How to prevent altitude sickness on the Inca Trail

Hiking on the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is an incredible experience but can be hindered by altitude sickness. Altitude sickness occurs due to the high altitude of the Andes Mountains, ranging from around 8,000 feet above sea level at its lowest points to almost 15,000 feet (4,500 meters high) at its highest .

what is altitude sickness on the Inca Trail?

Altitude sickness is a difficult condition to endure and can occur when your body is not properly acclimated to high elevation – especially over 8,000 feet above sea level. Commonly known as Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), it affects around 25% of hikers on the famous Inca Trail in Peru due to its extreme change in elevation. Symptoms may range from mild headaches and fatigue to more life-threatening respiratory difficulties, nausea, fever, and disorientation. It is important for hikers to be aware of these dangers and take preventive measures such as gradually acclimatizing beforehand for an enjoyable, safe experience.

What are your symptoms of altitude sickness?

Altitude sickness, also known as Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), is a common affliction among those who visit high-altitude locations such as the Peruvian Andes on the Inca Trail. Symptoms can range from mild headaches and shortness of breath to more severe cases such as the inability to walk or sleep. Individuals with AMS may also suffer from nausea, vomiting, lightheadedness, rapid pulse rate and loss of appetite. It is important to be aware of these symptoms if you are planning a trip to a higher altitude location like Machu Picchu or any other place with an elevation over 8,000 feet. Making sure that you do not ascend too quickly and taking precautions like drinking plenty of fluids and staying warm can help prevent altitude sickness from occurring in the first place.

  • Difficulty to sleep
  • dizziness
  • fatigue
  • headache
  • Lack of appetite
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Rapid pulse
  • Respiratory difficulty when performing physical effort.

Is it serious to suffer from altitude sickness?

Altitude sickness is no joke. Whether you are attempting a strenuous hike like the Inca Trail or just visiting somewhere at a much higher elevation than usual, the effects of altitude sickness can be serious and unpleasant. People who suffer from altitude sickness often experience symptoms like nausea, dizziness, headache, and fatigue which can be an annoying inconvenience or even life threatening depending on severity and altitude. To avoid getting sick it’s suggested to always move up in elevation slowly to better adjust to the change in air pressure. Furthermore, remain well hydrated by drinking plenty of water since dehydration can exacerbate these uncomfortable symptoms. These are the degrees of the disease, from mild to moderate and severe:

  • Leve: Mild altitude sickness is bearable and can be controlled with sufficient rest and drinking lots of water.
  • Moderate: altitude sickness is more uncomfortable, with unpleasant symptoms such as vomiting, intense headaches, and shortness of breath.
  • Severe: Severe altitude sickness tends to crop up when moderate symptoms are ignored or aggravated by drinking alcohol or eating very fatty foods, resulting in ataxia (loss of balance and coordination), confusion, coughing up blood, pale complexion, and breathing difficulties even in repose.

If you plan on climbing the Inca Trail it’s important to stay alert to signs and symptoms of altitude sickness so that your journey can be enjoyed safely.

Is it possible to suffer altitude sickness on the Inca Trail?

The Inca Trail is a spectacular 39 kilometer long inca trail spanning the Andes Mountains to Machu Picchu. Found at heights of 4,200 meters and 2,040 meters above sea level respectively, both high and low altitudes can contribute to altitude sickness for hikers. Typical symptoms of altitude sickness include fatigue, breathing difficulty, headache and nausea. It is common for people to experience these more intensely in the early days before gradually improving as the last two days of trekking approach. Taking appropriate precautions such as acclimatizing your body is essential for any hiker looking at embarking on the iconic inca trail with scenic views parallel to none.

Reduce the symptoms of altitude sickness

To reduce the incidence and severity of altitude sickness while trekking through this region, it is advised to ascend slowly by taking rest days between climbs; drink plenty of water; and avoid alcohol and sleeping pills. Finally, supplementing with drugs such as acetazolamide and ibuprofen may help to reduce symptoms, however should always be done under the guidance of a doctor or certified pharmacist.

Learn about the causes of altitude sickness

Altitude sickness is a common concern when travelling to higher elevation areas. Most commonly experienced around 8,000-11,000 feet, inca trail altitude sickness is no exception. It can be caused by fluid imbalances in the body and oxygen deprivation due to the thinner air found at higher altitudes. Those most affected are often travelers who have little time to acclimate properly or those who engage in excessive activity before adjusting. Symptoms range in severity but often include difficulty breathing, headaches, vomiting, fatigue and general malaise. In mild cases, resting or drinking fluids are sufficient treatments while more extreme incidences require emergency medical attention. However, inca trail altitude sickness can largely be prevented by planning ahead with gradual ascent and avoiding heavy exertion during acclimatization period.

