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Travel Consultant

RMI has partnered with Erin Rountree to provide comprehensive travel support. We have been working with Erin for many years. As an independent agent of the Travel Society, she has booked countless miles for adventure travelers across the globe and is extremely knowledgeable about the travel needs of our programs. In addition to travel arrangements, Erin can also provide information and coverage for evacuation policies and insurance options. Please call (208) 788-2870 or email etravel@cox.net.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is required for this trip. Your travel insurance policy should include trip cancellation, trip interruption, trip delay, baggage loss or delay, medical expenses, and evacuation.

Navigating through the different options for travel insurance can be confusing. To help make the process straightforward, we have partnered with Ripcord Insurance because their policies are specifically designed for adventure travel and offer coverage for remote areas, and for activities like mountaineering, climbing, skiing, and trekking, without any altitude restrictions.

The most comprehensive coverage available is Cancel For Any Reason. This policy must be purchased within 14 days of making the first payment towards your program. While this coverage is more expensive, it allows you to cancel for any reason no less than 48 hours before your departure date and still receive a refund of up to 75% of your costs.

When purchasing Travel Insurance, here are a few items to consider:

• Read the fine print. Travel Insurance will refund you when canceling for a covered reason for any non-refundable cancellation fees. However, there are exclusions, so make sure you understand the "covered reasons."
• Purchase coverage for Cancel For Any Reason within 14 days of making the first deposit payment towards your program.
• Confirm that your activity is a covered “activity.” Not all travel insurance policies will offer coverage for activities such as mountaineering, climbing, skiing, or trekking adventures. Policies can also exclude coverage for activities due to the gear used (crampons, ice axe), for activities that go above certain elevations, or for activities in a particular region of the world. If there are exclusions, you may need to add an "Adventure" or "Sports" package to cover your activity.
• Verify that your state of residence is allowed with the policy that you are purchasing. Not all insurance companies offer policies in all 50 states.

 

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance is travel insurance designed for adventurers, including the best evacuation and rescue services available.

Benefits are tailored for adventurers and include:

• Rescue and evacuation from the point of illness or emergency to your home hospital of choice.
• Trip cancellation/interruption, primary medical expense coverage, sporting goods, baggage loss, emergency dental, Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) and more.
• Completely integrated one-stop program with a single contact for emergency services to travel assistance and insurance claims.
• 24/7 access to paramedics, nurses and military veterans.
• Security extraction in case of unexpected dangerous and chaotic events.
• Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) options and pre-existing condition waiver within 14 days of your initial trip deposit.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance is powered by Redpoint Resolutions, a medical and travel security risk company. Their team is comprised of special operations veterans, paramedics, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, former intelligence officers, insurance actuaries and global security experts with dozens of years of experience in theaters around the world. The Redpoint network covers the globe, making them uniquely equipped to provide elite rescue travel insurance – in every sense of the word. Whether it’s reimbursing you for a cancelled trip, paying your travel medical bills or evacuating you home in an emergency, Ripcord takes the worry out of your travel.

Security & Medical Evacuation

Global Rescue is the world’s premier provider of medical and security advisory and evacuation services. Security Evacuation offers crisis evacuation services in non-medical situations. Examples include evacuations from areas affected by natural disasters, war or conflict zones, terrorism, and other areas in which participant security is threatened.

 

Travel Advisories / Warnings

Please confirm any current travel advisories/warnings as well as entry requirements with the U.S. Department of State.

Getting There

Several U.S. airlines offer daily flights to Lima, Peru (LIM).

Flights departing Lima may be booked for the evening of Day 16.

Entry Information

A valid passport is required when traveling to Peru. Your passport must be valid for 6 months beyond the expected return date. U.S. passport holders may stay up to 90 days without a visa.

We suggest making a copy of the first two pages of your passport and keeping them in a separate bag as a backup. A copy should also be left with your emergency contact.

Airport Arrival

Upon arrival at the Lima airport please collect your baggage and proceed to the arrivals area. Please take a taxi from the airport to our hotel.

In-Country Transportation

The provided ground transportation in Peru as stated in the itinerary is via private vehicle.

Immunizations & Travel Medicine

For the most current information on inoculation requirements and recommendations, please refer to the Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention.

Traveler's Health

Travelers may suffer from upset stomachs when in foreign countries. There are some basic rules, however, that can help keep you healthy.

• Hygiene - It is important that you wash your hands thoroughly before meals and after using the restroom. If water is not available for washing, we recommend using a hand sanitizer.
• Water - The number one rule is: don't drink the water, and that includes shower water and ice! Brush your teeth with purified water rather than tap water. You should check bottled water for a good seal and use a napkin to wipe excess moisture from drinking glasses. Take care with fruit juice, particularly if it has been diluted with water. Carefully clean the tops of bottled beverages before opening.
• Food - If it is cooked, boiled, or can be peeled, you can usually eat it. Salads and fruits should be washed with purified water or peeled where possible. Be wary of ice cream and shellfish. Always avoid any undercooked meat.

Medical Emergencies

Excellent care for minor illnesses and injuries is readily available. In the event of more serious illnesses or injuries, we recommend transport to any of the Level 1 care centers in Lima.

Peru Country Facts

Peru, in western South America, extends for nearly 1,500 miles along the Pacific Ocean. Colombia and Ecuador are to the north, Brazil and Bolivia to the east, and Chile to the south. Peru is divided by the Andes Mountains into three sharply differentiated zones. To the west is the coastline, much of it arid, extending 50 to 100 miles inland. The mountain area, with peaks over 20,000 feet, lofty plateaus, and deep valleys, lies centrally. Beyond the mountains to the east is the heavily forested slope leading to the Amazonian plains.

