Planning
Altitude, Weather & Responsible Mountain Planning
A few honest hours of planning save days on the ground in the Andes. Here is the short version of what we tell friends before their first trip.
Altitude and acclimatisation
Most Andean trips put you above 3,000m within hours of landing. Plan two unhurried nights at altitude before any trekking or strenuous day. Drink more water than you think you need, eat lightly, sleep well, and skip alcohol on arrival. Talk to a doctor about acetazolamide if you have a history of altitude sickness.
Weather windows by region
- Peru / Bolivia highlands: Dry season May to September. Cold nights, reliable trekking.
- Ecuador: Year-round travel works. June to September is driest in the highlands.
- Patagonia: November to March is the trekking window. Wind is a constant.
- Atacama: Stable most of the year, with cold nights and intense sun.
Permits and booking lead times
The Inca Trail caps daily permits and sells out months ahead in high season. Torres del Paine refugios book up by August for the following summer. Machu Picchu tickets are now sold by entrance circuit and timed entry, so book before you book the train.
Responsible mountain travel
The Andes are living mountain landscapes shaped by Indigenous communities, fragile trails, sacred sites, high altitude, changing weather, working farms, protected parks, and long travel distances. Acclimatise carefully, respect local customs, support local guides, stay on marked trails, and travel thoughtfully.
Packing essentials
- Layered clothing for big temperature swings between sun and shade.
- SPF 50+ sunscreen, a brimmed hat, and proper sunglasses.
- Broken-in walking shoes or boots, even for cities like Cusco and La Paz.
- A light down or synthetic jacket plus a wind/rain shell.
- Cash in small denominations for markets, taxis, and rural lodges.