of technical training it is important you try to learn a proper technique for using walking poles, both uphill and downhill. When you walk with crampons, look for ways of walking in such a way that you minimise the effort you put in it - raising your heels on an easy slope is a good example of spending too much energy. Front pointing is not really necessary given good weather conditions on the mountain. Ice axe is rarely used (unless the weather turns bad) and more emphasis should be put on proper use of the poles.

Alex Doaga - Exodus leader

In general, get the ones that fit you the best! As per our guide, nowadays almost half of the people trying to get to the summit of Aconcagua wear La Sportiva Spantik. If for any reason you don't want Spantiks, you at least know the type of boot that is used on the mountain and can try to find something similar.

Karol Rogacki - Americas Operations

Despite its height, Aconcagua is not a technical climb. Ropes are not required, and although we state that one should bring ice axe, these sometimes are not needed. However, it is a very tough climb and must not be underestimated. The altitude will clearly present a problem, and proper acclimatisation is essential. The other major difficulty is the weather, notoriously changeable and violent, with winds of up to 100 mph and temperatures down to -30°C or lower. Aconcagua has claimed many lives, mainly from relatively inexperienced climbers trying for the summit in unsuitable weather. The local climbing guides are experienced on the mountain and know how fickle it may be.

The prolonged amount of time spent at high altitudes also means that there will be constant exposure to very low temperatures, as well as to very strong sunlight (especially if crossing snowfields), and you should
be completely prepared for this.

Dan Cockburn - Product Manager

Due to the extreme nature of this climb, there is a very detailed kit list which it is essential you follow in preparation for this trip. More details can be found in the trip notes, and we also send a detailed kit list upon booking. If you have any questions about what is needed, please contact Exodus for further information.

Karol Rogacki - Americas Operations

You can find a comprehensive article covering this matter here: http://www.himalayanrescue.org/hra/article.php?sno=9

Alex Doaga - Exodus leader

Please visit the Exodus Travel Guide to Argentina where you can find out what plugs they use, as well as more detailed Country information in the menu on the left of the page.

Most clients are eligible to travel via the US under the US Visa Waiver Programme, however to do this you must register for an ETA (Electronic Travel Authority). This must be done prior to departure - more details can be found at www.exodus.co.uk/usvisa.

Rebecca Caldicott - Customer Operations

You can view the Grading System for our Walking & Trekking programme online.

All the staff at Exodus share a passion for adventure travel, and are always happy to answer any questions you may have. You can find an expert for the area you are interested in here and can contact them to get further information. If you don't see your specific country listed, please email customerops@exodus.co.uk and they will get the answers you need!