To help you plan your trip with complete peace of mind, the Responsible Trekking team is available 24 hours a day to support you before, during, and after your journey.

You can contact us via WhatsApp at 956 384 444 or via email at info@responsibletrekking.com We will be happy to answer all of your queries regarding your booking, your itinerary, payments, preparation for the trip, and all other matters.

Before your trip

Your experience begins long before you reach the trail. Good preparation will let you enjoy the hike with greater comfort, safety, and peace of mind.

Pre-trek briefing

You’ll receive a briefing session before your trip, where we’ll go over the main details of your trek, such as the itinerary, the gear you’ll need, the altitude, and the weather conditions.
You’ll also have the chance to clear up any questions and receive important recommendations so that you’re ready before setting out on your adventure.

Acclimatizing to the altitude

Our recommendation is that you reach Cusco at least two days prior to the trek so as to acclimate to the elevation. In these days before the hike, you will be required to take sufficient rest, drink plenty of water and avoid strenuous physical activity. If you have altitude sickness while on the trip, inform your guide about it.

Tips for the hike

Hike at a comfortable and constant pace. Have as many breaks as needed, stay hydrated and listen carefully to your guide. Wear proper footwear and UV protection.

Weather conditions

The weather in the Andes can be unpredictable. We suggest dressing up accordingly according to the type of path you choose, the time of year and the elevation level.

Meals and special requirements

In case you have an allergy or follow a certain type of diet, inform us about it in advance. Our staff will provide all the necessary arrangements to ensure that you can eat your meals during the hiking trip.

Your safety is our priority

Our guides are professionally skilled in first aid and mountain rescue techniques and will accompany the group throughout the trekking journey. As part of preparation for any emergency situation, we will be carrying a first aid kit, oxygen, pulse oximeter, blood pressure medical monitor, and walkie-talkies.
Depending on the route and the conditions, we may also have emergency horses available to make an evacuation easier. If you feel unwell, get injured, or run into any difficulty during the hike, tell your guide immediately and follow their instructions.

Difficulty levels

Easy

Perfect for anyone who wants to have an easier walk. They generally entail gentle landscapes and easy elevation changes. No special training is needed, but some basic physical fitness is advisable.

Moderate

Longer hikes that might involve uphill and downhill climbs and rough terrain. Physical fitness and acclimatization are recommended, particularly when the route is at high altitude.

Challenging

Routes that need good endurance and physical conditioning. They may have large elevation gain/loss, rough terrain, long days, and be at high altitudes. Training and previous experience of long hikes is recommended.

Formidable

Our most difficult routes with long days, major elevation gains, and high altitudes. These routes need good physical fitness and acclimatization, and previous conditioning to hike in the mountains.

Important: The level of difficulty is a guideline and might depend on your physical condition, altitude, weather, and conditions of the trails.

Packing list

The following is a general checklist. Your kit will depend on the route, length of time, season, and altitude that you are traveling through. Our team will brief you about the specific requirements before the trek begins.

Documents and money

  • Original passport
  • Travel insurance
  • Route specific permits/documents
  • Money for personal purposes and emergencies

  • Backpack and Luggage

  • A good pack suitable for your trekking route
  • Waterproof cover for your backpack
  • Duffle bag in case the service requests it
  • Waterproof bags for your valuables

During the trek, you need to carry only the necessary items like water, rain wear, a thermal, sunscreen, snacks, medications, etc.

Trekking clothing

  • Trekking shirts
  • Suitable underwear and socks
  • Trekking pants and/or shorts
  • Thermal clothing for higher-altitude routes
  • Fleece jacket or second layer
  • Warm jacket
  • Waterproof jacket or rain poncho
  • A change of clothes
  • Gloves
  • Warm hat
  • Cap or sun hat

Tip: dress in layers so that you can adapt easily to the temperature changes during the hike.

Footwear

  • Hiking boots or shoes with good grip
  • Trekking-specific socks
  • Lightweight shoes or sandals for resting, where appropriate
  • Gaiters for routes where they are needed

Your footwear should fit your feet well and offer good support on uneven terrain.

Protection and accessories

  • Sunglasses with UV protection
  • Sunscreen
  • Insect repellent, where appropriate
  • Reusable water bottle or container
  • Headlamp and spare batteries
  • Trekking poles, if you need them
  • Power bank for your devices
  • Quick-dry towel
  • Camera or phone, if you’d like to bring them

Hygiene and personal items

Personal hygiene items

  • Toilet paper
  • Wet wipes
  • Bags to pack out your trash
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Essential personal items

Medication and personal first aid kit

  • Personal medication
  • Medication previously prescribed by a healthcare professional
  • Basic personal first aid kit
  • Protection for blisters or minor discomfort during the hike

If you take any medication regularly, make sure you bring enough for the whole trip.

For high-altitude routes

On routes that reach altitudes above 3,500 m above sea level, it’s important to have extra protection against the cold.

We recommend bringing:

  • Thermal underwear
  • Warm jacket
  • Gloves
  • Thermal or wool hat
  • Warm socks
  • Gaiters, when the route calls for them

What should you carry in your daypack?

In order to hike comfortably, try not to overload yourself unnecessarily. Here are the things that must be packed in the daypack:

  • Water
  • Jacket or warmer clothing
  • Rain protection
  • Sunscreen
  • Cap or hat
  • Snacks
  • Personal medication
  • Camera or phone
  • Money and essential documents

Important: It is not necessary to pack everything listed above for each trip. This would depend on the route taken. Our team members will advise you on this matter.