2. Having the right equipment is essential.

 On Aconcagua, you will experience some climatic extremes, and having the right kit can make the experience a lot more comfortable. It can get very cold and you’ll need a sleeping bag rated to -30C, a high mountain down jacket and insulated gloves or mittens designed for very low temperatures. You’ll be wearing mountaineering double boots above base camp – make sure these are a comfortable fit with wiggle room for your toes and definitely get used to wearing these before you depart on the trip. The sun is powerful on Aconcagua and a wide brimmed sun hat, cat 4 sunglasses, high factor sun cream for any exposed skin and sun block for your lips are must have items.

3. Take along some entertainment for base camp!

 There is a fair bit of time spent relaxing at base camp, acclimatising and preparing for your ascent of Aconcagua. This is all part of expedition life. A well-stocked kindle, MP3 player full of your favourite music, pack of cards, diary or travel board game can help make time at base camp fun. It is a holiday after all!

4. A portable charger for your electronic devices. 

Charging opportunities are very limited once you leave the road head and head up to Confluencia and Plaza de Mulas camps. A portable charging device, and even better a portable solar charger means that you can keep your electronic devices running throughout your trip.

5. Keep your camera battery warm.

 Cold temperatures affect batteries, and it does get cold at the high camps on Aconcagua at night. Keep your camera, or at least the camera battery, inside your sleeping bag at night, and you’ll be able to capture the perfect sunrise shot when you pop your head out of the tent door. On summit day you’ll want to keep your camera inside your jacket or in a pocket to make sure you have enough charge to capture those special moments.