Planning your climb up Aconcagua?
You’ll want to be prepared, especially when it comes to communication and safety. Here’s everything you need to know to stay connected and safe during your adventure.
No Cell Phone Service
First things first, there’s no cell phone service in Aconcagua Provincial Park. This means you’ll need to rely on other methods to communicate and call for help if needed.
Rescue Procedures: What to Expect
When you’re above Camp 2, or even at base camp during bad weather, rescues depend on the teamwork of guides, mountaineers, porters, park rangers, medical services, and the police rescue patrol.
- Police Rescue Patrol: They are based at Plaza de Mulas base camp and go as high as Nido de Cóndores (5,450 m). They operate using VHF radio on frequency 142.800 and are always ready to assist.
Best Communication Devices
While gadgets like SPOT or InReach are great for emergency signals, the real hero on the normal route is a Handy portable radio. With VHF signal coverage nearly everywhere on the route, your call for help will be received immediately.
High-Altitude Rescue Challenges
Even with all these communication methods and rescue services, rescues at high altitudes come with their own set of challenges:
Tough Conditions: Uneven terrain, snow, and high altitude can slow down rescues or sometimes make them impossible.
Risks of Delays: If adverse weather conditions delay evacuation, you could face extended exposure to the harsh environment, increasing the risk of frostbite or hypothermia.
To avoid these situations, we recommend joining one of our guided expeditions, where safety and comunication is managed by our experienced guides. Find more information here.
Internet connection in Aconcagua Park
There is a Wi-Fi connection at the main Aconcagua basecamp such as Confluencia, Plaza de Mulas and Plaza Argentina. Some companies have wifi in the upper camps, especially used for safety reasons. Remember that everything in this wild scenario can vary according to the weather conditions.
When hiring our guided expeditions or logistic services, we include FREE WI-FI SERVICE at basecamps.
Contact us here to get more information!
