IMG Cordillera Huayhuash Trek Frequently Asked Questions
This information should answer many of your initial questions and also guide you through the next stages of preparing for the expedition. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us: office@mountainguides.com
How fit do I need to be?
Excellent all-around fitness and previous hiking/trekking/backpacking experience, preferably at altitude is needed for the Cordillera Huayhuash trek. Compared to other treks around the world, the Cordillera Huayhuash is physically challenging because of the consistent longer hiking days with lots of elevation gain and loss as we traverse over the many passes we will encounter. While challenging, the views are incredible along many parts of the trek, so the effort will be worth it with incredible views virtually every day!
How do I get there?
Our team will fly to Lima via an overnight flight, with most trekkers arriving in Lima in the late evening/early morning. There is a benefit for trekkers to arrive around 5AM on this trip, to easily mesh with our transportation, and most participants will take the same flight.
International Mountain Guides has worked for many years with Ms. Pirjo Dehart and her staff at CTT Destinations to provide professional travel service for participants in our programs. We urge you to contact Pirjo at (425) 831-0367; pirjo.dehart@cttdestinations.com
Travel agencies may charge an additional fee for services.
Do I need travel insurance?
REQUIRED Travel Insurance: IMG requires that all participants on International programs purchase Travel Insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation, repatriation and medical expenses for the duration of their IMG program. Trip Cancellation coverage is strongly recommended due to our no-refund/cancellation policy. Recommended insurance options are available on our Trip Cancellation and Travel Insurance page. Your insurance should cover the dates of the published itinerary including all contingency and travel days, so that your trip is insured from door to door.
How much should I bring to tip the local guides and staff?
Please bring $250 for the local guide and staff tip pool. We will collect the tip pool at the hotel upon arrival in Huaraz, for distribution to all our Peruvian staff throughout the trip. The tip pool provides rewards for our reliable drivers, porters, cooks, local Peruvian guides, kitchen staff at the hotel, and others who help make our program a success, year-after-year. You will be given an opportunity to participate in the tipping process. Your IMG guide will organize the tipping pool, so if you wish to tip your IMG guide, you may do that separately and personally. Thank you in advance for your support of our hardworking and skilled staff who will do their best to provide you an excellent Peruvian experience.
What immunizations will I need?
The following may be recommended for travel to Peru. Consult a travel clinic, and check out the Center for Disease Control Website at cdc.gov- Tetanus-Diphtheria, Polio, MMR: You should already have these. Do you need a booster?
- Meningitis, Hepatitis A and B: Recommended. Ask your physician/travel clinic for advice.
- Yellow Fever: Recommended, you may need to show your shot record with the Yellow Fever endorsement.
- Cholera: Not a very effective vaccine. Ask your physician/travel clinic for advice.
- Rabies and Typhoid: Not a bad idea to be on the safe side, the new vaccines are easy.
- Malaria: We are above the Malaria zone on the mountain, but depending on your travel plans and local health department advice, you may want to bring long sleeves and bug juice for evenings in cities; chemoprophylaxis is especially a good idea if you plan to travel to lower elevations in Peru.
NOTE: Although many immunizations say they cover 5 years, they are most effective during years 1 through 3. If you are on the edge of coverage in years 4 or 5, consider a booster.