Travel Information

This información should answer some of your questions about the trip and give you a better idea of what we do day to day. It doen’ t hope to answer verything, if you have any questions please get in touch.

PYRAMID EXPEDITIONS IN HUARAZ PERU

Pionner of Trekkings and Climbings, Pyramid Expeditions has operated in Peru for 55 years, since 1968. We were one of the first companies (Travel Agencies in Huaraz).

Pyramid Expeditions can arrange and guide the range of trips, from trekking to mountain climbing and film expeditions. Pyramid Expeditions also offers a variety of bus excursions to archeological sites, high alpine lakes and thermal baths, the Inka trail from Cusco to Machu Picchu, and trips to the Amazon Jungle.

Pyramid Expeditions took the initiative to develop the first radio satellite communication system between Huaraz and their trekking and climbing groups in order to ensure clients’ safety. In 2002 Pyramid Expeditions organized the entire logistics for the BBC production of the re-enactment of “Touching the Void,” the mountain climbing epic accident, with Joe Simpson and Simon Yates.

Likewise, we have established a successful and long-standing relationship with our Trekking and Climbing Agents in the US and Europe.

PERU

Peru is South America`s thirt largest country, and with 32 millon peoble, its fourth most populous.

It is a cuntry of extremes – desert and rainforest, snow peaks and sand dunes, excessive welth and tourtous poverty. The costal plain is between the dea and the giant Andean chain, the spine of the country, while to the east is the Amazon junble. The country is rapidly emerging from the aftermath of the terrrist conflicto and economic collapse 1980`s and 90`s but at present its future particularly in regard to the overseas visitor look bright.

Peru has never seemed more attrativel! It can boast mouantain scenery and trekking to rival even the mighty Himalayas , rainforest reserves full of animals and birds, the incredible architecture of the Incas and arguably the best museums in South America. The countru does not have traditional resorts or famous beaches. It is place for doers and is attracting in gowing numbers each year travellers, historians, linguists, climbers and trekkers. Add the special vibrancy , colous and cacophony of its Andean and colonial culture and a visit to Peru is an experience seldon mactched anywhere in the world.

HUARAZ

Our base for this trip, is ofren called.” the Chamonic of South America”The town is a relaxed staging post for treks and climbs in the famous Cordillera Blanca and Cordillera Huayhuash range and is the home of Alpamayo, 5947m – possibly the most beautiful mountain in the world and Huascaran.8768 m, Peru`s highest mountain.

ALTITUDE

Above 3000m, the air is thinner, the pressure is lower and there is less oxygen available in the atmosphere. Acclimatization is the process by which the body adapts to these conditions. The key to acclimatization is a Good itinerary with a gradual initial heiht, walking at a slow and steady pace, and increasing fluid intake – drinking at least 4 litres a day is advisable above 3000m.

Many people have some minor side effects from altitude . such as headache, naucea or general lassitude. The optional use of “Diamox” has proved useful for some people , as this drug can reduce these synmptoms. You Will be given more informations on . Diamox with your Final Information, between 8 and 10 weeks before departure.

WALKING AND CLIMBING

Most of the walking in the Cordillera Blanca is on Good clear paths. The trek takes us to high altitude, and is ideal acclimatisation for Pisco and high mountains (Huascaran). The walking is varied and interesting; the longest day on the trekking secction is 7 hrs. The trick for is to peace yourself and enjoy your surrounding!

The ascent of high mountais is a walk in large glacial terrain, with oustsanding views, an ideal introduction to mountaineering. The weathes in Peru at this time of year is usually very settled, so the chances of Good conditions are high. It can be col don high altitude. Especially out of the sun, so you need to make sure that you have adequate warm and winsdproof clothing. Ropes are used above the snowline. Where we Will be moving together in groups of three or four.

THE TREKKING DAY

On trek we are supported by a cook team, arrieros (donkey drivers) , a rescue horse and a local guide together with the leader. We camp in two person tents. A typical day would be to walke at 6 am with a cup of tea in the tent, breakfast in the mes tent and away before 8am Trekking is best before the heat of the afternoon. A lunch stop is around 12 noon with perhaps the chance for a brief siesta. Arival in camp is usually around 3 – 3,30 pm in time for afternoon tea. After sorting camp out, we are relaxed and ready for the main mea lof the day at 6pm.

