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WARNING. Injury, bandits, & altitude sickness are all real concerns.


Safety & Staying Healthy

Huayhuash is a serious hike.

Evacuation is difficult. Emergency evacuation procedures are non-existent. Your trip will be far safer, of course, if you hire an experienced local trekking company to organize your trip. .

It is unpoliced. You are on your own. If this makes you uncomfortable, perhaps Alpamayo is a better choice.

   Altitude sickness is your greatest concern.
  • mild symptoms are common: headache, loss of appetite, dizziness, difficulty sleeping
  • severe symptoms: breathlessness, cough, lack of coordination, & worse
  • most hikers get some symptoms above 2500m
  • acclimatizing 2-3 days for each 1000m gain helps a lot
  • Huaraz is at 3090m
  • Acute Mountain Sickness <details> can be fatal
  • drug treatment is controversial <details>
  • better is to immediately descend

Check this list. Forewarned is forearmed. Take responsibility for your own health & safety.

  • Storing food safely
  • River crossings?
  • Blisters?
  • Insect Bites & Stings?
  • Damage to gear on pack animals
  • Staying Warm
  • Keeping Dry
  • Staying Fit on the Trail
  • Safe Water
  • Be Prepared
  • First Aid Kit
  • Hiking Technique
  • Earthquakes? Floods?




    • Why?


    bottle
    water?











    touching the void

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    This page last modified Saturday, December 17, 2005