Tips for how to prevent altitude sickness

When planning to tackle the Inca Trail, it is highly recommended to acclimatize in Cusco city or Ollantaytambo( Sacred Valley of the Incas) at least two or three days prior. This allows you to take on the trek in a more adapted manner given the mountainous terrain and reduced risk of altitude sickness.

To ensure a comfortable climb, it is best to ascend gradually and rest sufficiently along with following your tour guide’s directions. Additionally, for an extra layer of precaution one should consult a doctor about available medications that can assist in adjusting to higher altitudes.

Moreover, drinking enough fluids and consuming carbohydrates are fundamental elements for successfully tackling any type of mountain climbing as it helps in overall stamina retention.

Lastly, alcohol should be avoided as its consumption could cause further complications related to altitude sickness.

Coca leaves prevent altitude sickness

Altitude sickness is a serious problem encountered by many hikers trekking the trail, but according to mountain experts there may be an ancient remedy that helps: Coca leaves. These leaves have been used as medicine by the Andean peoples of Peru for centuries, and they are still widely available in the form of tea or raw leaves. Studies show that Coca leaves can help prevent altitude sickness with their natural elements like caffeine and amino acids. Whether taken as a tea or chewed directly, inca trail adventurers should consider this natural remedy if they are looking to avoid altitude sickness.

This plant is not addictive and provides the body with various benefits such as:

  • Calm the dizziness.
  • Prevents cardiovascular diseases.
  • Protects against cavities.
  • Avoid obesity.
  • Fight depression.
  • Treat respiratory diseases such as asthma and bronchitis.
  • Regulate blood pressure.
  • Cures stomach problems.
  • Control diabetes.

