Peru Alpamayo Circuit Trek Frequently Asked Questions

This information should answer many of your initial questions and also guide you through the next stages of preparing for the expedition. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us: office@mountainguides.com

How fit do I need to be?

Most of the trek days typically require 4-8 hours of effort, with the bulk of our gear carried by mules and/or porters. Because of the trekking portion of this trip and the general high altitude of the area (10-15,000 feet), we recommend that all participants engage in a physical training program for several months prior to trip departure. All participants must consult with their family physician regarding their personal health and the additional demands of high altitude well in advance of the trip.

What kind of previous experience is required?

Excellent all around fitness and previous hiking/trekking/backpacking experience, preferably at altitude is needed for the Alpamayo Circuit trek. Compared to other treks around the world, the Alpamayo Circuit is physically challenging because of the consistent longer hiking days with lots of elevation gain and loss. While challenging, the views are incredible along many parts of the trek, so the effort will be worth it with view pay-offs virtually every day!

How do I get there?

Our team will fly to Lima via an overnight flight, arriving in Lima in the late evening/early a.m.

International Mountain Guides has worked for many years with the staff at CTT Destinations to provide professional travel service for participants in our programs. For help with your plans, we urge you to contact Pirjo DeHart at CTT Destinations: 425-831-0367 or pirjo.dehart@cttdestinations.com

Do I need travel insurance?

We invest in insurance coverage for commercial liability and medical and disability insurance for our employees while participating on our programs. We cannot insure you for your personal needs, but we do expect you to be as fiscally responsible as we are. We require that you insure yourself against potentially expensive difficulties that may arise. First, Trip Cancellation Insurance may provide financial relief should you be forced to withdraw from the program before it even happens. Next, make sure you have adequate Travel Insurance for coverage should you have a problem during the trip. Medical care and evacuation in remote locations can be expensive. For more information, please see our page on Trip Cancellation and Travel Insurance.

What immunizations will I need?

The following may be recommended for travel to Peru. Consult a travel clinic, and check out the Center for Disease Control Website at www.cdc.gov

• Tetanus-Diphtheria, Polio, MMR: You should already have these. Do you need a booster?
• Meningitis, Hepatitis A and B: Recommended. Ask your physician/travel clinic for advice.
• Yellow Fever: Recommended, you may need to show your shot record with the Yellow Fever endorsement.
• Cholera: Not a very effective vaccine. Ask your physician/travel clinic for advice.
• Rabies and Typhoid: Not a bad idea to be on the safe side, the new vaccines are easy.
• Malaria: We are above the Malaria zone on the mountain, but bring long sleeves and bug juice for evenings in cities; chemoprophylaxis is especially a good idea if you plan to travel to lower elevations in Peru.

What's included in the trip cost?

Cost Includes:

IMG senior guide to lead each trip along with a local guide, cook, assistant, drivers, mules, group equipment (kitchen, tents, camp chairs, etc.), climbing permit fees/park fees, airport transfers, ground transportation, lodging starting with your arrival in Lima and during the trek dates in Huaraz. While in Huaraz, 4 nights' accommodation is included. We can make a reservation in Lima for you if you wish to come early or stay on after the trip ends at additional cost. Continental breakfasts in most hotels, and all food during the trek are included (you may want to supplement your provided lunch with a few snacks). Lead guide will carry a satellite phone for emergency communications. Other emergency gear will include a "Gamow" type portable hyperbaric chamber for emergency treatment of altitude illness.

Cost Does Not Include:

International airfare to/from Peru, Peru visa on arrival (at present, no fee for American or Canadian citizens), taxis, food and lodging should you arrive in Lima or Huaraz early or stay longer than itinerary, alcoholic beverages during the trip, personal shopping and snacks. Personal trekking or climbing equipment. Trip Cancellation and Travel Insurance. Meals in the cities of Lima and Huaraz except breakfast in the hotels as supplied.

How much should I bring for tips?

Please bring $250 for the local guide and staff tip pool. We will collect the tip pool at the hotel upon arrival in Huaraz, for distribution to all our Peruvian staff throughout the trip. The tip pool provides rewards for our reliable drivers, porters, cooks, local Peruvian guides, kitchen staff at the hotel, and others who help make our program a success, year-after-year. You will be given an opportunity to participate in the tipping process. Your IMG guide will organize the tipping pool, so if you wish to tip your IMG guide, you may do that separately and personally. Thank you in advance for your support of our hardworking and skilled staff who will do their best to provide you an excellent Peruvian experience.