Challenge Levels

We classify and describe our Tour Challenge Levels so you can assess your physical fitness suitability for each tour. Our Challenge Levels consider whether the location is low-altitude or high-altitude. Most of our tours are suitable for most people in good physical fitness and health. We suggest guests consult with their physicians for advice in participating in our tours.

In all cases, guests should be able to carry their own day pack with necessities (water, snacks, sweater, rain jacket, hat, camera gear…). Our clothing and equipment list covers what goes in it.

As a rule, our harder level trips are all related to altitude and challenging terrain.

A word about fitness and altitude

Two things get mixed up here, so let me separate them. Fitness does not protect you from altitude sickness. Trained runners get it at the same rate as everyone else, and no amount of training changes that. Body weight is a separate question, and the research treats it as its own risk factor. One study of railroad workers living between 3,500 and 5,000 m found that those with a higher body mass index were roughly three times more likely to get altitude sickness, independent of how fast they went up. The finding is not unanimous across every study, but it is well supported. I mention it because it is one of the few items on this page you can do something about before you arrive.

So fitness is not insurance against altitude. What it decides is how much of the trip you enjoy, and how many options we have on a bad day. In fifty years living in the Andes and thirty guiding here, I have watched the same 500 m climb be a morning’s work for one person and a whole day for another, and the difference is usually preparation rather than age. Out here the plan is self-rescue. If someone goes down at 4,000 m with no road nearby, we get them out with the vehicle, the route, the daylight and the people who are standing there. The more of us who can move under our own power, the better that goes for everybody. Our travel insurance and rescue services page explains what cover you need before you travel.

None of this is a reason to stay home. It is a reason to start walking uphill now.

Level 1 – Easy:

This level is for anyone that can walk and carry their own day pack with necessities. The physical activity required is minimal and you do not need to do any special preparation beforehand. Tours at this level are usually below 1,000 m/3,280 ft above sea level. Walking times and distances can vary from 5 to 45 minutes and from 200 to 2,000 m/0.1 to 1.2 mi. Walking surfaces are from flat pavement to light dirt/gravel trail with some steps and switchbacks on rolling terrain. Most shooting locations are close to our vehicle, and some are an easy, relatively short walk out and back. People need to be able to get in/out of vehicles, boats, and possibly light aircraft without aid. Accommodations will be the best hostels and hotels in the immediate vicinity.

Level 2 – Easy to Moderate:

This level involves more physical effort and longer walking times and distances than Level 1. Tours at this level are usually below 1,800 m/5,900 ft above sea level. Walking times and distances can be from 15 to 60 minutes and from 500 to 4,000 m/0.3 to 2.5 mi total during the day. The walking surfaces may go from the easy paths (Level 1) to more extended dirt/gravel trails, with possibly some loose rocks and roots, switchbacks and slightly steeper grades. Most of the activity will be done on foot. People need to be able to get in/out of vehicles, boats and possibly light aircraft without aid. Accommodations will be the best hostels and hotels in the immediate vicinity.

Level 3 – Moderate:

This level requires concentrated physical effort, as walking time, distance and terrain feature increase a fair amount and altitude becomes a consideration. We build in an acclimatization period and gain elevation incrementally, with protocols in place for your comfort and safety. Tours at this level are usually around/up to 2,750 m/9,020 ft above sea level or more. Walking times and distances can be from 30 to 120+ minutes and from 1,000 to 5,000 m/0.6 to 3.1 mi total during the day. The walking surfaces will begin to include narrow trails with dirt/gravel, uneven surfaces, slippery natural features, and steeper grades for longer periods of time. Most of the activity will be considered light hiking. People need to be able to get in/out of vehicles, boats and possibly light aircraft without aid. Guests need to feel comfortable with the aforementioned terrain and elevation details. Accommodations will be the best hostels and hotels in the immediate vicinity.

Level 4 – Challenging:

This level requires extended periods of physical effort, as walking time, distance and terrain feature increase exponentially and altitude is a major factor. You need to be in good cardio shape and be able to carry a heavier pack. Our incremental acclimatization period and protocols should have you well-prepared for the effort at this time. Tours at this level are usually around or up to 4,300 m/14,100 ft above sea level. Walking times and distances can be from 1 – 3+ hours and from 2,000 to 7,000 m/1.2 to 4.3 mi total during the day. The walking surfaces include narrow uneven dirt trails, with loose rocks and roots, narrow switchbacks and steep grades for long periods of time. Transportation will be on foot. Accommodations will be the best hostels and hotels in the immediate vicinity (or tent camping, depending on the tour). We include support from porters or pack animals. It may involve small boats (< 10 people) or 4×4 support at some point along the journey.

Level 5 – Challenging to Hard:

This level requires extended periods of physical effort, more than 6+ hours per day. Altitude is a major factor. To do this tour, you need to be in good cardio shape and able to carry a heavier day pack as your main luggage will not be available during the day. You should be well-acclimatized at this time and can enjoy the journey to the next camp. These levels are saved for the hard treks and climbing mountains with passes and basecamps from 4,600 to 5,200 m/15,090 to 17,060 ft and with summits above 5,500 m/18,040 ft. Walking times and distances can be from 3 – 9 hours (or more) and from 3,000 to 10,000 m/1.9 to 6.2 mi. The walking surfaces include narrow uneven trails, natural bridges, tough dirt trails with loose rocks and roots, tight switchbacks and very steep grades for long periods of time. It may require walking on a cliff on a narrow trail. It could include glacier and snow travel, with all safety equipment required. Transportation will be on foot. Accommodations are tent camping. We may include porters or pack animals and, in some cases, 4×4 support.