Central Peruvian Andes Safety

By John Howison

Some dos and don'ts for staying safe in the Central Andes are:

Do

• Allow yourself adequate time to acclimatize before attempting any high altitude climbs or treks

• Get in proper physical shape before arriving if you intent on doing difficult climbs or treks

• Be familiar with safe alpine practices as many take you days away from medical care

• Take the same precautions with baggage, cameras, passports as you would in the rest of Peru

Don’t

• Push yourself too far beyond your comfort zone - the Peruvian Andes can be unforgiving and mistakes at high altitude are magnified.

• Think yourself more knowledgeable or a better judge than your guide – they are there for your safety and their decisions are final.