How much water should I carry at high altitude?

Carry minimum 3-4 liters per day above 12,000 feet. You dehydrate faster at altitude and need extra water for altitude sickness prevention. Bring water purification tablets - natural sources may be contaminated.

Do I need special sleeping gear for the Andes?

Yes. Bring a sleeping bag rated to at least -10°C/14°F, even in summer. Add a closed-cell foam pad under your regular sleeping pad for insulation from frozen ground. Temperatures drop drastically at night above 10,000 feet.

When should I start taking altitude medication?

Start acetazolamide 1-2 days before ascending above 8,000 feet. Take 125mg twice daily. Don't wait until you feel symptoms - prevention works better than treatment. Consult your doctor before the trip.

What's different about packing for wet vs. dry season?

Dry season (May-September): focus on warmth and sun protection. Wet season (October-April): prioritize waterproof gear and quick-dry fabrics. Rain can turn to snow above 12,000 feet even in summer.

How to Pack for High-Altitude Hiking in the Andes

Pack in layers for extreme temperature swings, bring altitude sickness medication, and prioritize lightweight gear that works above 10,000 feet. Your pack should include insulation for sub-freezing nights, sun protection for intense UV, and emergency gear for unpredictable mountain weather.

Choose your base layers. Pack merino wool or synthetic base layers. Avoid cotton completely - it kills at altitude when wet. Bring 2-3 lightweight long-sleeve base layer tops and 2 pairs of base layer bottoms. Merino wool regulates temperature better than synthetic in the extreme temperature swings you'll face.
Layer your insulation. Bring a lightweight down jacket rated to at least -10°C/14°F. Add a fleece or synthetic insulating layer for active warmth. The Andes swing from blazing sun to freezing temperatures within hours - you need to add and remove layers constantly.
Pack your shell layer. Bring a waterproof, breathable jacket and pants. Look for 3-layer construction with fully sealed seams. Afternoon thunderstorms in the Andes are violent and sudden. Your shell is your emergency shelter.
Select altitude-specific gear. Pack acetazolamide (Diamox) for altitude sickness prevention - start taking it 1-2 days before ascending above 8,000 feet. Bring SPF 50+ sunscreen and glacier glasses rated UV400. The UV exposure above 12,000 feet will burn you in 15 minutes.
Choose your hiking boots. Bring insulated, waterproof boots rated for temperatures below freezing. Break them in completely before your trip. Pack gaiters to keep snow and scree out. Your feet will freeze in regular hiking boots above 14,000 feet.
Pack emergency and navigation gear. Bring a GPS device with extra batteries, emergency bivvy, first aid kit with blister treatment, and water purification tablets. Download offline maps before you go - cell service doesn't exist in most of the Andes.

How much water should I carry at high altitude?: Carry minimum 3-4 liters per day above 12,000 feet. You dehydrate faster at altitude and need extra water for altitude sickness prevention. Bring water purification tablets - natural sources may be contaminated.
Do I need special sleeping gear for the Andes?: Yes. Bring a sleeping bag rated to at least -10°C/14°F, even in summer. Add a closed-cell foam pad under your regular sleeping pad for insulation from frozen ground. Temperatures drop drastically at night above 10,000 feet.
When should I start taking altitude medication?: Start acetazolamide 1-2 days before ascending above 8,000 feet. Take 125mg twice daily. Don't wait until you feel symptoms - prevention works better than treatment. Consult your doctor before the trip.
What's different about packing for wet vs. dry season?: Dry season (May-September): focus on warmth and sun protection. Wet season (October-April): prioritize waterproof gear and quick-dry fabrics. Rain can turn to snow above 12,000 feet even in summer.