Peru is an emerging, market-oriented economy characterized by a high level of foreign trade. Historically, the country's economic performance has been tied to exports. Its main exports include copper, gold, zinc, textiles, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, machinery, services and fish meal. Currently, tourism in Peru makes up the nation's third largest industry, behind fishing and mining.

Peru is a multi-ethnic, multicultural country whose people, subsequently, identify their nationality by citizenship rather than ethnicity. The Peruvian census does not contain information about ethnicity so only rough estimates are available. Its population can be composed of Mestizos (European-Indigenous ancestry): 47%, Amerindians (Indigenous): 31%, European: 18.5%, Afro-Peruvians: 2%, Asians and others: 1%.

Lima is the capital and largest city of Peru and together with the seaport of Callao, forms a contiguous urban area known as the Lima Metropolitan Area. With a population approaching 9 million, Lima is the most populous metropolitan area of Peru.

Huaraz was founded before the Incan empire and is the gateway to the Cordillera Blanca. Home to just over 100,000 people, it is the second largest city in the Peruvian Andes. Huaraz lies at 10,000 feet in elevation.

Peru was once part of the great Incan Empire and later the major vice-royalty of Spanish South America. It was conquered in 1531–1533 by Francisco Pizarro. On July 28, 1821, Peru proclaimed its independence. For a hundred years thereafter, revolutions were frequent. Political unrest, border conflicts and Maoist guerrilla group dominated Peru’s history through the middle of the 20th century, but the country now stands as a democratic republic with a multi-party system, headed by a president.

Weather

The weather in Lima, Huaraz and while traveling to and from the mountains can be very warm. We recommend bringing a pair of shorts and a T-shirt. For current weather conditions, check Weather Underground.

The two principal seasons in Peru are the rainy season and the dry season. The dry season typically runs between May and September and is the best time to travel to the Cordilerra Blanca.

Temperatures during the dry season run from around 50 F at night to the upper 80s F during the day at lower elevations. Temperatures still get quite cold in the mountains, especially in the evenings.

Cultural Etiquette

The people of Peru are generally very warm and friendly to tourists. Although it is not expected that we dress formally, we should dress modestly. Casual and comfortable clothing is suggested along with comfortable shoes. Showing expensive cameras, watches, jewelry, etc. is considered unseemly and may attract unwanted attention.

When entering a shop or home, politely use a greeting such as buenos días (good day), buenas tardes (good afternoon), buenas noches (good night). Similarly, upon leaving, even if you've had only minimal contact, say adios (goodbye) or hasta luego (see you later). Peruvians usually shake hands upon parting as well.

On city streets, children selling small items and shining shoes can be quite persistent. Some ask directly for money. To keep from being hassled, a polite but firm "No, gracias" is generally sufficient.

It is expected that you engage in some degree of bargaining for market or street purchases. This is fun, and should be taken lightly.

Electricity

Electricity in Peru is 220 Volts and 60 Hertz. Carry a universal convertor and plug adaptor travel kit.

Money

Peru's official currency is the nuevos sol (S/), divided into 100 centavos. Check a financial newspaper or www.xe.com for the current exchange rate prior to departure. 

We suggest bringing $400 - $500 total for personal spending money including restaurant meals, drinks, pocket money, and the Support Staff Tip Pool.

Cash machines are readily available in Lima and Cusco airports. Credit cards are accepted in most, but not all, areas.

Everyone has a preferred way to carry money. Some use money belts, others have hidden pockets. Whatever you do, be aware of pickpockets and thieves in any area which caters to tourists.

Tipping

Everyone approaches tipping a little differently. Whether or not a person tips, and how much, is completely dependent upon the individual; here are some suggested tipping guidelines for your trip.

Local waiters, drivers, and other service personnel expect to be tipped. Ten to fifteen percent is standard. Some restaurants and hotels add a 10% service fee to bills in which case, no further tip is required.

Support Staff Tip Pool: We recommend that each climber contribute $100 to the Tip Pool. This is collected at the beginning of the trip and will cover group tips for all our support and mountain staff throughout the program.

Our guides work hard to ensure your well-being and success on the mountain. If you have a positive experience, gratuities are an excellent way to show your appreciation. Amounts are at your discretion and should be based on your level of enjoyment. Tips for excellent service normally average 10 – 15% of the cost of the program. If you would rather not bring the guide gratuity with you on the trip, you can send a check or call the RMI office to pay with a credit card upon your return.

Resources

Fodor's and other travel service websites are readily available and describe Peru travel and facts.

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Qualifications

This trip is open to all individuals in excellent physical condition with previous climbing experience. Prior knowledge and experience with rope travel, the use of crampons, and ice axe arrest is required. It is a great first trip to altitudes above 15,000'.

Our experience shows that individuals perform better and enjoy the adventure more if they have a high degree of fitness and comfort with basic mountaineering skills. This program’s high altitude and snowy terrain contribute to make this a very worthwhile challenge.

Qualifying Programs

Recommended climbing experiences prior to the Expedition Skills Seminar - Peru include:

Physical Fitness Training

Mountaineering requires a high degree of physical stamina and mental toughness. Even for the healthiest and fittest individuals, climbing mountains qualifies as an extremely challenging endeavor.