What Our Clients Say in Tripadvisor

5/5

Overall Rating of 3rd-party reviews

ACL wrote a review - Oct 2022
ACL wrote a review - Oct 2022
@ACLamor
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Amazing trip! One of my mom’s bucket list is to hike the Inca Trail with her 5 grandchildren. It was a challenging but amazing and beautiful trip. Our final trekking group included two other families bring the total to 13 people. Our guides, Robin and his assistant, Jonah, were knowledgeable, patient and attentive with our large group of 8, and made this trek even more special because we were able focus on the beautiful scenery and each others company. They let us know the detail of the day’s hike and in the evening, prep us for the next morning. I caught a cold in Cusco, which made the hike much harder. They offered me some local medicine to help clear my sinus. One of them always stayed behind to make sure everyone gets to the campground. Through out the hike, we stopped at various historical spots, where Robin shared fact so on importance of the site and Incas/Quechua history. Robin even brought a mini espresso for us to have a cup at Dead Woman’s Peak 🥰. I’m glad that we ended up Robin and Jonah as our guide. They made the trek extra memorable and also appreciated how they take care of the porters.
Kathrin L wrote a review - Oct 2022
Kathrin L wrote a review - Oct 2022
@665kathrinl
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Great trekking experience with lots of insides! We really enjoyed the four day Inka Trail with our fantastic and knowledgeable guide Robinzon! The scenery is just so beautiful and historical and it's great to have somebody telling you about all the big and little things you cross by. I still remember Robinzon showing us how much water is stored in a handful moss, how to shoot with grass and many other things you will get to know on the trip that I don't want to spoil with this! Thank you for making this trip so memorable!
Martenw wrote a review - Oct 2022
Martenw wrote a review - Oct 2022
@608maartenw
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Amazing trip! Really an amazing trip! The scenery is beautiful, the logistics are taken care of and the guide is very knowledgeable! The guide is able to tell you everything about the region; the history of the incas, the local plants and if you want they will even teach you some quechua (old inca language)!
Dd G wrote a review - Sep 2022
Dd G wrote a review - Sep 2022
@ ddg958
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Robinson is the best! Great guide, lots of knowledge. Robinson will make every track memorable and fun Highly recommended!!!
Diana P wrote a review - Sep 2022
Diana P wrote a review - Sep 2022
@ dianapF1565AA
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Solo traveler experience! Booked a 4 day hike with Robinson and his team, as a solo traveler never felt so welcomed and safe! This team made my experience and amazing one! Robinson is so knowledgeable about every thing you will see in the trail. From vegetation to the community, all we had questions about he knew the answer. He was very nice, fun and very respectful, making my experience an amazing one! Thank you so much for making me enjoy such a great trail! Best way to explore the trail!
Martina Klarica wrote a review - Sep 2022
Martina Klarica wrote a review - Sep 2022
@D7234FCmartinak
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Amazing tour with amazing guide! We are grateful to have met Robinzon. The best guide we had! Robinzon helped us so much to experience Peru in the right way. His professionalism, kindness and knowledge were at the highest level. We enjoyed every moment with him on our Salkantay trekking and in our visit to Machu Picchu. We are sure that when we return to Peru again, we will contact him again and entrust ourselves to his guidance :))
Mathilda Elwen wrote a review - Sep 2022
Mathilda Elwen wrote a review - Sep 2022
@Tillybilly1
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10/10 tourguide! Robby Robinzon was the best tour guide ever!!! On our trip to Peru, he was the highlight! He knew so much about the nature and surroundings and our trail and it was so much fun! He was a great host and I would recommend him when coming to Machu Picchu.
Alex wrote a review - Sep 2022
Alex wrote a review - Sep 2022
@alexdoesthings2123
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Amazing Salkantay and Ausengate Treks! The team did a great job at tailoring a trip so I could see everything I wanted! The communication while setting up my trip was clear and easy. All of my questions were answered fully and in a quick manner. Robinson is a very knowledgeable guide, speaks great English, always has a positive attitude, and knows the best spots for spectacular views! He really cares about his clients and will do everything to make sure they have a great experience. I had some knee pain after my first trek was having some trouble at Ausengate. Robinson slowed down, allowed me to take my time, and gave me some reassurance.
 Rita wrote a review - Sep 2022
Rita wrote a review - Sep 2022
@Natedart123
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10/10! Robinz was very professional and highly knowledgeable about the terrain. he also made our safety his number one priority. If and when I go back, I will be using his services from him. highly recommend him.
Joshua G wrote a review - Sep 2022
Joshua G wrote a review - Sep 2022
@JoshuaGoldmeier
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Robinson is the best! My wife and I could not have loved our trip more. Robinson Gutierrez is unbelievably knowledgeable, unusually patient with us and made us feel encouraged to ask any questions. Most importantly, we unequivocally felt he equally cared about the history of his country and as well as our experience of said beautiful country. I can't stress this enough, he sincerely cares for his group. Our Machu Picchu trip was only one of our experiences on our 5 week long honeymoon throughout all of South America. We were lucky to have really amazing guides in every country however Robinson was different. We wished Robinson could have taken us throughout the entire continent. If you need a guide in Peru, you need to go with Robinson.
Juan Pérez
Juan Pérez
@sifv2022
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The best trip! Robinzon was our guide to Machu Picchu, and we would claim, that the trip through the mountains, were the best part of our 3 month trip in South America! We had so much fun and laughed all the way, even though it was both pouring rain, roasting sun and our legs were tired. Also we didn’t rush at any point. There were lots of time to enjoy the beautiful nature and mountains, and Robinzon had a lot of knowledge about the plants, animals and mountains. We are very happy that we did this trip, and lucky that we got to have fun with Robinzon 🙂
