Climbing Mount Aconcagua on CPAP: Days 1–4 "David's Expedition"
Mount Aconcagua, standing at a staggering 22,841 feet (6,961 meters), is the tallest peak in the Americas and the second highest of the Seven Summits. Located in the Andes mountain range in western Argentina, near the border with Chile, it presents one of the most formidable non-technical climbs in the world. Its sheer altitude, extreme weather conditions, and unforgiving terrain make it a true test of endurance and preparation for climbers.
Among those who accepted this extraordinary challenge was David Walker, a businessman from Atlanta, Georgia. Fresh off his successful summit of Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania last year, David set his sights on Aconcagua to push his limits even further. Armed not only with physical training and determination but also with advanced CPAP and battery technology, David meticulously prepared to overcome the unique challenges posed by this climb.
His story is one of resilience, meticulous planning, and a relentless drive to conquer one of the planet’s greatest peaks. What follows is a day-by-day account of David’s Mount Aconcagua climb —a journey filled with beautiful sights, new friendships, harsh conditions, and unwavering determination.
Day 1: Staying in Mendoza and Preparing for the Climb
December 17, 2024, was a day of preparation and anticipation. David arrived in Mendoza, Argentina, greeted by the vibrant energy of the city nestled at the foothills of the Andes. At his hotel, he took the time to meticulously test his gear, ensuring that everything was ready for the demanding high-altitude conditions. Some of his most important equipment and the key to good sleep on the climb ahead was the EXP PRO Summit 60-Watt Solar Panel paired with 3 EXP48PRO APEX batteries.
In the quiet of his hotel room, David unfolded the solar panel and positioned it by the window, letting the brilliant Argentine sun flood in. For a last minute run down of the equipment, David dialed Andrew at EXP PRO via FaceTime. Over the past month, the two had consistently exchanged emails and phone calls to ensure David’s CPAP setup was fully optimized for Aconcagua’s extreme conditions and that he was able to successfully have the batteries with him in Mendoza for the climb. Long story short; after a couple of late nights, multiple shipments, unexpected challenges with Argentinian Customs, and a few nail-biter moments, they did it. Andrew had been a trusted advisor and friend throughout the process.
Andrew picked up the call and the two immediately launched into a final review of the EXP PRO setup. They discussed how to best connect the Summit 60-Watt Solar Panel to the batteries and best practices to manage the EXP48PRO APEX batteries under the demanding conditions of the climb. As David plugged the solar panel into one of the batteries and set it to 12-volt mode, the LCD screen lit up and indicated that the battery was charging perfectly. Andrew reassured him that the system had been tested in other harsh climates, from Antarctica to Kilimanjaro, and that it would hold up to the challenge.
The conversation reflected the culmination of weeks of preparation. Before ending the call, Andrew suggested they pray together, asking for strength, safety, and for the beauty of God's creation to be realized by David and the other expedition members.
After the call ended, David took a deep breath and looked around his hotel room, now filled with neatly packed gear and the quiet hum of readiness. Tomorrow, he would leave the comforts of Mendoza for the wild beauty of the Andes.
Day 2: Departing for the Adventure (December 18th, 2024)
The journey truly began on the crisp morning of December 18, 2024. David Walker and the rest of the team gathered in front of the elegant façade of the Park Hyatt in Mendoza, Argentina. The team consisted of the guides, Gaston and Florencia, and the other climbers: Michael from Virginia, USA; Justin from Poland; Campbell from Scotland; David from Georgia, USA; George from Hungary; and Aditya “Adi” from Singapore.
The early sunlight cast long shadows across the building’s pristine white walls as the climbers smiled for a group photo, their faces radiating anticipation. It was the last moment of urban comfort before plunging into the raw wilderness of the Andes.
As their sprinter van wound through the rugged terrain of Mendoza, the scenery changed dramatically. Rolling hills and patches of green gave way to steep, arid cliffs and open skies. A quick stop along the way offered the team a chance to stretch their legs, buy water, and take in the surroundings. Soon after, they arrived at Horcones, the park entrance and the official starting point of their climb.
Here, they were greeted by a view that would stay etched in their minds: the towering peak of Aconcagua reflected in a tranquil, slightly muddy pond nearby. Its snow-draped summit shimmered under the sun, a stark contrast to the jagged, barren ridges flanking the valley. David paused to take a selfie, capturing his smiling face with the majestic peak standing sentinel behind him.
The group set off along a dusty trail bordered by low shrubs and sparse vegetation, the ground beneath them crunching with each step. Mules laden with supplies trotted alongside, guiding themselves through the rocky paths and stopping at streams in their path for water, it was clear that they were familiar with the route.
After a steady climb, they reached Confluencia Camp, a bustling cluster of tents nestled at 11,154 feet (3,400 meters). The camp’s bright orange domes dotted the landscape, standing out against the stark backdrop. The group posed for another photo by the camp’s sign, marking the end of their first trekking day and the start of their high-altitude adventure.
Here at Confluencia Camp, David took the opportunity to top off his EXP48PRO APEX batteries with the EXP PRO Summit 60-Watt Solar Panel to make sure that he had plenty of power for the nights to come. This time of year, Argentina boasts a high UV index of 12+, and as a result the solar panels harvest the suns energy quickly and efficiently.