• Start immediately. Start a rigorous fitness and training program now with the goal of arriving in top physical condition and confident in your skills.
• Be intentional. Focus on gaining the necessary strength, stamina and skills to meet the physical and technical demands of the climb.
• Be sport-specific. The best fitness and training program mimics the physical and technical demands of your climbing objective. The closer you get to your program date, the more your training should resemble the climbing.

For the Expedition Skills Seminar - Peru, you are preparing for:

• Hiking and climbing with a 20-25 lb load
• 10+ hour summit days
• Mountaineering techniques requiring core strength and flexibility

Nothing ensures a personally successful adventure like your level of fitness and training. Bottom line: Plan on being in the best shape of your life and ready for a very challenging adventure!

Please refer to our Resources for Mountaineering Fitness and Training for detailed fitness and training information.

Acclimatization

The key to climbing high is proper acclimatization. Our program follows a calculated ascent profile which allows time for your body to adjust to the altitude.

Excellent physical conditioning significantly increases your ability to acclimatize as you ascend. Climbers in excellent physical condition simply have more energy to commit to the acclimatization process throughout the days and nights of the ascent, allowing their bodies to adjust to the altitude more easily.

Finally, physical performance and acclimatization are also related to how well you have taken care of yourself throughout the hours, days and weeks prior to summit day. Arriving healthy and well-rested, maintaining proper hydration and caloric intake, and protecting against unnecessary heat loss (staying warm) are all key factors in an individual’s success on an expedition such as this.

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Equipment List

• Pack & Travel

• Guide Pick™

• • 
    2 DUFFEL BAG(S)

    120+ liter bag(s) made of tough material with rugged zippers.

  • • Patagonia Black Hole Duffel - 120L
    • Mountain Hardwear Lightweight Expedition Duffel - 117L
    • Osprey Transporter - 130L

• • 
    LUGGAGE LOCKS

    Bring as needed. Make sure these are TSA-compliant.

  • • Anvil TSA Luggage Lock (4 Pack)

• • 
    65+ LITER BACKPACK

    Your pack must be large enough for your layers, climbing gear, and food, as well as a portion of your tent and your share of group equipment. You will not need a separate summit pack.

  • • Men's Mountain Hardwear South Col 70 Outdry
    • Men's Osprey Aether Pro 70
    • Men's Gregory Denali 75
    • Women's Osprey Ariel 65

• • 
    DAY PACK

    A 25+ liter day pack to use as carry-on or while sightseeing.

  • • Black Diamond Speed 30
    • Osprey Mutant 38

• Sleeping Bag & Pad

• Guide Pick™

• • 
    SLEEPING BAG

    We recommend a bag rated between 20° and 0° F. Allow ample room for movement. We recommend down over synthetic for its light weight, warmth, and packability. If you know you sleep cold, consider a 0° F bag.

  • • Mountain Hardwear Lamina 15°
    • Women's Mountain Hardwear Lamina 15°

• • 
    COMPRESSION STUFF SACK FOR SLEEPING BAG
  • • Sea to Summit eVent Compression Dry Sack
    • Sea to Summit Ultra Sil Compression Sack

• • 
    INFLATABLE SLEEPING PAD

    A full-length inflatable pad.

  • • Therm-A-Rest NeoAir XLite
    • Therm-A-Rest NeoAir XTherm

• • 
    CLOSED FOAM SLEEPING PAD

    A full-length closed cell foam pad, used in combination with the inflatable sleeping pad.

  • • Therm-A-Rest Z-Lite Sol

• Technical Gear

• Guide Pick™

• • 
    ICE AXE

    The length of your axe depends on your height. Use the following general mountaineering formula: up to 5'8", use a 65 cm axe; 5'8" to 6'2", use a 70 cm axe; and taller, use a 75 cm axe. If you hold the axe so that it hangs comfortably at your side, the spike of the axe should still be a few inches above the ground.

  • • Black Diamond Raven Pro Ice Axe
    • Black Diamond Venom
    • Petz Sum'Tec

• • 
    HYBRID ICE AXE WITH HAMMER

    A 50 - 55 cm hybrid ice axe with hammer for steep terrain.

  • • Black Diamond Venom Ice Tool with Hammer
    • Petzl Quark Ice Tool with Hammer

• • 
    CLIMBING HARNESS

    We recommend a comfortable, adjustable alpine climbing harness. Removable, drop seat, or adjustable leg loops are convenient for managing your clothing layers over the course of the climb and facilitate going to the bathroom.

  • • Black Diamond Couloir
    • Petzl Altitude

• • 
    1 TRIPLE-ACTION LOCKING CARABINER

    Used for clipping into the climbing rope.

  • • Petzl William Triact Lock

• • 
    1 LOCKING CARABINER(S)

    Used for clipping into anchors, etc.

  • • Black Diamond RockLock Screwgate
    • Black Diamond Mini Pearbiner

• • 
    3 NON-LOCKING CARABINER(S)

    Used for pack ditch loop, etc.

  • • Black Diamond Oval Wire
    • Petzl Ange L

• • 
    CRAMPONS

    12-point adjustable steel crampons with anti-balling plates designed for general mountaineering use.

  • • Black Diamond Serac

• • 
    AVALANCHE TRANSCEIVER WITH FRESH BATTERIES

    Digital and analogue trancievers are both suitable. Bring extra batteries appropriate to the duration of the climb.

