Travelling in altitude

Precautions to take before a trip to the Andes

During a trip to the Andes, whether in Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador or Chile, one is inevitably confronted with high altitudes. And even if ALPA-K designs its trips with the most gradual ascent to altitude possible, at some point one will have to make the big leap. Cities like Huaraz or Cuzco are located at over 3000 meters above sea level, Lake Titicaca and La Paz flirt with 4000 meters above sea level.

Precautions:
Before undertaking a journey in the Andes, it is advisable to consult your doctor to prevent altitude sickness. Especially if you are being treated for heart problems or blood pressure issues. Your treatments may be somewhat different before and during the trip.

For those who will go trekking in the mountains for several days, it is recommended to consult a mountain medicine center before your trip.

Altitude sickness...
has nothing to do with your age
or your physical condition
just because you didn't have it on a first trip to altitude doesn't mean you won't ever have it
your state of stress and fatigue, all added to jet lag, are predominant factors.

Prenez le temps de faire les choses calmement.