Advice For High Altitude and Adventure Life

1-Prepare yourself for the altitude well by spending at least several days in a high place (eg. Cusco, Sacred Valley, Lake Titicaca) before departing. (3 to 4 days is ideal).

2.- Acclimatization to altitude are completely different! You can be very fit but still suffer from the altitude. Also, you may have been at altitude before and not suffered effects but then feel it the next time. We really recommend acclimatizing - even to get your lungs used to breathing the thinner air!

1. Stay properly hydrated. Acclimatization is often accompanied by fluid loss, so you need to drink lots of fluids to remain properly hydrated (at least 3-4 quarts per day). Urine output should be copious and clear.

2. Take it easy; don't over-exert yourself when you first get up to altitude. Light activity during the day is better than sleeping because respiration decreases during sleep, exacerbating the symptoms.

3. Avoid tobacco and alcohol and other depressant drugs including, barbiturates, tranquilizers, and sleeping pills. These depressants further decrease the respiratory drive during sleep resulting in a worsening of the symptoms.

4. Eat a high carbohydrate diet (more than 70% of your calories from carbohydrates) while at altitude.

5. The acclimatization process is inhibited by dehydration, over-exertion, and alcohol and other depressant drugs.

3.- Fitness. It depends how fit you are. If you are of moderate fitness then you should have no problem doing our treks - just take it easy. If you are not particularly fit, then it might help to do some walking up hills prior to leaving home.

4.-Go at your own pace. It's not a race. Most of our tours have adequate time for you to take it easy along the trail. We also find it is more enjoyable to stop and rest frequently, admiring the landscapes than to arrive in camp early and sit in your tent!

5.-Everyone has their own style, but try going up hill taking slow, even steps.

6.-Make sure your trekking shoes/boots are well worn in. (Two weeks frequent wear!) Commonsense really, but there is nothing worse than hiking with ill-fitting or rubbing shoes. Makes every step agony!

7.-Take second skin and your own medical kit. Our own medical kit is well stocked but it doesn't include "second skin" and maybe not your preferred type of blister medicine!

8.-Extra socks! They are light and easy to carry and can warm your toes at night as well as help out in the case of ill-fitting shoes

9.-Walking sticks. This is of personal preference. Some people like a walking stick and others don't. They help with balance going down hill and resting walking up hill. Colourful sticks are easily bought in Ollantaytambo and others place before departure. (Please note, they can not be taken into the citadel of Machu Picchu.

10.-Lollies/ sweets and snacks. In addition to what your guide brings, we would recommend having some boiled sweets to suck on as you climb up steep passes. (eg. Barley sugar). It seems to give you energy and take your mind off it!

11.-Consider chewing coca. Again, personal preference! Mingle with the locals and try an age old Andean tradition that has somewhat been despoiled by its association with cocaine. It can give you that little boost to get over the pass but is an acquired taste.

12.-Sunglasses. We generally recommend that you take them! But especially on trips where there is plenty of snow (Crossing the Cordillera Vilcabamba & Ausangate) it's a necessity given the risks of snow blindness!

Itinerary Notes In Alternative Trek

The times cited in this itinerary are approximate. Walking times depend on the group and the guide can change lunch spots and campsites, depending on the progress of the group. Each guide has their own preferred route and it might not correspond exactly to the route described here.

If required, riding horses or horses to carry luggage can be arranged at a reasonable daily rate.