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Most of the incidents we see in the field aren't due to bad luck — they happen because someone shows up less physically prepared than the route demands. You don't need to be an elite athlete, but you do need a baseline level of fitness.
For moderate-difficulty outings (like Nahuelbuta or Conguillío), we recommend being able to walk 3 to 4 hours straight with a light pack and no joint pain. For high-difficulty routes (Sollipulli, Antuco, El Cañi), it's worth training specifically: hikes with elevation gain, climbing stairs with a loaded pack, and leg work two or three times a week in the weeks beforehand.
The day of the hike is not the time to try out new shoes or break in a new pack. Use the same gear you'll bring on trekking day at least once before, on a shorter hike. And if you have any relevant medical condition, tell us when you sign up — our WFR-certified guides need to know in order to take better care of you.
