4TH ANNUAL UPDATE IN ALTITUDE AND EXPEDITION MEDICINE 

CUSCO/SALCANTAY AND INCA TRAIL

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM: 

Topics to be covered in the education program will include:–

• Introduction to the mountaineering environment
• Physiology of high altitude
• Acute Mountain Sickness
• HAPE and HACE
• Hypothermia and other heat related illness
• Trauma in the mountains
• Pharmacology in the mountains
• Fitness to climb
• Improvisation of medical care
• Rescue dynamics
• How to prepare for an expedition

 ABOUT THE TRAIL: The Inca Trail runs between the Sacred Valley of the Urumbamba River and the abandoned city of Machu Picchu. It is one of the most famous treks in the world. Although only 45km in length it manages to traverse a stunning and diverse mix of terrain including the Andean plains, high mountain passes and cloud forest. Along the way it passes many Inca ruins and constructions before culminating in Machu Picchu, the lost city of the Incas. We are combining the Inca Trail with the Salcantay Trail to offer an even greater adventure. The Salcantay Trail is quieter, more rugged and more remote than the Inca Trail. It traverses higher than the Inca Trail and, therefore, affords some truly spectacular views of the big Andean mountains. We have also allowed for a full day at Machu Picchu on completion of the trek.

INCA TRAIL PERMITS:The increasing popularity of the Inca Trail has resulted in restrictions being placed on the number of trekkers. Each day the Peruvian Government allows 500 people to start onto the trail. These numbers include all guides and porters so equates to probably around 200 trekkers. Although this seems like a large number the popularity of the trail means that permits are sold out very quickly. Permits cannot be reserved in advance. They are issued on a strictly first come first allocated basis. Each permit must be issued to a designated named trekker for a given start date. We can only obtain a permit for a confirmed booking. Therefore, bookings will need to be made early to ensure a spot on this program. To be certain of a spot we believe that bookings should be finalized before December but clearly the permits for our trek dates could sell out earlier or later depending on demand from other groups. Once all permits are sold we will not be able to take any more registrations.