Everything you need to know to get into mountaineering

Luis Martínez García introduces us to the world of mountaineering in his article Everything you need to know to get into mountaineering, an activity with multiple benefits such as connecting intimately with nature and improving physical condition that can be done in various parts of the world.

Mountaineering is the activity of ascending and descending mountains, which involves having good physical condition, technical skills and the necessary equipment. This activity provides various benefits, including strengthening physical condition, increasing lung capacity and creating a more intimate connection with nature. In addition, it allows you to learn about the flora in its own ecosystem and experience the abiotic factors that condition its development, such as sunlight, temperature, climate, relief and atmospheric pressure.

There are numerous options for hiking and mountaineering within Mexican territory. Some of the most accessible options from Mexico City are:

• Izta-Popo Zoquiapan National Park, between the State of Mexico and Puebla.

• Cumbres del Ajusco National Park.

• El Chico National Park, in the state of Hidalgo.

For those looking for more challenging destinations that require excellent planning, the following stand out:

• Sierra de San Pedro Mártir National Park, in Baja California.

• Nevado de Colima Volcano National Park, in the states of Colima and Jalisco.

• Tacaná Volcano Biosphere Reserve, located between Chiapas and Guatemala.

Exploring abroad provides the opportunity to discover new horizons, cultures, languages ​​and landscapes. Some recommended options in Latin America are:

• Acatenango Volcano, in Guatemala, which allows you to contemplate the activity of the Fuego Volcano.

• Los Nevados National Natural Park, in Colombia, where you can tour the moors and admire one of the most representative flora of the country: the frailejón (Espeletia hartwegiana).

In Europe, the Alps represent an excellent option, with a developed infrastructure that includes marked trails, mountain huts and cable cars. However, the weather plays a crucial role, as winter requires specialized equipment and knowledge of avalanche dangers. A notable region is:

• Allgäu Alps, in Bavaria, Germany, where in winter you can practice skiing or ice climbing.

To get started in this activity, it is possible to hike independently; However, the most advisable thing is to join a community to share experiences, learn from others and take courses that allow you to acquire skills for safe and autonomous practice. As experience is gained, more complex projects can be undertaken.

Essential equipment:

• Backpack with lumbar belt, to distribute the weight between the waist and shoulders.

• High-top footwear, which provides protection and support to the ankles.

• Hiking poles, which provide two extra points of support on ascents and descents.

• Clothing based on the three-layer theory, using synthetic textiles to breathe and protect from adverse weather conditions.

For longer itineraries that require an overnight stay, it is necessary to have:

• Field house.

• Sleeping bag.

• Pad.

• Headlamp.

Currently, there are various applications that allow you to store and view georeferenced routes outdoors, with Wikiloc and Strava being the most popular platforms in Mexico. However, it is essential to have navigation knowledge, which allows one to position, orient and move on the terrain, in addition to interpreting information on the morphology of the terrain on topographic maps using contour lines. The equipment necessary for this includes:

• Cartographic compass.

• Map or topographic chart with variable scales.

• GPS device.

• Smart phone.

Finally, to begin you only need to take the first step: plan the destination, enjoy the experience in contact with nature and company, and take advantage of the opportunity to get to know yourself physically and mentally. Over time, you can improve skills and acquire more equipment to discover endless places both in Mexico and abroad.

 To begin you only need to take the first step: plan the destination, enjoy the experience in contact with nature and company, and take advantage of the opportunity to get to know yourself physically and mentally. 

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