The Route and Terrain
We will be walking far away from the main tourist trails; in fact our itinerary will take us to some of the most undiscovered parts of the Lares region of Peru. Our route is unique and will show us Peru beyond the beaten track. The terrain will change from hour to hour, but expect PLENTY of ups and downs, steep climbs and changing conditions underfoot. Path ways will not always be clear and every day we will walk over fields, through scrubland and up to and over mountain pastures and paths.
Walking will be tough at times, so we will help each other along, and if anyone is struggling we will help them through it; a little support can make the world of difference!
Altitude
Don’t worry about walking at altitude. There is no way of knowing who will be affected, and all we can do is take it day-by-day. Luckily for us, we spend a couple of days in Cusco to acclimatize before we start our trek, and climb to higher altitudes. The highest we go is 4,490 metres but this isn’t until day 6, meaning by this time our bodies should have adapted to the thinner air. There is very little we can do to prepare ourselves before we go, but we can certainly remember the following:
Make sure we walk slowly and at a gentle but steady pace; there is no need to rush
Allow our body time to acclimatize when we first arrive in Peru
A minor headache is likely in the first couple of days upon arriving in Peru, this is quite normal and should pass in time
Tell the trek doctor if we are feeling unwell and they will advise us on our symptoms and the best way to overcome them
Keep drinking and maintain hydration
It will be an early start every day*, when we will be woken before sunrise around 6-6.30am, before having breakfast, doing a warm up and then heading off for our days walk. We will stop for breaks throughout the day, but our main rest will be for lunch at around midday. After walking again in the afternoon we should expect to arrive at camp between 4 and 5pm (and possibly later on the longest days). Dinner will be served around 7.30pm, before which we will gather for a short briefing. The evening is yours to enjoy, so make the most of this time to get to know your fellow trekkers and relax!
We will camp in two person tents, for 3 nights during the trek, and facilities at our camps will be basic but comfortable. There are no showers and only long drop toilets available; it may seem strange at first but you will soon get used to the lack of home comforts, and it is only for a few days after all. Similarly, there are no toilets en-route, so when you do need to answer the call of nature don’t be shy, there will be plenty of secluded spots where you can go about your business in private.
* It is likely that some of us might wake up sooner, and so if you would like to get up earlier, please ensure you keep the noise down, so everyone else can get their sleep.
The Weather
It should be sunny and warm during the day, when the temperature should reach 20-22°C. As we climb to higher altitudes you will notice it becoming cooler and we will need to put on some extra layers. Although it might be cold, we will be nearer the sun, so bring a high factor sun tan lotion with you and make sure you reapply it regularly as and when you need to.
By the time we go to bed it will be cold, and in the middle of the night, we are likely to be experiencing sub-zero temperatures, meaning warm clothes including thermals, are vital. If you can squeeze a hot water bottle into your luggage we would recommend bringing one.
Hopefully it won’t rain during the challenge, but it is imperative that you remember to pack a decent waterproof and to remember to carry it with you every day. Also if your day rucksack doesn’t have one attached, we suggest buying a waterproof cover for your bag, or if you are on a budget, alternatively pack some black bin bag liners, which will work just as well.
Food and Drink
You will not be disappointed by the food and our Peruvian cooks will feed us until we are full. Specialties are meat stews, meat curry, soups, potatoes and vegetables. For breakfast we will eat bread, toast, pancakes, eggs and porridge, whilst lunch will be pasta or stew. We may even be treated to the occasional afternoon tea where we will feast on home made cakes and sweet breads. The food really is tasty and delicious. Your diet will be less varied if you are a vegetarian but you still will be catered for. If you feel you may struggle with the food on offer then make sure you pack a few snacks with you to top up your energy levels. Water will be supplied for you throughout the trek and additional soft drinks can be bought for a small cost to yourself most evenings.
Kit
Double check you have everything you need, and if you haven’t ask your friends and family if they can help. Can they lend you waterproofs, thermals or a skiing jacket? There will be time for shopping when we return to Aguas Calientes and Cusco at the end of the challenge, so you can always pick up a treat or two, as a thank you.
On top of your day to day walking gear (walking trousers, t-shirts, walking socks) we have highlighted a few essentials:
Clothes
Walking boots (wear on the plane or put in your hand luggage)
Thin layers
Fleeces
Thermals
Water proofs
Warm jacket - down jacket and skiing jackets are ideal
Fleece gloves
Woolly Hat
Smarter clothes for the gala night
Essential extras
Platypus/Camelbak and an alternative hard bottle for holding more water
Hand gel/wet wipes
Head Torch
Compeeds for blisters (warm them in your hands before use, so they stick better)
A walking pole/s (with a rubber stopper on the end)
Sun glasses
Sun Hat
Sun Tan Lotion
Essentials for a good night’s sleep!
Sleeping Bags - must be 3-4 season, otherwise you will be cold
Roll Mats - these are supplied for you, but bring your own if you require extra comfort
Ear Plugs - for a peaceful night!
Bed Clothes - warm PJ’s, although many outdoor experts recommend sleeping in as little as possible, which should mean your sleeping bag is more effective at keeping you warm!
Miscellaneous
A few useful reminders and extras:
It is ok to take contact lenses with you, you may find changing them difficult but it can be done!
There will be no electricity supply whilst we are camping
Take some water proof zip lock bags in which to put your passport, money, and valuables
Bring mosquito spray, as we may experience some bugs during the challenge
Cusco is great for shopping, so bring enough money with you to satisfy your needs!
There may be an opportunity to pass on some gifts to local children. If you want to bring with you some pens, paper and crayons or similar
Bring with you some snacks, treats and sweets so you have something tasty to munch on during the day
Don’t forget to bring a liner for your sleeping bag for extra warmth
Don’t leave home without a fully charged camera, extra batteries (they run out quicker in the cold and in altitude) and extra memory cards and film
Enjoyment is the key, so bring a sense of humour and a camp fire game!
