Adventure Holidays & Tours South America

Altitude

Being at altitude, especially in the tropics, is usually a pleasure as it isn’t so hot, there are few insects and the air is clear.

However, when gaining altitude, air pressure drops and the amount of oxygen reaching the lungs is reduced. Although we build plenty of acclimatisation time into our itineraries, certain ill-effects are possible. Nevertheless, all of these can be minimised or prevented if care is taken.

On reaching heights above 2,500m (approx. 8,200 ft), especially when ascent has been straight from sea level, heart pounding, mild headache and shortness of breath are normal, especially on exertion.

Acute mountain sickness (AMS) is a syndrome known locally as soroche, whose symptoms can include of bad headache, dizziness and nausea).

To avoid AMS, you should:

Rest for a few hours on arrival at altitude and take it easy for the first couple of days. Note: you may feel fine on arrival and tempted to exert yourself as normal. Don’t be fooled: you might be benefiting from oxygen brought in your blood from sea level.

Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration (altitude is a diuretic). Coca tea (mate de coca) helps alleviate symptoms.

Eat light meals, with high carbohydrate and low fat and protein content. Dine early, allowing digestion time pre-sleep.

Avoid over-exposure to the strong highland sun (UV rays are very powerful) - especially in the early stages - making sure you wear a broad brimmed sunhat. Apply lip-salve to prevent chapped lips.

Avoid or minimise consumption of cigarettes and alcohol. Avoid sleeping pills.

If you do get AMS: Rest, take non-aspirin painkillers (for headache) and coca tea. Symptoms should subside after a day or two.

Pregnant women, people with a history of heart, lung, kidney or blood disease or blood pressure problems, should consult their doctor before traveling to high altitude.

Fitness - hard treks

In order to get the most out of a trek we classify as 'hard', you should be in great physical condition and used to trekking, camping and heavy carries.

It is not easy to grade the fitness level required for any trek, since it is a subjective matter.

However, for treks classified as hard, expect to trek 7+ hours per day carrying a heavy back-pack (15-20kg), with several long ascents and descents.

Fitness

In order to get the most out of a trek we classify as 'moderate', you should be in good physical condition.

It is not easy to grade the fitness level required for any trek, since it is a subjective matter.

However, for treks classified as moderate, expect to trek 5-7 hours per day carrying only your day-pack, with several long ascents and descents.

And lastly...

Many of our tours travel through remote areas.

We believe our clients should be aware that the remoteness of some of our tours so very special could also cause certain problems.

Thus, whilst we endeavour to minimise the chances of anything unexpected happening, it has to be noted that no itinerary can or should be rigidly adhered to.

This is the very nature of adventure travel and we expect our clients to be prepared for delays and slight alterations in our programmed events.

Also, shared tours may include travellers from all over the world whose native language is not English.

Suggested Trips

Peru Climbing & Mountaineering Course

Available as:

a Group Tour

What's a group trip?

Join a small group of like-minded travellers on a guided trip.

a Tailor Made Tour

What's a tailor made trip?

We put together a bespoke tour to fit your requirements.

Prices From $1,800 / £1,463 per person

Dates: From May 2025 to October 2025

Duration: 6

Capacity: 16 people

Peru Climbing & Mountaineering Course We cover a large number of areas during the course, including: Hypothermia treatment and prevention Route finding Crevasse rescue Rope team travel Snow and ice anchors Belay systems Climbing knots Glaciology Self-arrest Top-rope management and an introduction to vertical ice climbing Summit preparation & alpine…

Discover More Enquire about booking

Find Tours

Talk to our expert

Ask Kathy Jarvis

Ask a question and our expert in this area will have your answer.

Make an Enquiry

Enquire

Can’t find what you’re looking for? Get in Touch

+44 (0)131 378 5593

+44 (0)131 554 6025

info@andeantrails.co.uk

Testimonials

I had the most amazing time, it far exceeded what I was expecting. The camp really does sell itself short, it’s an amazing camp. Food was out of this world and all staff were great, free bar at camp and each tent/hut had its own member of staff allocated to you for the whole trip, so coffee served in bed every morning. There were yoga classes every morning to help get ready for the day in the raft and two hot tubs. I'm going to go again next year!

V Hykel, UK, 2014
» Raft The Futaleufu River, Chile

Great exped overall, personally, it was tough, though a fantastic experience. Very good guides who always came up with the goods. Accommodation was good and adequate, camp was very good with very good facilities and food.

A. Wheatstone, UK, 2012
» Climb Aconcagua, 360 Route

View All

Quick Search

Get in touch

Contact Us

Get in touch

Email: info@andeantrails.co.uk

Tel: +44 (0)131 378 5593

WhatsApp: +44 7754442434

Challenge yourself

Introduction to Extreme Adventure

Altitude

Fitness - hard treks

Fitness

And lastly...

Find Tours

Talk to our expert

Ask Kathy Jarvis

Enquire

Testimonials

Follow Us

Contact Us

Challenge yourself

Introduction to Extreme Adventure

Altitude

Fitness - hard treks

Fitness

And lastly...

Suggested Trips

Aconcagua Normal Route

Condoriri Trek & Huayna Potosi Climb

Cotopaxi Climbing Tour, 3 volcanoes in 6 days.

Paine Circuit Full Trek

Peru Climbing & Mountaineering Course

Find Tours

Talk to our expert

Ask Kathy Jarvis

Enquire

Testimonials

Follow Us

Visitor Guide to the Best Machu Picchu Circuits

Contact Us

Newsletter