On reaching heights above 3000m, heart pounding and shortness of breath are a normal response to the lack of oxygen in the air. However, for some visitors these symptoms can deteriorate into a conditions known as Soroche (or acute mountain sickness) when you can start to experience headaches, loss of appetite, extreme tiredness, sleeplessness and often nausea. Symptoms usually develop within the first day or two at altitude. To prevent Soroche, try to take things easy as soon as you arrive. Once settled in your hotel room have a lie down for a while and drink plenty of fluids. Don't plan any strenuous treks until you've acclimatized for a few days. Avoid alcohol, cigarettes and heavy food. Drinking mate de coca (an infusion of coca leaves - and perfectly legal in Peru) may help. If symptoms become more severe and prolonged it is best to quickly seek medical attention and make arrangements to descend to a lower altitude. On recovery one can re-ascend slowly or in stages. The drug Diamox is often used by many visitors to speed the acclimatization process and counter the symptoms of Soroche.
What to bring
The key to packing for a trip to Peru is to pack for a variety of conditions while keeping the weight to a minimum. Easier said than done when you have to deal with the intense heat of the equatorial sun and the cold mountain nights spent camping on the Inca Trail. The best way to deal with these extremes is to dress using several layers rather than one thick jumper. If you forget something, don't despair since most things can be bought in most Peruvian cities frequently visited by tourists including excellent and cheap alpaca jumpers.
Suggested Inca Trail packing list:
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Backpack (65 litres should be quite sufficient).
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Comfortable walking boots with good ankle support.
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Sleeping bag (can be rented in Cusco)
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Clothes
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2 pairs long trousers (lightweight)
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2 T-shirts
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1 short-sleeved shirt
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1 long-sleeved shirt
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1 pair shorts
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Underwear and socks (thermal underwear is highly recommended, being light, warm and makes good nightwear on cold nights).
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07 Hat or cap to protect from the sun.
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Toiletries: soap, toothbrush, toothpaste & toilet paper etc.
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Sun cream, lip salve, sun glasses.
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Flashlight
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Basic first aid kit.
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Insect repellent.
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Money belt + passport + emergency money
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Camera + film (film can easily be bought in Peru and is of excellent quality).
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Water bottle (mineral water can be bought throughout Peru)
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Water purification tablets (Micropur tablets can be bought in Cusco and are very efficient).
Checking list for the Salkantay Trek |
Well broken hiking shoes, a good jacket, a sleeping bag for low temperatures (as low as 28ºF), an impermeable, and sun screen should be your priority when hiking in the Peruvian Andes. In the Andes and high jungle weather is sometimes unpredictable.
The following items should be brought to the trek: Waterproof shoes, sleeping bag for low temperatures, gloves, cotton hat, thermal socks, day hat, heavy jacket, light jacket and impermeable, long sleeve shirts, hiking pants, t-shirts, underwear, sun glasses, tennis shoes or sandals to be used at the campsites, small first aid kit, toilet paper, sun screen, insect repellant, flashlight, and water container.
You might consider the following items: Snacks, energy bars, walking sticks (Rustic walking sticks can be purchased before starting the trek), sealable bags, wet wipes, water purification pills, altitude sickness pills and camera.
Please make sure to bring your personal medication to the trek as well as stomachache pills, diarrhea pills, and headache pills.