  • • Backcountry Access Tracker2 Avalanche Transceiver
    • Black Diamond Recon BT Avalanche Transceiver

• • 
    TREKKING POLES

    We recommend lightweight and collapsible poles with snow baskets.

  • • Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork Trekking Poles
    • Black Diamond Expedition 3 Ski Poles
    • Men's Black Diamond Trail Trekking Poles
    • Women's Black Diamond Trail Trekking Poles

• • 
    BELAY DEVICE

    A tube-style belay/rappel device that can accept a variety of rope diameters.

  • • Black Diamond ATC Guide
    • Petzl Reverso 4

• • 
    MECHANICAL ASCENDER

    For traveling on fixed lines. Most people prefer an ascender designed for their weak hand, leaving their strong hand free to hold their ice axe. For example, a right-handed person would use a left-handed ascender.

  • • Petzl Ascension
    • Grivel A & D Ascender and Descender

• • 
    DOUBLE LENGTH SEWN NYLON SLING

    120 cm sewn sling ("double-length runner").

  • • Black Diamond Dynex Runners
    • Black Diamond Nylon Runners

• • 
    SINGLE LENGTH SEWN NYLON SLING

    60 cm sewn sling ("single-length runner").

  • • Black Diamond Dynex Runners
    • Black Diamond Nylon Runners

• • 
    24 ' ACCESSORY CORD

    6 mm cordelette in one continuous length.

  • • Mammut Accessory Cord

• • 
    15 ' ACCESSORY CORD

    7 mm cordelette in one continuous length.

  • • Mammut Accessory Cord

• Head

• Guide Pick™

• • 
    HELMET

    A UIAA (Union Internationale des Associations d’Alpinisme) or CE (European Committee for Standardization) certified climbing helmet.

  • • Black Diamond Half Dome Helmet
    • Men's Black Diamond Vector Helmet
    • Women's Black Diamond Vector Helmet
    • Petzl Sirocco Helmet

• • 
    WARM HAT

    Wool or synthetic. It should provide warmth but also be thin enough to fit underneath a climbing helmet.

  • • Mountain Hardwear Micro Dome

• • 
    BALL CAP OR SUN HAT
  • • RMI Washed Chino Hat
    • Outdoor Research Sun Runner Hat
    • Outdoor Research Helios Sun Hat

• • 
    BUFF

    A Buff provides versitile head and neck protection. A neck gaiter is also acceptable.

  • • Original UV Buff
    • Merino Wool Buff
    • Smartwool Neck Gaiter

• • 
    HEADLAMP

    Start with fresh batteries and bring extra set(s) of batteries appropriate to the duration of the trip.

  • • Black Diamond Storm
    • Black Diamond Spot
    • Petzl Tikka 200 Headlamp

• • 
    GLACIER GLASSES

    Glacier glasses are protective sunglasses that provide close to 100% frame coverage (wrap-around frames and side shields ensure no light can enter from the top, bottom, and sides of the glasses) and transmit less than 10% of visual light.

  • • Men's Julbo Explorer 2.0
    • Women's Julbo Monterosa
    • Julbo Shield

• • 
    GOGGLES

    Amber or rose-tinted goggles for adverse weather. On windy days, climbers, especially contact lens wearers, may find photochromatic lenses the most versatile in a variety of light conditions.

  • • Smith I/O MAG
    • Smith Knowledge OTG
    • Julbo Airflux

• Hands

• Guide Pick™

• • Each glove layer is worn separately as conditions change during the climb.

• • 
    LIGHTWEIGHT GLOVES

    Lightweight liner or softshell gloves. Lighter colors absorb less sunlight while still offering UV protection.

  • • Outdoor Research ActiveIce Full Finger Chroma Sun Gloves
    • Black Diamond Arc Glove
    • Black Diamond Softshell Glove

• • 
    MEDIUM WEIGHT GLOVES

    Wind- and water-resistant, insulated mountain gloves.

  • • Black Diamond Patrol Glove
    • Men's Outdoor Research Stormtracker Sensor Gloves
    • Women's Outdoor Research Stormtracker Sensor Gloves

• • 
    HEAVY WEIGHT GLOVES OR MITTENS

    Wind- and water-resistant, insulated gloves or mittens. These also serve as emergency backups if you drop or lose a lighter-weight glove.

  • • Men's Black Diamond Mercury Mitt
    • Men's Black Diamond Guide Glove
    • Women's Black Diamond Guide Glove
    • Men's Outdoor Research Alti Mitts

• Upper Body

• Guide Pick™

• • We recommend a minimum of five upper body layers, all of which can be used in conjunction with each other. Two of these should be insulating layers, one light and one medium, that fit well together. Today there are many different layering systems to choose from, including fleece, soft-shell, down and synthetic options.

• • 
    2 LIGHTWEIGHT BASELAYER OR SUN HOODY

    Long-sleeve wool or synthetic top. Lighweight, light-colored, hooded baselayers (sun hoodys) are highly recommended for sun protection.

  • • Men's Bight Gear Solstice Hoody
    • Women's Bight Gear Solstice Hoody
    • Men's Patagonia Capilene Lightweight Zip
    • Women's Patagonia Capilene Midweight Zip-Neck

• • 
    LIGHTWEIGHT INSULATING LAYER

    One step up in warmth and bulk from a baselayer. A technical fleece makes an ideal lightweight insulating layer.

