What's the best way to enjoy the beauty of Mendoza? From the top of a mountain, of course!
Once you've paid your respects to all the incredible wineries of Uco Valley and have walked around the city a bunch, it's time to head up! Let's say, you've already found your way to two of the best hiking guide companies in Mendoza (Proyecto R.O.C.A. or Destino Montaña), booked your trekking adventure and are probably wondering how best to prepare for it. Well, let's see if I can help you out.
First and foremost, remember, that the peak is not the goal. The goal is to enjoy yourself, your company and, of course, the mountains, with all the sounds, smells, colors and vastness. We call it, "The quiet of the mountain", and for us, it is the best feeling in the world. We try to walk as quietly as we can, sometimes listening to the story told by the guide, but mostly, immersing ourselves in the enormity of the landscape, its energy and beauty. The quieter we are, the more chance we get that a guanaco or a chinchilla or another bird or animal will pass by, giving us a glimpse into the wildlife of the Andes.
It's always a good idea to train a bit, if you have the opportunity. Just a simple walk or a run as part of your regular exercise routine will strengthen your muscles and allow you to pay more attention to nature, while making your ascent and descent easier and more enjoyable. You don't have to be an Olympic athlete to experience the mountains, as our treks are intended for anyone in average physical condition, but hey, if you've got some time to get ready, why not!
Another important detail to keep in mind is that Mendoza is a desert. While it doesn't look like the Sahara, it has all the characteristics of a good desert: very dry air with lots of dust flying around, lack of shade and hard, sandy or rocky terrain. Plus, the farther away you are from the equator, the harder it is to weather the altitude, so we gotta tread carefully. How do we do that? Let us share some useful tips with you:
Bring however much water is recommended for a particular trek. Usually I say, 2 liters per person. If you have a Camelback type of water bag in your possession, grab it, it'll make your walk a lot more convenient.
Always (and that's an ALWAYS) wear a hat and sunglasses! Polarized ones are the best, the kind you'd wear riding a bike. The best hat style would be a fisherman's hat or a baseball cap.
Another big always is sunblock. Even if it's cloudy, even if you're hiking in the winter, you need sunblock. Every meter of altitude intensifies the UV rays, increasing sun damage to your skin.
Comfortable clothes seems like an obvious choice, so yes, that. Hiking boots are the best for Mendoza conditions, but a lot of the treks may easily be done in good, sturdy sneakers with non-skid soles. Long pants and long-sleeve shirts are highly recommended, due to the many prickly plants waiting to get their thorns into your legs and arms. There aren't plants on every single trail, but best be prepared.
In the mountains, it's always a good ides to dress in layers, and here it becomes a necessity. The weather can change quite rapidly, so you want to be prepared for several scenarios: a T-shirt and a long-sleeve shirt as a base, with a light-weight fleece and a wind-breaker shell, in your backpack, for the summer treks. A winter outfit should include a down jacket that would fit under your wind-breaker shell, a wool hat and gloves.
Trekking poles are another good idea for Mendoza hikes. The ground here is very hard, with a lot of loose pebbles and rocks, so we use the poles as an extra pair of legs and feet, to avoid skidding. The poles will help you not only maintain balance, but will increase blood circulation to your arms and hands, making you less tired while you walk.
The last but not least super-important detail: enjoy the trek! Trust your mountain guide, who will be there every step of the way guiding you and helping you achieve your goal. Just follow their instructions and have the best possible adventure in this beautiful place!
