What is Hot Tenting APEX style?

HOT TENTING DEFINED

Hot tenting is about moving with the rhythm of the mountains: unhurried, unburdened, fully present. We take the weight and discomfort out of winter camping so you can glide through the Andes with nothing between you and the moment but breath and snow.

You step from the vehicle into a sky brushed with purples, pinks, and deep blue hues. The snow squeaks under your boots, your breath hanging in the crisp air as sunlight warms your cheeks. Planks underfoot, you grab your backpack and sling it over your shoulder chuckling lightly at the thought of going out for a 3-day mission with just your daypack. With light packs and lighter spirits, your group exchanges bright, anticipatory smiles envisioning full days ahead with only the essentials, and the mountains opening their arms.

Striding out into the range you leave any existing tensions behind as the calmness and power of the mountains penetrate your soul. Light on your feet you charge throughout the day making smooth ascents followed by ripping graceful descents in open bowls above the tree line. The sun dips toward the horizon as the group makes a final descent where and at last you lay eyes on your mountain accommodations.

The feeling that settles in your chest—belonging, wonder, stillness—is why we built this experience. The emotions you feel are as unique to you as the color of your eyes and the sensation of being exactly where you are supposed to be has driven us to create this moment for you. Connected to the wavelengths of the mountains and completely immersed in the landscape you feel no motive to move, only to be. 

Reflecting on the day's highlights while transfixed on the textured sky you do not want the sun to leave the landscape dark but when the temp dips and the reddish yellow tint fades to gray you offer no resistance. The laughter of your squad is calling you to come inside and share. Melting into your chair you understand what our guests have come to capture but in reality, it is this that captures our guests.

Heat pours from the titanium stove, turning the Andean winter into a warm haven where shorts and t-shirts are all you need. Filet mignon sizzles, romanesco crackles, onions and garlic perfume the air. A Carménère pours black fruit and green pepper over your palate, deepening the comfort in your bones. A salad of vibrant vegetables, provincial cheese, and seeds reawakens your muscles. A massive cut of local beef—seared, juicy, astonishingly good in this remote locale—stops conversation for a moment of shared awe. You've seldom seen a cut like this cooked at home let alone out in the mountains on a camping trip. A sip of your wine brings the bouquet of flavors to a crescendo and you shake your head in amazement of the meal you're being served so far from "civilization." Bright romanesco and purple Chilote potatoes finish the plate like art.

Heavy-lidded but unwilling to leave the warmth and company, you linger. You're here in a place you've been dreaming about for months, and you soak it in just as you're absorbing the heat from the wood stove. Dark chocolate and hazelnut turróns are passed around adding a touch of sweetness to close out the night. 

Plans for tomorrow take shape… a sunrise summit, a new canvas of terrain to explore. After an extended conversation weighing out the proposed routes your group happily decides on an early start to maximize the day and see the sunrise in all its splendor from a neighboring peak. With plans made and giddy anticipation rising, you say goodnight.

Stepping back outside, the cold air lifts your spirit. The Milky Way is tangible and the stars fall down upon you elevating your soul into the cosmos. Like a warm cloak you take the sensation into your toasty tipi and wrap it around you feeling the complete immersion of your journey into the Andes. Wrapped in that wonder, you retreat to your tent, the warmth following you inside. An owl calls as you settle into your sleeping bag, a quiet smile of wonder forming.

Life feels simple here. Time loosens its grip. And tomorrow? Tomorrow is going to be bananas.

You can decide which program is best for you by visiting the link, Hot-Tenting the Andes to see full itineraries along with dates and the pricing of our premium and standard options. You can also reach out to us directly through WhatsApp to schedule a conversation so that I can get to know you and help you throughout your booking process Saludos! ~Forrest +56941248548