  • • Men's Bight Gear Fissure Tech Fleece 2.0
    • Women's Bight Gear Fissure Tech Fleece 2.0
    • Men's Patagonia R1 Hoody
    • Women's Patagonia R1 Hoody

• • 
    MEDIUM WEIGHT INSULATING LAYER

    A down, synthetic, or softshell hoody makes a great midlayer.

  • • Men's Arc'Teryx Gamma LT Hoody
    • Women's Arc'teryx Atom LT Hoody
    • Men's Patagonia Micro Puff Hoody
    • Women's Patagonia Micro Puff Hoody

• • 
    RAIN JACKET (HARD SHELL)

    An uninsulated, waterproof shell jacket with hood.

  • • Men's Black Diamond Helio Active Jacket
    • Women's Black Diamond Helio Active Jacket
    • Men's Bight Gear Neoshell Nuker Jacket
    • Women's Bight Gear Neoshell Nuker Jacket

• • 
    INSULATED PARKA WITH HOOD

    Your expedition-style heavy parka must extend below the waist, have an insulated hood, and be able to fit over the rest of your upper body layers. While the parka is worn primarily at rest breaks on summit day, it also serves as an emergency garment if needed. We recommend down rather than synthetic fill.

  • • Men's Bight Gear Caldera Parka
    • Women's Bight Gear Caldera Parka
    • Mountain Hardwear Nilas Jacket

• • 
    SPORTS BRA

    We recommend a moisture-wicking, active-wear bra.

  • • Women's Patagonia Switchback Sports Bra

• Lower Body

• Guide Pick™

• • We recommend a system of four layers, all of which can be used in conjunction with each other. Products which combine several layers into one garment, such as traditional ski pants, don’t work well as they don’t offer the versatility of a layering system.

• • 
    2 - 3 PAIRS OF UNDERWEAR

    Non-cotton briefs or boxers.

  • • Men's Smartwool Merino 150 Boxer Brief
    • Women's Patagonia Barely Bikini
    • Men's Patagonia Sender Boxer Brief

• • 
    LIGHT TO MEDIUM WEIGHT BASELAYER

    Synthetic or wool.

  • • Men's Patagonia Capilene Midweight Bottoms
    • Women's Smartwool Merino 150 Base Layer Bottom
    • Men's Patagonia Capilene Midweight Bottoms

• • 
    SOFTSHELL CLIMBING PANTS

    Softshell climbing pants can be worn in combination with a base layer on colder days, or alone on warmer days.

  • • Men's Bight Gear Moraine Pant
    • Women's Bight Gear Moraine Pant
    • Men's Outdoor Research Cirque Pant
    • Women's Outdoor Research Cirque Pant

• • 
    RAIN PANTS (HARD SHELL)

    Non-insulated, waterproof shell pants must be able to fit comfortable over your baselayer bottoms and softshell climbing pants. Full side zippers or 7/8 side zippers are required so that shell pants can be put on while wearing boots and crampons.

  • • Men's Bight Gear Neoshell Nuker Pant
    • Women's Bight Gear Neoshell Nuker Pant
    • Men's Arc'teryx Beta SL Pant
    • Women's Arc'teryx Beta SL Pant

• • 
    LIGHTWEIGHT TREKKING PANTS OR SHORTS

    A lightweight, synthetic pair of pants is a good option for the approach trek when hiking at lower altitudes and in warm conditions. These pants have no insulation, are typically made of thin nylon, and commonly feature zippers to convert between pants and shorts.

  • • Men's Patagonia Simul Alpine Pants
    • Women's Patagonia Simul Alpine Pants

• Feet

• Guide Pick™

• • 
    EXPEDITION DOUBLE MOUNTAINEERING BOOTS

    Expedition-style double boots provide the best balance of weight, comfort, and insulation. Your boots need to be roomy enough to allow for good circulation. Anticipate a sock combination when sizing them (single sock, liner and sock, or two heavy socks on each foot). The idea is to adequately fill the volume of the boot, and to insulate. Wear the boots as often as possible before the climb, to determine proper fit, comfort and performance.

  • • La Sportiva G2 SM
    • Scarpa Phantom 6000
    • La Sportiva Baruntse

• • 
    HIKING BOOTS

    A pair of lightweight boots for approaches and hiking on rugged terrain. We recommend a waterproof, mid-top boot for better stability and ankle support.

  • • Men's Scarpa Kailash Trek GTX
    • Women's Scarpa Kailash Trek GTX
    • Men's Scarpa Crux Approach
    • Women's Scarpa Crux Approach

• • 
    CASUAL SHOES

    Great for traveling and wearing around town or camp. A pair of tennis shoes or light hikers works well.

  • • Men's La Sportiva Wildcat
    • Women's La Sportiva Wildcat
    • Men's The North Face Base Camp Flip Flop
    • Women's The North Face Base Camp Mini Flip Flop

• • 
    GAITERS

    A knee-length pair of gaiters, large enough to fit over your mountaineering boots. This will protect you from catching your crampon spikes on loose clothing. Not needed if using a boot with an integrated gaiter.

  • • Outdoor Research Expedition Crocodiles
    • Outdoor Research Verglas

• • 
    4 PAIRS OF SOCKS

    Either wool or synthetic. Whatever sock combination you are accustomed to wearing during your training or previous adventures (whether single medium weight socks, a medium weight with a liner sock, two medium weight socks together, etc.), should work just fine for this climb.

