Is this trip for me?

Absolutely! This trek is suitable for all ages with the correct training. The minimum age for this trek is 18 years old (14-17 years must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian). The one thing everyone will have in common is a great sense of adventure and the desire to help a charity. Whether you are taking part as an individual or as a team with friends, team spirit will be flying high on the challenge.

 

How fit do I need to be?

This challenge has been graded as Tough (2) on our challenge grading scheme meaning the trek has been designed to be challenging but achievable as long as you train beforehand. You will be trekking for 5 consecutive days, and at high altitude and in varied temperatures, a good cardiovascular fitness is required – the fitter you are the more you will enjoy the challenge! We will provide you with a full training guide once you register, this is also available to download via our website. Why not join one of our challenge training weekends – it’s a great opportunity for you to meet our team and other challengers, and train together prior to the event.

Our policy is to encourage and support as many people as possible to take part in our challenges. But they may not be suitable for all people due to restriction posed by limitation in mobility, physical or cognitive disability, pregnancy or other various medical conditions. If you have any doubts regarding your suitability for your challenge please contact our office to speak to one of the team.

 

What is the challenge grading scheme?

All our challenges are graded on a scale from 1 to 3 to indicate the level of difficulty, 1 being the lowest challenge grade and 3 being the most challenging. (1 = Challenging, 2 = Tough and 3 = Extreme).

 

Do I have to carry my own luggage?

No. Participants will only have to carry a day pack (for items such as sunscreen, water, sun hat, camera, etc.) A small kit bag will be issued to you in Cusco and this is for you to fill with items you require for your trek (limited to 5kg) and will be carried from camp to camp by our porters. You will be able to leave your main piece of luggage at the hotel in Cusco.

 

Do I need specialist kit?

We will supply you with a kit list of what to take once you register to take part. Apart from broken in trekking boots, some trekking poles and a good quality sleeping bag you do not need any specialist kit.

 

Food Matters...

All meals will be provided except for dinner on day 7 and lunch on day 8. We can cater for most dietary requirements as long as we know in advance – just fill in the appropriate section on your registration form. Peruvian food is very varied and nutritious with plenty of vegetables and potatoes.

 

What support is there on the challenge?

There will be a strong support team with a professional Global Adventure Challenges leader, as well as local guides and porters. Full, comprehensive first aid kits will be taken and radios will be used to ensure your safety and security at all times. A UK Doctor will also be joining the trek.

 

Can I stay in Peru after the challenge?

Yes you can, but this is subject to us being able to amend your booking from our flights inclusive package to our ground only package. For further information on how our ground only packages work, please visit our guide to ground only challenges.

If you have already registered and would like to request a change to our ground only package, please contact [email protected].

 

What happens if I get tired?

There will be regular rest stops for drinks and snacks – there is no problem with you taking more rest stops should you need them. A guide will be bringing up the rear of the group ensuring no one is left alone. Remember this is not a race! The main physical problem you may encounter is altitude sickness, which can occur over 2,500m – the maximum altitude on this challenge is approx. 4,200m.

 

Will the altitude affect me?

Your physical fitness will not affect your ability to cope with the altitude, however the fitter you are the better you will cope in general whilst on the mountain. Altitude sickness is caused by decreased oxygen concentration in the blood due to the lower atmospheric pressure at high altitude. All individuals are affected differently, but symptoms can include breathlessness, nausea and headaches. Please be assured that this trek has been designed to maximise your chances for sufficient acclimatisation i.e. the speed at which we trek, the route taken, acclimatisation days taken and the number of highly trained experts in the support team.

 

How do I go about raising the sponsorship?

Once you have signed up you will receive a fundraising pack from Adoption UK in order to make your fundraising as easy as possible. You will also receive a few tips and ideas from Global Adventure Challenges to help you on your way.