Lisa W wrote a review - Sep 2022
Lisa W wrote a review - Sep 2022
@lisawL8839JY
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FantasticTrip! Robinzon is fantastic. My kids age 10 and 13 really connected with him as he was patient and kind. They loved learning about nature, the insects, history, and local traditions as we hiked the Classic Inca Trail. You will be in good hands! No detail will be missed.
Donald Duck wrote a review - Sep 2022
Donald Duck wrote a review - Sep 2022
@ludvigleffler
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100% perfect! The knowledge from the tour guide and how enthusiastic they are for the environment, the surroundings and how the show and teach the group! 100% perfect they are one with the nature and they are born and raised around the secret valley, so they know what they are talking about.
Joanna K wrote a review - Sep 2022
Joanna K wrote a review - Sep 2022
@D4007FHjoannak
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Best Tour To Machu Picchu! Altitude Experience is the very best in Cusco. The team of guides provide the best tours. Really amazing experience with the team! Must-book!
Jordan L wrote a review - Sep 2022
Jordan L wrote a review - Sep 2022
@357jordanl
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Lares Trek & Inka Trail w/ Robinzon! Robinzon really added an extra layer to an already exceptional hike/trip. His knowledge and insight was incredible and allowed my friends to come away from the experience with a great understanding of his world. I have already recommended him to a few others interested in experiencing such an amazing hike.
Tim B wrote a review - Sep 2022
Tim B wrote a review - Sep 2022
@timbC2155ST
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Amazing Views Capped by an Experienced Guide! Robinzon was an amazing guide. He made the experience, which was full of incredible views and impressive ancient structures, a magical experience. We were especially pleased with the way he infused the experience with authentic cultural stories and views. We highly recommend trekking with his company.
 Dino wrote a review - Aug 2022
Dino wrote a review - Aug 2022
@dinokarahodzic
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Amazing trek Did the Inka trail and Amazon jungle. Best treks ever. The Altitude Experience made sure that we had everything we needed and we were well taken care of. Highly recommended. No complaints. Thank you.
Michael B wrote a review - Aug 2022
Michael B wrote a review - Aug 2022
@MikeBull94
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Inca Trail! Did the Inca Trail with these guys and it was AMAZING! Once in a lifetime experience and can't recommend it enough. Robin & his team were professional, knowledgeable & a great laugh! 5 stars
Kelli T wrote a review - May 2022
Kelli T wrote a review - May 2022
@kellit215
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Great guide! Robin was a great guide for our first trip to Peru! It was memorable enough to return for another visit. We had a five year old with us and he was very accommodating.
Ren wrote a review - May 2022
Ren wrote a review - May 2022
@renqingw
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The best! Highly recommend An excellent experience! Robinson was extremely knowledgeable, and provided information not only on the geo-ecological make up of the land, but also its history and cultural significance. The beauty of the land, along with that of the spirit and positive energy of the people made this trip one that I'll never forget. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this experience and company to anyone.
Sucam wrote a review - Apr 2022
Sucam wrote a review - Apr 2022
@Sucam
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Good guide for families! We took a tour with Robinson for Ollantaytambo Santury. We were very happy with his services from him. He was knowledgeable and took his time on the tour with kids in our group. I would recommend him to anyone looking for a tour guide.
Charlie D wrote a review - Apr 2022
Charlie D wrote a review - Apr 2022
@charliedX941ET
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Amazing trip! Amazing tour guide that made the experience extremely memorable. The views and food were absolutely incredible. Such a great time!
 Benjamin King wrote a review - Mar 2022
Benjamin King wrote a review - Mar 2022
@NanogFun
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A great guide for a great trip I have amazing things to say about my 4d Inca trail hike with Robinson. He was incredibly knowledgeable about the history of the sites we saw along the way, he also gave us so many insights into the cultural world of the native Quechua people and the realties they face in modern Peru. I think he did incredible job at connecting and having fun conversations with us - a group of western tourists. But he also did a great job of slipping powerful stories, histories, and cultural insights into the conversation in a way that was so enriching to the experience. I'd 100% recommend to anyone researching tour companies in the Cusco area! Thanks Robinson!
Niko labor wrote a review Mar 2022
Niko labor wrote a review Mar 2022
@nikol914
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Perfect journey. Robin Gutierrez is wonderfull person and perfect guide. His language is without mistake and his passion for job outstanding. I had the best time with this man and i fully recomended journey with him because it was one of the most beautiful experience that i had in my life. Roby rules
HH wrote a review Mar 2022
HH wrote a review Mar 2022
@229hopeh
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Great! I booked a trip with this company and for some reason they were unable to guide my friend and I. They made arrangements for us to go with TreXperience instead without any additional cost to us. They also arranged transportation to and from the airport at the start and end of the trip. This included a heroic effort at helping get us to the airport on time whilst making stops for COVID testing after mechanical issues with the train from Aguas Calientes had severe delays. I have high remarks for them.
Nidarchana G wrote a review Mar 2022
Nidarchana G wrote a review Mar 2022
@nidarchanag
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They go above and beyond! Robinson made the Machu Picchu hike the best experience in our life! He was patient, encouraging and fun. His team of porters are incredible and they also made delicious food for us. I'd highly recommend them!
