The system of graduation is always arbitrary; nevertheless, the following information will help you to choose the trip adapted to your capacities.
This degree has some steep sections, but many flat sections with minor changes of elevation, usually with short distances in indicated paths and without problems of land navigation.
Previous experience is not needed, but you will need to have a reasonable physical condition and a lot of enthusiasm. You will travel through demanding areas, with steps of steep slopes, often crossing through mud and river crossings.
Previous experience is necessary in walks and outdoor experience, a good physical condition is needed, especially in long walks and difficult areas, with significant changes of elevation and sections out of the path, where the navigation is necessary. This degree can include trips in heights over 3.500 mts depending on the place. It will also be necessary the use of the ice axe and crampons. This graduation will be used for climbing steep mountains without technical difficulty.
This degree refers only to the activities of climbing in rocks, ice or routes that involve use of ropes and other techniques.
Notes: the easy degrees, moderate and demanding are described basically for treks; nevertheless, they will also be used in horseback ridings and treks supported by horses.
We prefer using hours to measure distances during our trips, since it considers the real time depending on the difficulties that the route offers. The average of hours of daily trips is 4 hours, the itineraries are designed to have time to relax and rest after a long day.
Most of our trips are designed in order that any person without previous experience could realize the trip, you will only need to have an acceptable physical condition and a lot of enthusiasm and desire to explore the most remote and beautiful places of Chile.
Our trips are thought for persons over 16; nevertheless, minors will be able to take part if they are accompanied by a responsible adult.
The safety in the trips is extremely important for us, for this reasons our guides are certified in courses of wilderness first response, and they will be constantly evaluating the group and the conditions of the area. Besides, we travel with communication systems, such as radios and satellite telephones.
We travel in groups and stop regularly for photo sessions, to eat, and rest in a beautiful place or to observe the flora and fauna that we find in our way.
It is true that during the trip you will improve your physical condition; nevertheless, if you begin with a reasonable level of physical condition you will be able to enjoy from the beginning. Then, to prepare yourself for our trips it’s important to consider the following points:
If you have any previous injury in your ankles or knees please inform us before the trip. The unequal areas that we cross might cause extra stress in your conjunctures. Use a knee pad or ankle support for extra support; besides consider the use of walking sticks for treks since used well they will help you with your weight and that of the backpack.
To avoid the blisters during the trip the most important thing is to wear comfortable boots with at least 3 months of use, nevertheless, if you think that your boots will produce blisters to you, put adhesive tape in your foot before beginning to walk. If you feel heat and fret in a specific place of your foot while walking, hold immediately and put an adhesive tape to stop the fret that will cause the blister. If you have new boots you can wet and walk with them during an hour or more, this is going to smooth the leather of the boot and it will help to the boot to take the form of your foot.
Try to avoid the insects bites by wearing shirts and long pants during the mornings and in the afternoons, in case of many insects use a repellent. In Chile we do not have problems with malaria or yellow fever, besides we do not have many mosquitoes or sun flys. In case of bites associated with irritation you can use an antihistaminic cream to stop the reaction.
It is essential to have a good sun block and to apply it during the day, the Sun in Chile and especially in heights is very strong, we recommend sun blocks over 40 of protection.
Your hygiene and of those who accompany you is a fundamental and serious issue, especially when we are surrounded by the nature. Make sure to wash your hands after going to the bathroom and before manipulating food, for the nature of the trips that we offer surely you will not be able to take showers any day, but there are always lakes and rivers to swim and to be cleaned.
It is important to keep hydrated during the trip, do not forget to bring a water bottle and drink it regularly. The waters of Chile are considered to be the cleanest waters of the world, especially in the mountains and in the valleys that we cross, we recommend drinking water without problems; nevertheless, if you do not feel comfortable you can bring tablets to purify the water.
We will always try to stop in places with facilities of baths, but this is not always possible and we will have to follow the rules of the minimal impact described in style of trip.