CLIMATE

Our ttrek takes place in Peru `s dry season and although this does not mean that it won`t rain , the weather is generally dry and very stable . The most common daily pattern is a clear , bright morning, with a bit of cumulus cloud in the afternoon. It is usually clear again by evening . Daily temperaturas vary greatly. During the hotttest part the day, and in th sun , the temperatura can be 25-30º C, but at night it can drop to well below freezing especially at the higher camps above 4000m.

ACCOMMODATION

In Lima w estay in an atractive colonial-style hotel situated close to the main square in the centre of the city. In Huaraz we are in a confortable hotel just ouside the city centre. All accommodation i son a twin share basis. On trek we camp in roomy 2-person tents. There is a communal dining tent for eating and socialising in the evenings.

TRANSPORT

During the trip wewill travel in our own private bus or minibús.

FOOD

While on trek we all meals and Will take as much fresh meat and vegetables as we can. We are happy to cater for vegetarians if notfied beforehand but do warn that choices remain farly limited in this”meat eating·part of the world.

In main town we provide breakfast only, Huaraz is in fun place toe at out and there are a variety of local restaurants to try.

In practice, we Will often eat together and advise on the best places. A meal in a cheapish restaurant should cost about(US $ 8-12 approx) and the best restaurant in town might charge un the región of(US$ 25 approx)

HEALTH ANDHYGIENE

Being ill in Peru can be avoided. Initial contact with salad and Street vended food should be resisted. Water should always be regarded with caution and treated (with iodine) if considered necessary. On trek we boil all drinling wáter and provide facilities for hand washing before all meals. With increased numbers on popular treks, camp higiene and Good judgement is vital. In cam we Will use atoilet tent.

BAGGEGE

While trekkking, you Will only need to carry what you might use that day: i.e.rain gear,spare sweater, camera, wáter etc. The resto f your kit Will be carried by the donkeys,so you Will need a durable trek bag. You can leave some ítems in the city hotels during each trek and a lockable bag is recommended if you are leaving valuable ítems.

EQUIPMENT AND CLOTHING

Full details of the equipment and clothing required Will be sent when you book. You Will need Good mountainwear, a Good sleeping bag. And lihtt clothing for warm day temperatures. All communal and camp gear is provided.

LANGUAGE AND PEOPLE

A few words of Spanish, enough to say hello, count and tell the time, Will make your visit more rewarding . People are usually pleased that you are making an effort to speak the language – even if it doesn´t always come out! There are few English speakers in Peru.

LEADERS

The trek leader Will be an experinced mountainer from the USA or Europe. Fort he duration of the trek we Will also have the company of a Peruvian guide, we may have extra guides for high mountan clmbings but depending on numbers.

The Trekking leader will be an experienced mountaineer who knows the route very well and to climb high mountains, We will use expert and strong guides for the high mountain routes. (UIAGM), It all depends on the number of clients, if the group is large we will use extra guides.

INSURANCE

We strongly recommend that you insure yourself against loss from accident, illness, baggage loss and trip cancellation. You may purchase reliable coverage from Travelers Co. From a very reliable and reputable agency.

VISA

Peru is a country with basically free access. Most of the countries of America and Western Europe do not require a tourist visa to enter Peru, and the maximum length of stay granted by the authorities is 183 days (it cannot be extended). For a longer term stay with other objectives (business, study, work, etc.) it is necessary to previously request the corresponding visa from the Peruvian consulates.

To enter Peru, it is an essential requirement to present a valid passport with a minimum validity of six months counted from its entry into the national territory.

CURRENCY

The Sol (S /) is the official currency of Peru. There are bills with denominations of 10, 20, 50, 100 and 200 soles. There are coins of 10, 20 and 50 cents, as well as 1, 2 and 5 soles.

The US dollar is accepted in countless commercial establishments, restaurants, hotels and service stations. It is possible to exchange foreign currency in banks and exchange houses. There are also street “money changers”, but the transaction is not guaranteed. The usual hours