  • • Men's Smartwool PhD Pro Mountaineer
    • Men's Darn Tough Hiker Boot Sock
    • Women's Smartwool PhD Outdoor Heavy Crew Sock
    • Men's Smartwool PhD Outdoor Light Crew Sock

• Personal Items

• Guide Pick™

• • 
    MEALS & SNACKS

    See the Food tab for suggestions and quantities.

• • 
    BOWL

    Packable plastic bowl. Collapsable models can work but must be handled carefully to avoid unintended collapsing. A lid is a great feature.

  • • Sea to Summit Delta Bowl
    • Fozzils Solo Pack

• • 
    INSULATED MUG

    Insulated outdoor-style mug. We recommed a model with a removable lid, which helps retain heat and prevent spills.

  • • GSI Infinity Backpacker Mug

• • 
    SPOON OR SPORK

    A spoon or spork made of durable plastic or anodized metal. A long-handled spoon can be nice, especially if eating from a freeze-dried meal pouch.

  • • MSR Alpine Long Tool Spoon

• • 
    2 - 3 WATER BOTTLES

    One-liter water bottles with wide mouths made of co-polyester (BPA-free plastic).

  • • Nalgene

• • 
    STUFF SACK(S)

    Bring as needed.

  • • Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Stuff Sack

• • 
    2 - 3 LARGE GARBAGE BAGS

    Heavy-duty trash compacter bags for use as waterproof pack/stuff sack liners. You can also use a a waterproof pack liner.

  • • Hefty Trash Compacter Bags

• • 
    POCKETKNIFE
  • • Petzl Spatha Knife

• • 
    READING MATERIAL/JOURNAL (OPTIONAL)

• • 
    PERSONAL TOILETRIES & BAG

    Include toilet paper, hand sanitizer, toothbrush and toothpaste, and wet wipes. Bring a quantity appropriate to the duration of your trip.

• • 
    SUNSCREEN

    We recommend small tubes of SPF 30 or higher, which can be carried in pockets for easy access and to prevent freezing.

  • • Doc Martin's Sunscreen

• • 
    LIP BALM

    We recommend SPF 15 or higher.

  • • Joshua Tree Lip Balm

• • 
    EAR PLUGS

• • SPARE CONTACT LENSES/ EYEGLASSES (OPTIONAL)

    Spare prescription glasses if you wear contact lenses/eyeglasses.

• • 
    4 - 6 PAIRS CHEMICAL HAND WARMERS
  • • Grabber Hand Warmer

• • 
    PEE FUNNEL (FOR WOMEN)

    Practice using this before coming on the climb!

  • • Women's GoGirl

• • PEE BOTTLE (OPTIONAL)

    One clearly-marked wide-mouth or collapsible bottle for overnight use.

• • 
    CAMERA (OPTIONAL)

    Many smartphones have excellent cameras. Action cameras, small point-and-shoots, and compact dSLRs are lightweight and work well at altitude.

• • 
    POWER BANK (OPTIONAL)

    A small power bank, enough to charge a phone or e-reader several times.

  • • Goal Zero Flip 10 Power Bank

• • TRAVEL POWER ADAPTER

    For charging personal electronics while traveling internationally.

• First Aid & Medications

• Guide Pick™

• • 
    SMALL PERSONAL FIRST AID KIT

    Our guides carry comprehensive medical kits, so keep yours small and light. We recommend a selection of adhesive bandages, antibiotic ointment, Moleskin and blister care, medical tape and/or duct tape, cough drops, basic painkillers, an antacid, an anti-diarrheal, and personal medications.

  • • Adventure Medical Kits Ultralight & Watertight 0.5

• • We recommend you speak with your physician about which medications make sense to have for remote international travel and/or high altitude climbing. At minimum, we require the following:

• • ANTIBIOTICS

    Broad spectrum antibiotics like Ciprofloxacin (500mg tablets), Metronidazole, and Azithromycin (250mg tablets).

• • ACETAZOLAMIDE (DIAMOX)

    125mg tablets for prevention or treatment of Acute Mountain Sickness.

• • DEXAMETHAZONE

    4mg tablets for treatment of altitude illness.

• Travel Clothes

• Guide Pick™

• • 
    TRAVEL CLOTHES

    We recommend bringing a selection of comfortable clothing to wear while traveling as well as pre- and post-trip.

• • SUNGLASSES

• Travel Documents

• Guide Pick™

• • PASSPORT

    Valid for six months beyond your return date.

• • COPY OF PASSPORT

    The first two pages of your passport.

• • COPY OF FLIGHT ITINERARY

• • 2 EXTRA PASSPORT PHOTOS

• Pre-Trip Checklist

• Guide Pick™

• • Purchase travel insurance.

• • Purchase airplane tickets.

• • Reserve rental equipment.

• • Be in the best shape of your life!

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Provided Equipment

RMI provides the following equipment for your program: tents, stoves, group cooking equipment, fuel, climbing ropes, climbing anchors, avalanche probes, shovels, and blue bags (for solid waste disposal).

Every guide on your climb will carry rescue equipment and a first aid kit. Each climb has two-way radios and a satellite phone for emergency contact.

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Meals

On the Expedition Skills Seminar - Peru you will need 9 mountain lunches. All of your mountain lunch items should weigh 5 - 6 lb.

Breakfast and dinner meals on the mountain are included as indicated in our Trip Itinerary. With the exception of hotel breakfasts, most restaurant meals are on your own. You are responsible for your own bottled water and drinks.

