FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)Do hikers ever get lost?No, route finding is fairly straight forward. The hike is entirely above the tree line. Wide valleys provide great vistas of the route ahead. You should have a guidebook, map & compass, though. Be cautious on the sidetrips. In bad weather, or if you get injured, getting lost could be fatal. The high valleys on the first few days are virtually unpopulated. Alpamayo, surprisingly, now has some new signs at the campsites added in 2003 or 2004. A nice touch. As usual, do not count on signs being correct. Should I bring a GPS?No, it is not needed. Bring one for fun, if you like. What special gear should I bring?Don’t forget:
We recommend you bring disinfectant gel (sometimes called instant hand sanitizer) which you use to clean your hands before snack breaks & after toilet stops in the woods. Alcohol gel is essential hiking gear. You can buy it in Peru, but it can be difficult to find. Stove fuel for almost any stove system can be purchased in Huaraz. Do not fly with it, obviously. Consider renting a large trekking stove if you hire pack animals. Peruse our general hiking gear checklist. If you hire pack animals, bring everything you might want. Weight is not much of an issue. Plan to leave your identification, passport, etc. locked up safely in Huaraz. Bring very little cash — US$50 or less. What footwear is best for Alpamayo?You want to wear what fits you best & what works for you. No blisters! Most experts recommend hiking boots. Modern boots are remarkably light & comfortable. A pair of good boots & gaiters make you feel invincible in the scree. If you hire pack animals, bring all your footwear. Alpamayo is rugged with many high, rocky passes. The more options for your feet you have, the better. Do I need a water filter?
You definitely must treat water. Most of the campsites are on grazing land. Some hikers make a distinction between these two:
Viruses are too small to be filtered so purifiers add something to disinfect them. Make sure your purifier is well maintained & frequently cleaned. You must either filter, boil, use iodine or water purification tablets on Alpamayo. |
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There are long sections with little water (in the dry season) described in the 
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