In order to classify our Challenge Levels and suitability for each tour we take into account whether the location is low-altitude or high-altitude. Most of our tours are perfectly fine for most people in ok to decent shape, although being in good health before arrival is always recommended. In all cases, guests should be able to carry their own day pack with basic necessities (water, snacks, sweater, rain jacket, hat, camera gear, etc.). As a general rule, our harder level trips are all related to altitude vs. challenging terrain. If you arrive in good physical shape with a solid cardio base, you will love the tours!
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 3,000 ft/1,000 m above sea level. Walking times and distances can vary from 5 to 45 minutes and from 200 to 2,000 yards/meters. 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 6,000 ft/1,830 m above sea level. Walking times and distances can be from 15 to 60 minutes and from 500 to 4,000 yards/meters 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. Tours at this level are usually around/up to 9,000 ft/2,750 m above sea level or more. Walking times and distances can be from 30 to 120+ minutes and from 1000 to 5,000 yards/meters 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.
At this level, we implement incremental acclimation period and protocols for your comfort and safety.
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. Tours at this level are usually around or up to 14,000 ft/4,270 m above sea level. Walking times and distances can be from 1 – 3+ hours and from 2,000 to 7,000 yards/meters 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.
Our incremental acclimation period and protocols should have you well-prepared for the effort at this time.
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. These levels are saved for the hard treks and climbing mountains with passes and basecamps from 15,000 – 17,000 ft/4,570-5,200 m and with summits above 18,000 ft/5,485 m. Walking times and distances can be from 3 – 9 hours (or more) and from 3,000 to 10,000 yards/meters. 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.
You should be well-acclimatized at this time and can enjoy the journey to the next camp.
