Personal Preparation

Altitude and Acclimatisation
Higher altitudes have less oxygen, humidity and pressure. Huaraz lies at an elevation of 3,052 m (10,013 ft), thus anyone arriving from lowland or coastal areas is likely to experience some effects of the altitude gain. In order to keep these effects to a minimum, we recommend the following:

• Drink sufficient water: It is vital to drink sufficient water to replace lost fluids from exercise and to keep up with the demands of higher altitudes. It is recommended that you drink twice as much as you would normally.
• Increase exercise gradually: Physical activity should be carried out at a slower pace than usual and increased gradually from the time you arrive in Huaraz. The guides will set an appropriate pace on the treks to minimise any side effects of the altitude. We recommend you spend 1-2 acclimatization days with day hikes before embarking on a longer trek.
• Risk of acute mountain sickness: We take every precaution to ensure that Acute Mountain Sickness does not occur. However, it can happen to anyone regardless of age or fitness. The guides will monitor you throughout the trek for early signs of altitude sickness. In the event that a serious case should occur, our staff are fully trained in emergency procedures. Extra reassurance we can provided emergency horse. Please note that there is an extra charge for this. If you have any doubts or prevailing medical condition that may be affected at altitude, please consult your personal doctor.

More info about altitude sickness in Wikipedia

Fitness
A general fitness is necessary to enjoy the treks. On average you would expect to be walking for about 5-7 hours per day. The walking pace is slow to allow for altitude conditions and is broken up by plenty of rest stops and lunch. On climbs, the summit day is usually long with a 6-9 hour ascent followed by a 4-5 hour descent.

First Aid
Once you have made a reservation, you will be provided with details of what we carry in our First Aid Kit. However, please be aware that these items are intended for emergencies and it is preferable to carry your own personal and preferred medications.

Electricity
The voltage is 220 at 60Hz. There are 2 kinds of outlet:

Money
The local currency is "Nuevo Sol". The current exchange rate is 3.78 PEN to US $1 (See Currency Converter) Banks and ATM's are available and reliable. Most banks open Mon – Fri 9.00 – 18.00, Saturdays 09.00 - 13.00
US dollars are accepted in most large hotels, tourist restaurants, in some pharmacies and supermarkets. It is difficult to change currencies other than the US dollar or Euro. We recommend you change your currencies in banks or certified exchange locations rather than on-the-street money changers.
Credit cards are used in Huaraz. Of the major cards, Visa is the most accepted.

Weather
The main tourist season is May to October when the weather tends to be dry, bright and sunny. However, trekking is possible all year round. During November to April, most afternoons experience some rain but the mornings are usually still bright. Indeed many tourists prefer this quieter season. The temperatures can vary enormously during a day, with highs of around 20°C during the dry season, dropping down to below 10°C at night. As with all mountainous areas the weather can be unpredictable and is of course subject to the effects of global warming.

Accommodation / Equipment
There are very few mountain huts in the mountains⁽¹⁾, therefore accommodation during the treks and climbs is in tents. Depending on group size, a cooking/dining tents are provided. In addition there will always be a toilet tent.
(1) There is the possibility to stay in a refuge at the base camp of Huascaran, Pisco and Ishinca.

Food
Our trained cooks produce amazing food at high altitudes and are always pleased to accommodate specific dietary requirements. Food is always cooked to meet the highest standards of hygiene. Menus vary daily but always include breakfast, lunch and dinner (vegetarian or vegan option). Lunch may be in the form of a packed lunch or a light. You will be provided with supplementary snacks between meals to keep your energy levels high.

Water
For the first day of your trek/climb, you will be asked to bring along your own water. Thereafter, boiled water will be provided each morning to fill your water bottles or hydration pouches.

Washing facilities
Washing facilities are limited therefore we suggest you bring along moist towelettes (wet wipes).

Renting of equipment
We can recommend locations for renting sleeping bags, walking poles and inflatable mattresses for treks, and crampons, ice axes, gaiters, harness, boots and helmets for climbs.

Group size
We are able to arrange treks for individuals, couples, families or groups. If you wish to join a group (see our group deparures), we will do our best to help you find trekking partners.

Tipping guides, porters, cooks and donkey handlers
The guides, porters, cooks and donkey handlers work hard in difficult conditions to ensure your trek runs smoothly. They depend heavily on tourism during the high season and often only have the opportunity to farm on a small scale during the low season. Therefore tips are greatly appreciated, whether in the form of money, clothing or other useful items. However, tipping is obviously discretionary and in accordance with your opinion of their services.