The safety and comfort of our guests is our top priority on the trail. Keep reading to learn more about the trekking safety measures and hygiene protocols we follow on all our Peru treks.
We provide tailor-made trekking for private groups and pride ourselves on paying attention to every last detail, making sure your time on the trail is enjoyable and worry-free.
Explore below our hygiene practices and safety protocols so you know exactly what to expect when you step onto the trail with our expert trekking team.
Wondering about coronavirus safety on the trail? Read our page on COVID-19 safety protocols.
There are few opportunities for bathing on our treks, but we will provide you with some warm water to wash your hands and face in the mornings and evenings. Cold water shower facilities are available on the Choquequirao trek.
For a real chance to bathe on the trail, considering upgrading your trek to our Comfort Camping option! Comfort Camping includes a shower tent for (short) hot showers, among other perks.
We provide toilet tents on most of our trekking routes; on other routes, there are existing facilities which you can use. On the trail, your guide carries a pick or light-weight shovel which you can ask them for when you need it. Please relieve yourself at least 70m from any water source, and a good distance away from the trail as well. Bring plenty of toilet paper with you, but follow International Leave No Trace Rules and carry used toilet paper out with you. We recommend bringing plastic Ziploc bags for this purpose!
This includes risk assessments in regards to travel (especially in the rainy season)
We have extensive systems in place that cover:
For more details see our Risk Policy.
When you are on the trail, your guide is prepared eventuality, ready to help no matter what the situation.
Every year, our guides and key field staff receive Western-style first aid training which is updated bi-annually. This covers every common injury that might be encountered on the trail, plus a special component on altitude sickness. It also covers emergency evacuation training, including practice rescues.
Read more about our annual staff training here.
Our guides carry a satellite phone on ALL treks. This allows them to stay in touch with our office in Cusco in case there is an emergency.
Each trip departs with a complete first aid kit and an oxygen tank. If you have specific medications that you take, or other particular needs, please bring these with you. We do not include altitude tablets in our kit. Please note that the blister care that we have is Peruvian-style (band-aids and cotton wool); we do not have Western-style “second skin” blister treatments.
On most routes, we send a horse (at a ratio of 1 horse to every 8 trekkers) to accompany the group in case of emergencies (such as a sprained ankle or altitude sickness) or in case someone gets tired. Your guide may also recommend you ride the horse if your pace is significantly less than the group average. If the guide recommends it, please ride the horse! It is in the best interests of the entire group to reach the campsite in good time.
The horse is more of a cross between a mule and a horse and is not comfortable to ride for long periods. It should also be noted that in extremely wet, muddy or steep conditions, it may be safer to walk rather than ride the horse, and you may be asked to dismount.
Trekking in the Andes is generally quite safe. There is minimal theft, though it does sometimes occur on the more touristed routes such as Salkantay. Our advice is to be cautious, not paranoid! We do recommend always sleeping with your valuables (money belt, passports) near your head or in your sleeping bag. Your camera and day packs should also be kept near your head, never near the flap of your tent. Shoes should also be stored inside your tent.