Trying to categorize all expeditions, adventures, courses and trainings will always be subject to a high level of subjectivity. Every single experience in the mountains even in the same exact range and season is shaped be unique circumstances that make the trip unrepeatable.
Nevertheless, we developed this simple chart to help you gain some perspective when choosing a program. Please remain flexible and remember that the difficulty of an expedition is decided ultimately by each member.
| Level |
Physical Exertion |
Technicality |
| Low |
Light hiking and exercise, short to moderate distances, with only a day pack. Mostly on trails. Seakayaking in mild conditions. Horse-riding and some rock-climbing programs. |
No use of technical gear or mechanical systems to prevent an accident. No special requirements. Most trekking programs fall in this category. |
| Medium |
Hiking with a small pack over long distances or in altitude or trekking carrying a 20kg pack. Hiking on trail and off trail in uneven terrain. Sea-kayaking in some conditions, some mountaineering and back country skiing, rock-climbing and mountain biking programs. |
A previous experience in the mountains is recommended, however it doesn’t limit participation. A previous camping experience, sleeping in tent and living outdoors will be very helpful. Sea-kayaking, back country skiing, horse-riding, mountain biking and sport rock-climbing are most of the time within this category. Trekking trips in glaciated terrain. |
| High |
Must possess a solid physical condition, being able of carrying a 35kg backpack during a long day, in varied off-trail terrain such as talus, snow and ice. Most high altitude mountaineering programs fall in this category, some intense mountain biking programs or backcountry skiing in conditions. |
Participants possess a previous climbing experience, must be familiar with personal climbing equipment and how to belay a partner. Multi-pitch climbs in snow rock and ice. Sea-kayaking in high seas. Skiing in hazardous terrain. |
|
| PROGRAMS |
Level of Physical Exertion |
Level of Technicality |
| NORTH WEST |
| Trekking |
| THE PUNA TOUR |
Low |
Low |
| PUNA & YUNGAS traverse |
Medium |
Low |
| Peak Ascents |
| PISSIS |
Medium to High |
Low |
| LLULLAILLACO VOLCANO |
Medium to High |
Low |
| CENTRAL ANDES |
| Trekking |
| ACONCAGUA South Face Basecamp |
Medium |
Low |
| ACONCAGUA Plaza Mulas Basecamp |
Medium |
Low |
| ACONCAGUA GRAND TOUR |
Medium |
Low |
| Peak Ascents |
| VALLECITOS & ACONCAGUA, Reg. Route |
Medium to High |
Low |
| ACONCAGUA, Reg. Route |
Medium to high |
Low |
| ACONCAGUA, Guanacos Valley Route |
High |
Low |
| ACONCAGUA, Polish Glacier Route |
High |
High |
| Mt VALLECITOS, Southest Ridge Route |
Medium |
Low |
| PATAGONIA |
| Trekking |
| ONE DAY PROGRAMS |
Low-Medium-High |
Low-Medium-High |
| ICEFIELDS EXPEDITION |
Medium to High |
Medium |
| Multi-Activities |
| LANIN EXPLORER |
Low |
Low |
| BARILOCHE GRAND TOUR |
Medium |
Low to Medium |
| TRISTEZA BAY CROSSING |
Medium |
Low to Medium |
| Peak Ascents |
| Mt. DOMUYO |
Medium |
Medium |
| LANÍN VOLCANO |
Medium |
Low |
| Mt. TRONADOR |
Medium |
Medium |
| PATAGONIAN SUMMITS |
Medium |
Medium |
| Backcountry
Skiing |
| SKI THE VOLCANOS |
Medium to High |
Medium |
| COURSES |
| Navigation & Orienteering (2 days) |
Medium |
Low |
| Leave No Trace Trainer (2 days) |
Low |
Low |
| Wilderness First Responder (8 days) |
Low |
Low |
|
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