On a trip, especially on a vacation in Chile, trekking is a must. Whether you are experienced in the discipline or an enthusiast, there are some things you need to know that will make the task awesome for you to go through.
There are some easy tricks you can follow, and if you are planning on going to Patagonia, these will come very handy.
Stay hydrated
During our hikes through the mountain, hydration must be a constant. The idea is to avoid the feeling of thirst.
When hydrating, go for plain water or isotonic drinks (stay away from seltzer water). In the event that your hike turns out to be longer than planned or if you are carrying a considerable amount of weight, you should add salts to your water to prevent the excessive loss of fluids.
Never go to the mountain to go hiking without a minimum of a liter and a half of water.
Short steps
It does not mean you are going to go slow, you just have to lead a constant rhythm and when you reach an ascending slope zone keep this rhythm as much as possible (or lower it a little) and shorten your step.
Avoid speeding up your pace while going up. This will keep your energy until you reach the top, and it will also help to keep up with a constant heart rate and prevent the loss of water while you are on your trekking.
Use hiking poles
Hiking poles are economical, light and are of great help in the mountain. A walking cane serves to download part of the weight of your joints and they also can offer you extra stability and help you separate some possible branches or plants that may come in your way making your trekking difficult.
There is a correct way to take the hiking poles to distribute the pressure you make on your hands and prevent all weight from falling on the wrist. The correct position of the hand is key: in the descent you will have to extend them, and in the climbs shorten them. When you walk in plain with your elbow when you hold the hiking pole, you must form a right angle.
Wear mountain boots
It is much safer to walk with a boot to our extent by the mountain than to do it with another type of footwear. A comfortable boot and waterproof membrane, not only will avoid twisting your ankle or soaked feet in case of rain, it will also prevent the loose stones from impacting your foot.
Now you are ready to enjoy the best landscapes of Chile in a manner that will keep you safe, just enjoying the beauty of a vacation in South America.