TREK OFF THE GRID WITH LOW-TECH GEAR THAT WILL HELP YOU ENJOY YOUR JOURNEY

Even though you’ll spend most of your trek through the Peruvian Andes with no internet connection, here are some devices and basic gear that might help you enjoy your trip.

There’s nothing better than a travel experience that really takes you far from your comfort zone. You’ll discover this as soon as you begin your trip with Andean Lodges.

We specialize in far-away adventures, and we want you to be comfortable as you trek at around 15,000 feet above sea level in Peru’s mountains.

As part of the cultural tourism experience we specialize in, you’ll discover the remarkable pleasure of disconnecting from the grid and living internet-free for a few days.

With this in mind, we’ve put together a list of a few gadgets, gear and travel items that should work perfectly in off-the-grid conditions, and can help make your experience more enjoyable.

Gear to bring with you

Trekking poles: these sturdy and resistant items help lessen the impact to your knees while walking through uneven mountain terrain, and help prevent falls.

Pack liner: while we don’t usually trek through the mountains during rainy season, having a waterproof compartment in your bags always comes in handy.

Headlamp: you might feel like talking a walk around the lodge at night. Do bring a good headlamp, it’ll make it more enjoyable and safer for you!

Star maps: If you’re fond of stargazing, be sure to bring a southern hemisphere star map (plastic, not digital) as it will help you identify those brilliant stars above.

Pocket knife: (or the ever-handy Swiss Army knife). These are nice to keep at hand on a hiking adventure. You never know when you might need to cut something.

Get back to analog

Remember that while the right clothing will protect your body against the weather, most electronic devices aren’t built to work at very high altitudes or cold temperatures.

To take amazing pictures, a professional camera is a must, but keep in mind that there will be no charging stations or electrical outlets during the trip, so be sure to bring plenty of batteries and enough memory cards for all the pictures and videos you plan to take.

If you plan to bring an entertainment item, such as a music player or an e-ink reader such as a Kindle, find an analog alternative that will work.

A small paperback book is a nice choice, and if music is a must, a simple MP3 player can carry all your favorite music as you hike, along with your travel stuff, but battery charge might be an issue.

To deal with this, a small solar charger for your electronic gear and/or portable long-life battery packs might be wise investments.

Protect your health

Eyewear: remember that you’ll be walking under intense sunlight, so quality UV-protective eyewear, such as wrap-around sunglasses or snow goggles, as well as hats (wide brims are best!) are mandatory, especially when walking through snow.

Skincare: as with your eyes, it’s extremely important to keep your skin well protected. Be sure to bring good quality high SPF sun block (which can be expensive and harder to find in Peru). Also, a lot of outdoor clothing is coated for UV protection, an excellent option.

Vision correction: remember to pack extra prescription glasses and/or enough contact lens fluid, if you wear contacts. There will be no access to stores or pharmacies once we leave Cusco, so be sure you’re stocked up with any prescription medicines and personal items you might need along the trail.

If you have any questions regarding gear to bring or related matters, please don’t hesitate to send us a message. We’ll be very happy to help you in any way we can to help make your trip more enjoyable.