I looked down: clouds below me in the distance, condors flying around me, a lot of steep rock face below me and no flat ground in sight. Above wasn't any more comforting: more steep rock and a thin rope leading towards the bright blue Andean sky. This was not the time to question if I was afraid of heights.
When Federico from Andes Vertical had told me this was easy enough for beginners and that he had taken out a couple in their late 60s recently, I think I started to downplay the enormity of rock climbing high in the Andes. I thought this would be the easiest of our 'extreme' pick, but this was actually proving to be the most challenging physically and mentally. My two climbing companions had overtaken me and Federico was towards the top supporting and securing our ropes so that we didn't fall. "Are you ok Amanda?" I heard Federico from above. "Hmmmm," I mustered. "I just don't know where to go!"
"Have a look to the right," I heard. I looked to the right - smooth flat rock, and then a small little knob of millennia-year-old-rock a bit further along. "Have you definitely got hold me?" I shouted above. "Trust me," he responded. I did trust Federico, I also trusted the equipment and even the rock - what I didn´t trust was me... With all the endurance, determination and strength of a three year old, I wasn't sure I could do it. Putting my weight into the rope and leaning over I shut my eyes, winced, said a few ave marias and felt around with my right hand and foot for anything to launch onto. My sore toes tickled the small bump and I pushed off from the left to, not so elegantly, heave my way across. From there I found another bump, another lump and then a few more cracks, bumps and lumps until I had made it to the second 'base' (or jut of rock). Exhilarated and flushed I looked at my companions - this was pretty cool!
As we stopped to take a break and look over the view of mountains, a gushing river in between and flatlands in the distance I started to appreciate that this sport was peaceful and euphoric as well as slightly toe crunching and mentally agitating. After a nice pause we let Federico scramble up the wall to secure our ropes to new heights and the three of us started to climb, helping each other by directing our steps and routes up. It is quite amazing how your animal instincts take over and you can climb walls much like insects, or Spiderman, and in all honestly I was - and still am - shocked at how far we got.
Once we had reached 150m (after about two hours of climbing), it was time to go back down. This was easily the scariest bit. Federico showed us how to abseil down by slowly releasing the rope as we walked horizontally backwards down the rock. Yes, horizontally backwards. This is another moment where you really have to take a leap of faith in yourself, as you gently (or quickly if you have the courage) lower yourself down 150m of vertical rock face, down to even, solid ground. My little excited yelps teetered between plain fear and utter euphoria. And when you get back to the bottom and look back up at the imposing rock face, it is quite a feeling. Climbing is such a different day out and rewarding in the sense of achievement, adrenaline and the beautiful Andean landscape. It is definitely sure to give you a buzz.
Andes Vertical offer full day and multi-day climbing excursions as well as other outdoor activities. Federico Zambrano is one of Argentina's top climbers and can take beginners or advanced, solo or in groups. Contact (261) 423 1148, Sarmiento 681 or visit www.andes-vertical.com for more information.