Day 3: Crossing the Glacier Valley (December 19th, 2024)
December 19, 2024, began early with a hearty breakfast and anticipation for the day’s long hike. The team left Confluencia Camp at 8:00 AM, heading toward Base Camp Plaza Las Mulas, perched at 14,107 feet (4,300 meters). This stretch was the longest distance hike of the expedition, but it was characterized by gentle inclines for most of the route. The valley they traversed, carved by an ancient glacier thousands of years ago, stretched wide and flat, surrounded by towering peaks.
Under a deep blue sky, the team marched single file along the dusty path, the towering Andes framing their journey. The moon hung faintly above the ridges, a silent companion to their trek. At this altitude, the sky above them took on a deeper and darker blue, as there are less atmosphere molecules the scatter the suns light.
The valley sprawled on as they trekked through the middle, continuing to reveal new sights, sharp peaks, and streams glinting in the sunlight. One section of the trail was particularly unique: a flat expanse of vivid green moss fed by the winding stream, a striking contrast against the arid, rocky terrain. They paused here to hydrate and take in the stark beauty around them.
The landscape offered some pretty cool sights, including expansive rock fields and peculiar formations known as “penitentes”—jagged ice spires that pointed skyward, sculpted the sun unevenly melting the snow, and the fierce winds ripping through the valley. Gaston, one of their guides, explained the science behind the formations, adding a sense of wonder to the trek.
Along the way, they encountered clusters of delicate white flowers pushing defiantly through the rocky soil—small reminders of life’s resilience at this altitude.
As the hike progressed, the valley gave way to harsher terrain: loose scree fields and barren stretches, where the peak of Aconcagua loomed large. The final hour of the hike brought a steep incline, testing the group’s endurance. The trail became a grind, with every step requiring focus and determination.
When they arrived at Base Camp after 7 hours and 20 minutes, they were greeted by a bustling hub of climbers from around the world. Plaza Las Mulas Base Camp, a sprawling settlement of colorful tents set against the rugged backdrop of the mountain, felt like a small village amid the wilderness.
The climbers posed for a group photo by the wooden camp sign, marking their arrival at this key waypoint.
After setting up camp, the climbers prepared for their first medical check, scheduled for the morning of Day 4. This is a routine part of the ascent to ensure everyone was adapting well to the altitude.
Day 4: Acclimatizing at Camp Canada (December 20th, 2024)
The morning of December 20, 2024, began with a medical check at Base Camp Plaza Las Mulas, perched at 14,107 feet (4,300 meters). David’s oxygen saturation was measured at 86%, and his pulse was steady at 73—encouraging results given the altitude. Cleared to proceed, the team began their ascent to Camp Canada, located at 16,198 feet (4,937 meters), as part of the "climb high, sleep low" acclimatization strategy. Before leaving camp, David took a moment to check his gear, ensuring his CPAP batteries were charging up with the EXP PRO Summit 60-Watt Solar Panel for another night in the thin air.
The climb was steep and demanding, but the rewards were unforgettable. The team trekked through surreal fields of penitentes, jagged spires of ice that seemed to pierce the sky. The narrow paths wound through these icy formations, creating a labyrinth-like experience that was both challenging and awe-inspiring. The sunlight glinted off the penitentes, making them sparkle like crystals against the dark earth and snow.
As they climbed higher, the view of the Horcones Glacier came into focus, its ancient, frozen expanse cascading down the mountain. The glacier's jagged beauty served as a stark reminder of the immense forces of nature that had shaped this valley over millennia. Above them, the sky was a deep, endless blue, and clouds began to form in curious shapes, hinting at the unpredictability of high-altitude weather.
When the team reached Camp Canada, the sense of achievement was palpable. The camp, perched precariously on the side of the mountain, offered sweeping views of the valley below and the peaks stretching endlessly into the horizon. As they rested, the ominous sight of “El Hongo” came into view—a mushroom-shaped cloud forming over the summit. This weather phenomenon, signaling a storm, underscored the mountain’s unpredictable and unforgiving nature. Climbers at High Camp 3 weren't allowed to summit that day due to the storm. David and his team hoped that the storm would dissipate before their scheduled summit in 5 days.
The descent back to Base Camp was faster but equally challenging, requiring careful navigation through the icy penitentes and loose scree. Once back at Plaza Las Mulas, the team regrouped and prepared for their second medical check that evening. This critical assessment determined whether they could safely continue their ascent. At this point, George from Hungary had to make the difficult decision to withdraw from the climb due to altitude sickness. His condition, though stable, required immediate descent, and a helicopter was scheduled to evacuate him from Base Camp that evening. The team bid him farewell with heavy hearts, knowing they were losing a valued companion on the journey. For David, one of the four remaining climbers, the results were promising, and he was given the green light to proceed.
That evening, the sun dipped below the horizon, casting the mountains in shades of gold and purple. Despite the challenges, the mountain’s raw beauty and the camaraderie of the team kept him motivated for the journey ahead.
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