Recal Travel, the leader in high-altitude breathwork training, and Grajales Expeditions, a renowned expedition outfitter of Mount Aconcagua, one of the world's highest peaks, are announcing a partnership for this upcoming climbing season 2024-25. This collaboration brings together cutting-edge breathwork techniques and decades of expedition experience and expertise, offering climbers the tools they need to face high-altitude challenges with greater endurance, efficiency, and safety.
A Union of Expertise: The Science of Breathwork Meets the Art of Adventure
Grajales Expeditions has been a household name in the mountaineering community for over 48 years. Known for safely guiding climbers on expeditions to Mount Aconcagua (the tallest peak in South America and part of the famed Seven Summit Challenge), Grajales Expeditions has helped thousands of adventurers realize their dream of standing at 6,961 meters (22,841 feet).
Partnering with Recal adds a new dimension to these expeditions: scientifically-backed breathwork training specifically designed to improve performance at high altitudes. With Recal’s specialized focus on breathwork, climbers will be better equipped to face Aconcagua’s notorious altitude while building the mental resilience necessary to achieve their goal.
Breathwork: Elevating Performance and Endurance
The training leverages cutting-edge breathwork techniques, many of which are part of published research and cited by authors, to simulate high altitude conditions and initiate physiological adaptations. Participants train using exercises to improve their oxygen uptake capacity (VO2 Max) by creating new red blood cells, increase their CO2 tolerance to feel less breathless and keep breathing controlled and efficient, and build resilience to maintain mental acuity while at altitude. Respiratory Muscle Training (RMT), a core element of Recal’s program, has been shown to boost endurance, improve oxygen saturation in the blood while at high altitude, and delay the onset of fatigue—all critical factors when climbing mountains like Aconcagua. Research from scientists like Dr. Mitch Lomax's on RMT has demonstrated that this type of training can significantly enhance an athlete’s ability to perform at altitude, helping climbers manage the physical toll of extended exertion in hypoxic conditions.
A typical climber, when exposed to the thin air of Aconcagua’s upper slopes, will experience reduced oxygen saturation, often resulting in fatigue, dizziness, or more severe altitude-related symptoms. Through consistent and targeted breathwork training, climbers can increase their lung capacity and improve oxygen efficiency, ultimately improving oxygen levels in the blood and giving them the stamina they need to more safely navigate these challenges. “This is not a replacement to acclimatization on the mountain itself, however,” Anthony Lorubbio, the founder of Recal, warns. “It is designed to be used as part of a larger pre-acclimatization fitness training plan. We’ve seen great results with our clients, athletes, and guides when done in the last 5-week block of training before they set out on their expedition.”
What Climbers Can Expect
Before the climb, clients will embark on the 5-week training program, which is available in three formats: a PDF-only version, an online course format version with instructional videos, demos, and other content, and a personal coaching version. Standard prices are $75, $275, and $875 respectively, however if you are a Grajales client, there is a 10% “scholarship” available to you. This program is designed to complement and integrate seamlessly with a climbers’ existing training, only taking about 15-20 minutes, six days a week, and can be used as a warm-up or cool-down. After training and during the expedition itself, climbers will continue using Recal’s breathwork techniques, ensuring their bodies are fully equipped to handle the increasing altitude as they push toward the summit.
According to Fernando Grajales, CEO at Grajales Expeditions, “Many climbers have underestimated the challenges that Aconcagua’s altitude presents. With Recal's breathwork training, we help our clients tackle the mountain with confidence, knowing they've gone the extra mile to prepare for the altitude’s effect.”
Together, Recal and Grajales Expeditions are creating an unbeatable combination of breathwork and mountaineering expertise. Whether you’re preparing for the Seven Summits Challenge or looking to take on Mount Aconcagua for the first time, this partnership will ensure that you are mentally and physically ready for the adventure of a lifetime.
Learn more about Recal's High Altitude Breathwork Training program and Grajales Expeditions.