These activities are a walk in the park! You will be able to enjoy the scenery, history, and time with loved ones without exhausting yourself. You do not need any special training, gear, or acclimatization for an “Easy” trek or tour. Terrain will be generally flat and comfortable, highly traveled.
Easy:
These activities are a walk in the park! You will be able to enjoy the scenery, history, and time with loved ones without exhausting yourself. You do not need any special training, gear, or acclimatization for an “Easy” trek or tour. The terrain will be generally flat, comfortable, and highly traveled.
Mild:
A step up from “Easy,” these tours require a bit more physical effort but are still 100% manageable for anyone with or without adventure experience. Again, you do not need special training, gear, or acclimatization for a “Mild” trek or tour. The terrain is generally flat with possible gentle up- and downhills.
Moderate:
Before embarking on a “Moderate” trek or tour, you should be at least partly acclimatized to the high altitude of the Andes as it affects your oxygenation, energy levels, and hydration. These tours are still very manageable without special training as long as you have spent a day or two at high altitude. The terrain often includes moderate up- and downhill walking with possible rough patches or infrequently traveled sections.
Challenging:
“Challenging” treks or tours require acclimatization to the Andes’ high altitude before departure as it affects your oxygenation, energy levels, and hydration. Spending 2-3 days or more at high altitude will help you on the trek. You will need hiking shoes and possibly trekking poles for these treks. You should be in good physical shape, and it’s recommended that you train beforehand, possibly with running, biking, or strenuous workout videos. The terrain is often rough, sometimes with steep up- and downhills, and is often not highly traveled. Generally, these treks last several hours.
Formidable:
These “Formidable” treks are our most difficult and require serious effort but are also the most rewarding. You must be in excellent physical condition. Again, you must be acclimatized to the Andes’ high altitude before departure as it affects your oxygenation, energy levels, and hydration. Spending 4-5 days or more at high altitude will help you on the trek. You will need hiking shoes and possibly trekking poles for these treks. It is important to train physically before these treks so that your body is prepared for the strenuous nature of the trip. Generally, these treks last at least an entire day in infrequently traveled areas with rough paths.