Jip wrote a review Mar 2022
Jip wrote a review Mar 2022
@Jipzon
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Awesome guides Amazing guides! Definitely recommend. Beautiful hikes and experience, delicious food (on the side of the mountain?!) and beautiful scenery
Phil_1285 wrote a review Feb 2022
Phil_1285 wrote a review Feb 2022
@Phil_1285
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Trip of a lifetime! Rob is an amazing guide, showing us some incredible sites and also sharing interesting cultural facts and history. He was always on the lookout for any opportunities to see wildlife or special views on the trail and really made the whole experience memorable for me and my group. He's got a great sense of humor too and lots of conversation which helps when you're together for 4 days!! Fully recommend… and encourage. 🦙
Amy H wrote a review - Feb 2022
Amy H wrote a review - Feb 2022
@B4605QNamyhe
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Exceptional!!! I cannot begin to express how wonderful this experience was for us. She spoke excellent English and had a real concern for our safety and satisfaction. I look forward to going back and will never use any other company when I do! !!
Rob M wrote a review - Dec 2021
Rob M wrote a review - Dec 2021
@robbmurph
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Amazing 4 days 3 nights trekking experience Easily one of the best teams I've had the pleasure of trekking with. Our guide Robinson was fantastic. He treated us as if we were his family and he ensured a smooth trip during the 4 days we spent as a team. The porters and the food were amazing. Despite some rainy and cloudy days, Robinson made sure our experience was memorable and unique. We did the hike with a group of 8 people and it was clear to everyone that this experience was one of the best we have had in our travels. Your trekking experience is dictated by the people around you. You'll be doing yourself a favor by booking with AltitudeXperience and starting your journey with Robinson as your guide.
Funsi wrote a review - Aug 2021
Funsi wrote a review - Aug 2021
@funsi_01
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12 out of 10, highly recommended! I was lucky enough to have one of the best guides for my first (and hopefully not my last) adventure in Peru: Robinzon! Knowledgeable, fun, patient, experienced, caring, spontaneous, caring, passionate. I could go on and on with the adjectives. From the pre-hike briefing to saying our goodbyes, Robinzon was an absolute joy. He is very knowledgeable and attentive and somehow managed to make the challenging Salkantay trek manageable for a large group of people with different interests and skill levels. He too is personally in awe of the beauty and magic of the Andes, and it is this beauty and magic that he wishes to share with everyone he hosts, for all the adventures he can lead. Thanks for everything Robinson!
John m wrote a review - Jul 2021
John m wrote a review - Jul 2021
@Bsibbs97
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Inca Trail 4D/3N Hike to Machu Picchu. Robertson is an incredibly experienced guide who made my trip to Peru unforgettable. His team, including Gregorio and the porters, made our Inca Trail trek to Machu Picchu an incredible experience. I highly recommend Robinson and his team to anyone who is looking to fully emerge into the Inca/Quechua culture and learn many things about these times. Thank you Robinson and team for the amazing experience!
Stacy Warner wrote a review - Jul 2021
Stacy Warner wrote a review - Jul 2021
@StacyWarnerandGracie
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Lares Walk. We chose Lares Trek and couldn't have been happier! ! Our guide, Adrian, made this adventure exceptional. Since it was just the two of us, he made sure we had all the necessities and breaks! ! We had a lot of walking and history as Adrian taught us a lot of interesting facts about the Inca culture. As we are both vegans, Adrian made sure that all meals, snacks and drinks met our dietary needs! This was indeed the trip of a lifetime for him and it could not have happened without our exceptional guide! ! Thank you AltitudeXperience and thank you very much Adrian! ! !
Grace W wrote a review - Jul 2021
Grace W wrote a review - Jul 2021
@gracewK4630JD
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Amazing tour guide!!!! I did the lares hike with my mom this July. Our tour guide Robinzon was amazing! ! The entire team we went with made us feel like family and helped make the trip run smoothly. You can tell they went out of their way to make sure we both had a great time. The team had many surprises planned and paid great attention to every detail. The views of the mountains were unforgettable! Everything was so beautiful. It was my first time in the Andes and I would definitely recommend this company and the trek to anyone who wants to experience the culture and ecology first hand! ! ! I loved learning about the history of the Incas and appreciate the opportunities to interact with the locals.
Amy H wrote a review - Jul 2021
Amy H wrote a review - Jul 2021
@B4605QNamyh
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Extraordinary!! I don't even know where to start. Robinzon started out as our guide and ended up as a close friend. He showed us a part of the Andes Mountains that we would never have seen if it hadn't been for him. Most tourists will not have the privilege of experiencing Peru like we did. It immerses you in the culture. I can't wait to go back. There is absolutely no one else I would want to guide me through this beautiful country than him.
Scotty wrote a review - Jul 2021
Scotty wrote a review - Jul 2021
@566spencerj
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Just say yes! Great company, great human beings. An amazing experience with an amazing guide. Robinzon is an amazing guide and a truly amazing human being. In fact, we visited him in 2017 and 2018 and both times we hiked with him and they were phenomenal. I highly recommend this company and recommend …
Sydney s wrote a review - Jul 2021
Sydney s wrote a review - Jul 2021
@CourtneyDellar
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Highly recommended! I couldn't recommend AltitudeXperience and Robinzon highly enough! ! ! I was very impressed with this tour company. They are not only knowledgeable, but also kind and friendly. They were also very helpful in my hiking experience, always willing to help me and my friends. They made this experience so much fun.
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