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Altitude tactics
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An active acclimatization to altitude is, in any case, preferable to a passive one. However, and due to the distances involved, long sections must be traveled by vehicle, especially in the Atacama region, north of Chile. For this reason, great heights are reached too quickly. The trek to base camp in central Chile is done in general with mules, which are rented by the day. For costs reasons, there is a tendency to climb faster than what is advisable health-wise. Besides, without carrying any equipment it is obvious that it is easier to climb faster.
Independently of how you approach the goal in the mountain, be it by foot or by means of a vehicle, the same practical rule applies:
Up until 3000 m, very seldom there are problems related to altitude. Beginning from there, the places to spend the night should not be over 500 m from the highest altitude reached during the day. After ascending 1000 m more, two nights in a row must be spent at the same place. During the day, you can ascend without problems to higher altitudes to get a better acclimatization, but then you have to come back to the camp. According to this practical rule, you should count at least eight days to climb a 5000 m mountain.
The 10 golden rules for ascending a high mountain (Thomas Lämmle)
- Do not climb too fast!
- Watch the altitude at which you’ll spend the night!
- Control your heart beat and take your time!
- Watch your teammates!
- In case of altitude sickness: descend immediately!
- Take care of your health!
- Drink a lot!
- Do not stay too long at extreme altitudes!
- Sleep well!
- Plan your stay at high altitudes!
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