Altitude
As soon as people book their trip to Peru, they start wondering about altitude sickness. The air at high altitudes contains less oxygen than at sea level and forces your body to work harder to get the oxygen it needs. Over several days at high altitude your body adjusts to the lower amount of oxygen in the air. This is why we always recommend spending at least two days in Cusco before beginning any trek. If you have more time that’s even better. Cusco is an amazing city with lots of things to do* link to things to do page* so you won’t be bored.
With altitude sickness you may first feel like you have the flu or a hangover. You may have a headache, tiredness, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, trouble sleeping, or trouble breathing during exercise. If any of these effects become severe please contact our office and we’ll help you get to a doctor.
Most of the time these symptoms will be mild. We always recommend easing into activity slowly allowing your body time to adjust. Drink plenty of fluids such as water or coca tea. Coca tea has been used to help prevent altitude sickness since ancient times. Leaves from the coca plant contain alkaloids that help bring oxygen into your blood therefore helping your body avoid the effects of altitude sickness. Things to avoid to help prevent altitude sickness:
* Avoid drinking a lot of alcohol and coffee. They’ll cause you to urinate more often and become dehydrated.
* Avoid smoking. It makes it more difficult for your body to get oxygen.
* Avoid sleeping pills. They may cause shallow breathing at night making it more difficult for your body to absorb oxygen while you sleep.
Remember the trek to Machu Picchu is not a race. Even those in the best shape will suffer from altitude sickness if they race to the top of the mountain too quickly. Going slowly will give your body time to adjust to this new adventure.
Your general physical can prescribe medicines to help prevent altitude sickness. Start the medicine two days before you get to a high altitude and continue to take it while you are at high altitude.
You must remember that this entire adventure is meant to be your holiday and you don’t want to get stressed out about the possibility of getting sick. Do everything slowly, drink lots of water, and enjoy the coca tea. If anything does happen and you unfortunately get sick let your guide know right away – all Alpaca Expeditions guides are trained in how to help you get through it.
Weather
Weather is unpredictable. Cusco’s dry season is normally from April to October, but this does not stop rain from falling in May or for the weather to turn warm in December. That’s why we always want you to to come prepared. No matter what month you’re doing the trek please make sure that you have rain gear that includes a waterproof jacket, pants, poncho and waterproof gloves. Gloves tend to be what most people forget.
You want to prepare for All four seasons. Many of the treks through the Andes Mountains involve walking through a lot of micro-climates that force you to prepare for all seasons. Layers are the key because they’re really easy to adjust to the different temperatures. The evenings will always be cold because of the elevation so you’ll need to bring a warm winter-weight jacket.
First Aid
Every Alpaca Expeditions guide has received training in first aid from a physician. We conduct mandatory training every February and every single Alpaca guide attends. Each of our guides will always have a first aid kit for basic medical problems (traveler’s diarrhea, cuts, scrapes, etc.) and oxygen. They’re trained and experienced when it comes to taking care of you and making you feel better.
In case something unexpected happens and you feel you can no longer complete the trek, Alpaca Expeditions’ team will figure out the safest and quickest way off the course and to a clinic. You’ll never be left alone; you’ll have a member of the Alpaca Expedition team escort you every step of the way until safely with a doctor. When you’re feeling up to it, we’ll make sure that you still have the chance to visit Machu Picchu and re-connect with your group, traveling by train comfortably.
Travel Insurance
Because there are so many logistics to plan and pay for before your trek occurs, payment for your trek is due even if you’re unable to complete the hike. Please read our Booking Conditions carefully so you know what is due. Obtaining travel insurance before you leave home is strongly encouraged. That way, if something happens, the money you’ve spent will be protected. If that does happen, Alpaca Expeditions will provide you with a letter and your invoice to submit to your insurance to help expedite your processing.
Environmental Impact
Alpaca Expeditions uses biodegradable soap and transports all our garbage back to Cusco. Our porters are trained to look after the trail and pick up any waste from other groups, as well. We also use environmentally-friendly chemical portable toilets that allow us to pack waste out. We believe in leaving no footprint behind.
Community
Alpaca Expeditions is really proud of the work we do for our community. This is a main focus for our company. We have worked with villages directly to help supply them with needs their families were missing. We have supported local schools by giving them computers and books. Alpaca Expeditions currently sponsors a teacher for the village most of our porters come from to ensure their children are offered the best education.
Alpaca Expeditions buys all our food from local farmers and markets and serve the freshest ingredients. We provide English classes for all our team: guides, porters, chefs and drivers.
Twice every year we bring our porters and their families to Machu Picchu. This is our favorite trip to do as the guys who work tirelessly have never visited the Lost Citadel of the Incas. Showing them this place is our biggest honor.
Alpaca Expeditions is always looking to do more for our partners, please let us know of your ideas and we’ll work to help.
Our Equipment
Alpaca Expeditions is dedicated to making sure we have the best equipment available. Casual Adventure Camping Store is a family owned business in the United States that is dedicated to the outdoor travelers needs and helps us with all our equipment needs.
Our Tents
Enjoy a good night’s sleep in our spacious Eureka tents. All our tents are 4 man tents, but you’ll only have to share with one other trekker leaving lots of room to spread out comfortably and store your duffels. They’re an A-frame design with entrances on both sides of the tent. They also include a little vestibule in front, giving you some extra outdoor space to leave your boots and walking sticks so you don’t have to bring in dirt. We are proud to be the only company to use these tents.
Our Toilet Tents
No need to add some additional hiking in the middle of the night when you have to use the bathroom! We set up our spotless environmentally friendly toilet tents right at your camping site and lunch sites, so you don’t have to bother with the park toilets that aren’t in great condition. This is Alpaca Expeditions’ way to lessen our footprint on the environment while adding the convenience and luxury of a private bathroom to your trekking adventure.
Our Mats
A foam mat is included to separate and insulate you from the ground. For added comfort you may want to consider upgrading by renting an inflatable sleeping pad. This adds 3 inches of comfort on top of the provided foam mat to help you sleep better each night on the Andes. Alpaca Expeditions uses Thermarest and Eureka inflatable air mattresses.
Our Sleeping Bags
Alpaca Expeditions only uses mummy style sleeping bags that’re 100% down for -15°C/5°F . Please note that if you’re over 1.95 meters / 6´4" tall then you won't be able to find a sleeping bag rental in Cusco. In this case it is recommended to bring your own. For everyone else you’ll have a great night's sleep in this comfy warm bag. Alpaca Expeditions provides liners to everyone that are machine washed between every use. These do need to be included in your duffel weight and weigh 2 kg.
Our Walking Sticks
All of Alpaca Expeditions’ walking sticks are black diamond and can fold up when you’re not using them. They’re sturdy and adjust to your height. Even for those of you who are great trekkers, having a set of sticks is helpful. Especially if the weather turns bad or just to ease the strain on your knees when heading down some of the steeper portions of the hike.
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