Do I need accident insurance?

Yes.

Foreign hikers need check the terms of the insurance policy to ensure hiking is covered. Include also emergency evacuation service so you can catch the next flight home, if necessary.

One of our hikers was injured just prior to starting the Circuit while day hiking to acclimatize around Llamac. He needed stitches.

Surprisingly, there was a “doctor” in Llamac who sewed him up, doing a good job.

Of course he needed to pay cash (a few dollars) for that service.

In the mountains of Peru, be prepared to pay for your own medical care immediately. Insurance will likely need to repay you later.

---

Who administers First Aid?

In your hiking group, someone should be assigned the role of First Aider. This person must be confident, competent & certified in First Aid, preferably in the speciality of Wilderness First Aid. It's worth having someone in your group take a course before your hike.

Do not count on help from Peruvians you hire as guides.

If this is a problem, consider signing on with an expensive international tour company which should have trained, experienced first aiders. But check to be sure.

---

Who rescues me in case of emergency?

You are on your own.

The injured hiker should first try to reach a village linked by some kind of road:

• Llamac
• Quartelhuain
• Queropalca
• Cajatambo
• Pacllon

None of these are particularly close to the Circuit trail.

You might get some assistance in the mountain town Huayllapa on the Circuit, if you can get there.

The Huayhuash is not a National Park. There is no authority to contact anywhere on the Circuit.

What is your best defence? Rent at least 2 horses. Your arriero & the hurt hiker can ride out.

For example, someone stricken with altitude sickness could ride down to a lower elevation.

Joe Simpson was evacuated by mule. A horse would have been much better.

If the injured hiker cannot move, they should remain in a safe place. Don't leave them alone. Send other hikers to try to find help. But understand there are very few people anywhere near the hiking Circuit. And that they may not be able to help.

fly fisherman