Mountain Lunches

Mountain lunches are eaten during short breaks throughout the day. We continually snack to keep our energy levels up while we climb - lunch begins just after breakfast and ends just before dinner! Avoid packing any items that require preparation or hot water.

The importance of having foods that are genuinely enjoyed cannot be overstated. Eating properly is the key to maintaining strength while in the mountains. In order to combat the loss of appetite at altitude we aim to have a variety of foods that stimulate the whole palate, from sweet to sour to salty.

Take care while shopping for your personal mountain lunch items. Don't wait until the last minute. Make a list in advance and add to it as you generate and remember more ideas. Try to shop at stores that offer a large variety of gourmet and specialty foods, as well as your old, stand-by favorites.

Recommended mountain lunch items: bagels, tortillas, crackers (Wheat Thins, Triscuits), hummus, Pringles, corn nuts, smoked almonds, roasted cashews, GORP mix (peanuts, M&M's, sunflower seeds, raisins, etc), smoked salmon, salami, pepperoni, cheese (brie, camembert), jerky, candy (sweet and sour varieties), chocolate bars, hard candies, energy bars (Cliff, Luna), dried fruits (apricots, pineapple, pear), and drink mixes (Gatorade, Kool-Aid, or Crystal Light).

Perishable food items may be purchased at a grocery store in Peru; you should have the bulk of lunch items already purchased and packed.

Mountain Breakfasts and Dinners

To ensure our caloric input is optimal prior to the climb, and that your time on the mountain is even more memorable, we have a cook at base camp who will prepare fresh, hearty meals for breakfast and dinner.

The breakfast menu at base camp includes items such as omelets, porridge, bacon and eggs, French toast, pancakes, yogurt, and hot drinks (coffee, tea, cocoa, and the local staple "mate de coca"). 

While on the mountain, cold cereals with powdered milk and bagels with cream cheese are our go to breakfasts options along with instant coffee and tea.

The dinner menu at base camp is a two-course meal followed by dessert and hot drinks. Soups made with locally harvested quinoa, pasta, and vegetable stews are common first-course items. Our second-course typically consists of fresh chicken, pork, or trout, and often pizza. To provide sweetness to our meal, fruit salad, yogurt, and a variety of puddings made by our base camp cook are served for dessert. Various hot drinks (coffee, tea, cocoa, and the local staple "mate de coca") are also provided.

While on the mountain dinner typically consists of freeze-dried foods, quesadillas, soups, and other high caloric, low weight meals are provided. Every attempt is made to ensure a variety of meals and adequate quantity.

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Payments

Deposit Payments: A non-refundable deposit payment of $1,250 per person secures your reservation.

• Deposit payments of $1,250 or less may be made via MasterCard, Visa, e-check, or check from a U.S. bank.

Balance Payments: The balance payment is due 120 days before the start of your program.

• Balance payments may only be made via e-check, check from a U.S. bank or wire transfer.*
  • *Wire transfers must cover all fees charged by your bank. The amount of the incoming wire to our bank must equal the balance payment amount.
• A payment reminder is emailed approximately three weeks before your payment due date. If your balance payment is not received 120 days before the start of your program, your reservation will be canceled, and all program fees forfeited.
• Payment in full is required when registering for a program within 120 days of the departure date.

Cancellation

The $1,250 per person deposit is non-refundable.

• All cancellations require written notification. Once the RMI Office receives your written notification of cancellation, the following apply:
  • If you cancel 120 or more days before the start of your program, the $1,250 per person deposit will not be refunded.
  • If you cancel less than 120 days before the start of your program, no refunds will be issued.

Due to the time-sensitive nature of these programs, and the amount of preparation time required for this program, it is unlikely that a vacant space will be filled close to the departure date. For this reason, we will strictly adhere to our policy and cannot make exceptions for any reason.

Cancellation Insurance

We require that everyone purchase travel insurance. Please see our Travel Tab for details.

Land Cost

INCLUDED

• RMI Leadership
• Hotel accommodations as indicated in the itinerary, based on double occupancy*
• All park entrance fees
• All group transportation in country as indicated in the itinerary
• All group cooking, trekking, camping, and climbing equipment

NOT INCLUDED

• International airfare
• Travel insurance, medical evacuation insurance and security evacuation insurance
• Excess baggage fees and departure taxes
• Meals not included in the itinerary
• Bottled water and personal drinks
• Customary guide gratuities
• Support Staff Tip Pool (we suggest $40 per person)
• Additional room charges including laundry service and other personal expenses
• Hotel accommodations not indicated in the itinerary
• Medical, hospitalization and evacuation costs (by any means)

* Accommodations are based on double occupancy.  A Single Supplement Fee will be charged to those occupying single accommodations by choice or circumstance.

Risk Management

Please clearly understand that mountaineering is inherently a hazardous sport. Managing risk is RMI’s number one priority. Our guides manage significant hazards inherent in mountaineering such as avalanches, ice fall, rockfall, inclement weather, and high winds, but they cannot eliminate them.

You are choosing to engage in an activity in which participants have been injured and killed. While those accidents are indeed infrequent, they may occur at any time and be out of our control. We ask that participants acknowledge the risk and hazards of mountaineering, and make their own choices about whether or not to engage in this activity.

