PREAMBLE
Altitude is accompanied by 4 phenomena:
- Decrease in atmospheric pressure. At sea level it is 760 mmHg, in Peru it is on average 415 mmHg.
- Depletion of oxygen
- Drops in temperature. In high altitude, temperature is proportional to altitude, dropping 6.5 degrees in 1000 m.
This translates in men to an increase in breathing, acceleration in heart beat, and an increase in numbers of blood transporters, red blood cells, in response to the lack of oxygen..
- Intensification of sunrays.

WHO IS AFFECTED BY ALTITUDE SICKNESS?
Generally speaking, it is considered that about 15% of people are affected by altitude sickness or « sorojche » at 2000m of altitude, 60% at 4000 m, and everyone at high altitude (over 5000m).
Like seasickness it is important to note that age is not a risk factor.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?
The "mountain sickness" occurs when the body has not acclimatised to the high altitude and causes a deficiency in the circulation of oxygen. It concerns a collection of problems that occur about 4 to 8 hours after exposure to high altitude, generally at 3500 m. Problems are characterised by:
- Headaches, a sensation of fatigue and shortness of breath in most cases
- Insomnia in 2/3 of cases
- Lack of appetite in 1/3 of cases
- Nausea in 1/3 of cases
These symptoms are frequent and normal, generally disappearing by themselves or on taking a course of aspirin, after some hours at altitude
Altitude sickness often accounts for a decrease in urine output, accompanied by swelling of the hands, ankles and face. It is thus imperative that a specialised doctor is seen.

CONTRAINDICATIONS TO THE PRACTICE OF TREKKING OR CLIMBING IN THE ANDES
- Insufficient vascular activity
- Chronically insufficient respiratory activity
- Epilepsy and previous neurological intervention
- Illnesses that require frequent injections such as Insulin dependent Diabetes
- Unstable Heart Disease
- Certain blood diseases
- Mountain sickness, Cerebral Oedema, Pulmonary Oedema with precedence

PREVENTION

In your country
It is preferable for you to you visit your doctor to check for deficiencies or illnesses.
We also recommend you to partake in some sport before your trip, especially if you envisage trekking or climbing in the Andes.
Trekking or walking at high altitudes requires some consistent physical preparation.

In Peru
It is intrinsic that the traveller includes a period of acclimatisation before launching an assault on the mountains of the Andes. For example we recommend you to spend a few days in Cusco or Huaraz, or a stay at Lake Titicaca, is ideal for you to partake in a trek in the Andes.
We also recommend you to drink copiously especially Maté de Coca (infusion of Coca leaves, without risk).
We strongly advise you against the use of the preventative DIAMOX.

OUR OBLIGATIONS
We particularly look towards the «progressiveness» of our programs.
For our Andean trips / treks, a weather forecast for some days is predicted (generally for Cusco, Huaraz and Lake Titicaca).
Rare cases of serious acclimatisation difficulties are observed at the start of the trip and we hear of one serious problem linked to high altitude about once every two years.
In the case of a serious problem, transfer to Lima (or the nearest major city) is immediate.
If this problem occurs when you are in an isolated place (such as in the Cordillera at the end of a 5 day trek, which is very unlikely), it is possible within a few hours to transfer the patient swiftly to a centre equipped with modern care such as Lima .

OUR ADVICE ON THE SUBJECT OF TREKKING AND CLIMBING IN THE ANDES :

Here is some advice to observe whilst trekking or mountain climbing :

- Climb slowly and gradually. It is advised in the event of a 3500m climb to not climb more than 700m from one night to the next.
Climbing a hill 3500m high, it is advisable to climb 4500m (+1000m) to be in a position to sleep lower (for example at 4000m, with respect to this aforementioned, the difference in altitude of the tent will be 500m).

All the trekking and Andinism programs are formed with respect to this rule.
- To sleep well, when you arrive at the tent, climb 200m to 300m without your backpack, rest a little and then descend to the camp.
- D not undertake violent physical effort (jumping, running, great strides)
- Do not play, ‘last one to arrive is the loser’!
- Hydrate well. Be careful to always purify the water to avoid derangements such as gastric problems.
- Eat well. A complete breakfast provides the necessary carbohydrates for the exercise you undertake. Every day, food such as cereals, dried fruit and sugars will be distributed by our team accompanying you.
- When you arrive at the camp change into dry clothes.
- After exercise, stretch to avoid cramps and aching muscles.
- Be motivated to succeed. Power over the mind is half the battle won.
- Avoid arriving on your holiday tired and stressed.