Chile : Activities : Mountaineering

Introduction
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The magic that the mountains has always exerted on mankind from time immemorial influences more and more people to get involved in this sport.

Mountaineering requires three elements:

• Solid technical knowledge
• Excellent physical condition
• Specialized equipment

Although it is true that a good physical condition can be obtained by exercising in a gym, and that appropriate equipment can be bought in a specialized store, the knowledge necessary to transcend obstacles and awareness of the risks of climbing high summits can only be acquired through instruction by qualified mountaineers and guides. This must be reinforced by practice, and the gradual increase in level of difficulty.

Mountaineering in its present form has been practiced in Chile since the beginning of the century. Chile boasts 4,200 km (2,625 mi) of mountain ranges, with summits over 23,000 ft. high, many of which are still unexplored. In addition, it serves as an excellent departure point for climbing the Aconcagua Mt. (6,957 m. or 22,818 ft. above sea level) located in Argentinean territory but only 150 km. (94 MI) from Santiago.

The selection of the specialized equipment is also fundamental, because given the variations in conditions that can occur during the practice of this sport, an equipment failure can mean the difference between life and death. 

Good physical condition and common sense are indispensable. The states of fatigue, cold, altitude, lack of oxygen, snow, wind, etc. impose severe physical and psychological demands.

In spite of its rigor, this sport is worth each one of the sacrifices that it demands. The contact with mountains, the encounter with oneself, the teamwork and the feeling of freedom and humility that the mountains grant us, is definitively a just reward.

In our country, the National Mountaineering Federation (Federación de Andinismo) of Chile organizes basic courses for mountaineering, rock climbing, and ice climbing. This is also the organization which certifies the guides and instructors.

For some more suggestions of places to visit, see our Places section .

Related Articles:

• Nature and Tourism in Southern Chile: Torres del Paine Natural Park
• The Last Refuge of the Chilean Palm Tree: La Campana National Park
• El Morado Natural Monument: Close to Santiago and to the sky
• Yerba Loca: A Natural Sanctuary in the Middle of the Cordillera
• Sport Climbing: Emotion in the Heights
• Ojos del Salado Volcano: Between Mountaineering and Heights Archeology

When mountaineering, take into consideration the following suggestions so that future visitors can enjoy the area at its best.

• The high altitude ecosystems are very delicate, take care of them.
• Do not dump garbage. If you brought it, you take it with you. A piece of paper may take 15 years to decompose in altitudes over 3,000 meters (9,840 ft).
• If you need to go to the toilet, dig a 25-cm (10 in) depth hole and afterwards, cover it completely. This should be at least 30 meters (98 MI) away from any water source (rivers, lakes, and estuaries).

Avoid leaving traces of your visit. This will allow everyone to enjoy such places as nature intended.

Safety

Practicing mountaineering implies that you accept the inherent risks and dangers of this activity. Expert instruction, good judgment, and the right equipment can help to diminish the risk, nevertheless it cannot be eliminated. The possibility of a serious injury or even death is always present.

• Lonely Planet Chile & Easter Island
• Adventure Handbook Central Chile

More alternatives on texts in our Book section.

• Andes Handbook
• www.andinismochile.cl

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