PARTICIPANT Responsibilities

Mountaineering is both an individual challenge and a team endeavor. Each Participant is required to share in the responsibility of the safety and success of the team. For this reason, we ask that each Participant:

• Possess the climbing prerequisites required for this program.
• Possess the necessary physical and mental fitness required for this program.
• Be responsible for knowing all pre-departure information.
• Provide a signed Physician’s Certificate stating that the Participant is medically qualified to join this program.
• Update the RMI Office if there are any changes to your health or medical information before departure.
• Be properly attired and equipped as outlined in the Equipment List.
• Act in a considerate manner toward all team members and show respect for local customs, values, and traditions in the areas we travel.
• Help minimize our impact on the environment and follow appropriate Leave No Trace practices.
• Describe yourself, honestly and accurately, in terms of fitness, health, skills, abilities, and your equipment to your guide staff.
• Communicate with your guide staff on the mountain if there are any changes in your medications or health.
• Adhere to the advice of your guide staff.
• Continue to self-assess throughout the program, measuring your fitness, health, skills, and abilities against the demands required of the program.

RMI reserves the right to dismiss the Participant from a program or to send the Participant to a lower altitude at any time if the RMI Guide Staff determines, in its sole discretion, that the Participant is not physically, technically, or psychologically prepared for, or capable of participating in the program, or for any other reason that may compromise the safety, health or well-being of the Participant or the entire group. If this decision is made, the Participant will not receive any refunds or credits and will be financially responsible for any additional costs associated with an early departure, including but not limited to, evacuation, transportation, hotel reservationss, meals, etc.

Age-Appropriate Guidelines & Restrictions

In the interest of the safety and well-being of all participants, RMI adheres to the following age-appropriate guidelines:

• Ages 15 & under: No participants age 15 & under
• Ages 16 & 17: Accompanied by a parent or legal guardian for the duration of the program
• Ages 18 & above: No restrictions 

An individual’s birthday must precede the departure date of the program. For example, a 15-year-old who turns 16 on July 1 may participate on a program beginning July 2.

Under-aged participants on Private Climb or Group Climb programs are assessed on an individual basis.

A parent or legal guardian must accompany the minor climber throughout the entirety of the program. If either climber must descend at any time during the program, both climbers must descend together.

A parent or legal guardian must sign for any Participant that is under 18 years of age. On behalf of any minor participant, the parent or legal guardian understands and accepts all the terms of the Program Policies.

Summit Attempt

RMI cannot guarantee that you will reach the summit. Weather, route conditions, your own abilities, or the abilities of other climbers may create circumstances that make an ascent unsafe, and you or your entire group may have to turnaround without reaching the summit.

Failure to reach the summit due to a person’s own lack of fitness or to any of the events associated with mountaineering (such as weather, route conditions, avalanche hazard, team dynamics, etc.), are not Rainier Mountaineering, Inc.’s responsibility and will not result in a refund, credit, or reschedule.

General Policies

RMI’s program schedule and itineraries are subject to change or adjustment based on a number of factors. These include, but are not limited to, route conditions, weather, group strength, terrain, or other environmental factors, and many other factors. RMI has complete discretion to change plans to accommodate any of these or other factors, including but not limited to increases in program fees, changes to program schedule or itinerary, and changes to guides or staff, as necessary for the proper and safe conduct of the program. Once the program has started, the Lead Guide will decide on any changes to the itinerary, including ending the program early if the continuation of the program may compromise the safety, health, or well-being of the group.

We reserve the right to cancel any program due to inadequate signups, weather, route conditions, or for any other reason. In such a case, we will make every effort to reschedule the Participant on a different program date. If rescheduling is not possible, we will issue the Participant a refund for all program fees paid to RMI, less any non-refundable payments made on behalf of the Participant to secure any of the included land costs provided for this program, including but not limited to, hotel accommodations, transportation, transfers, tours, group equipment and food, permits, and local outfitter services, prior to the cancellation of the program. Additionally, RMI cannot be responsible for any non-refundable expenses the Participant incurred in preparation for the program (i.e., airline tickets, hotel reservations, rental cars, equipment purchases or rentals, etc.).

Once a program begins, there are no refunds or credits for weather-related cancellations or for a program that may end early due to weather, route conditions, or any other circumstances that may compromise the health, safety, or well-being of the group. Furthermore, if the Participant decides for any reason not to begin a program or to discontinue a program at any time, no refunds or credits will be issued. The Participant will be responsible for all additional costs associated with an early departure, including but not limited to evacuation, transportation, hotel reservations, meals, etc.

Land Costs are provided as a package, and refunds or credits will not be issued for any unused meals, accommodations, group transportation, or other unused costs. Accommodations are based on double occupancy. A Single Supplement Fee will be charged to those Participants occupying single accommodations either by choice or circumstance. If you are willing to share a room, we will make every effort to pair you with another same-gender team member. We will match willing same-gender team members based on the order of registration date. If we are unable to match you with another same-gender team member, a single supplement fee will be charged. The availability of single accommodations is limited in most of the hotels where we stay, and single accommodations are not available while in the mountains.

The Participant understands and agrees that RMI assumes no responsibility or liability in connection with any travel and hospitality services provided to the Participant by other companies in connection with the program, including but not limited to, the services provided by airlines, hotels, rental cars, and transportation companies and that RMI is not responsible for any act, error, omission, or any injury, loss, accident, delay, irregularity, or danger by a supplier of travel or hospitality services to the Participant in connection with the RMI program. The Participant will be responsible for all costs associated with any travel delays, missed connections, or missing baggage that requires additional arrangements (separate transportation, hotel accommodations, meals, etc.) to be made on your behalf for you or your baggage to rejoin the program.