Articles

Panama's Darien, located on the Colombian border, is the largest, most remote, and sparsely populated province in the country.  It is recognized for its immense biodiversity and the artistry of the Embra and Wounaan indigenous peoples.  Parque Nacional Darien is a favored destination of international birders, though anyone who wants to experience an unspoiled rainforest environment will find it here.  Careful preparation for this adventure is important. 

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Regardless of your destintation, at least some health preparation is necessary before you leave.  Every country or region has its unique health issues and many countries have specific entry requirements (though I have never been asked to present vaccination proof upon entry).  When we think of travel health concerns, we typically focus on the risks of infectious diseases.  However, health issues when traveling, extend far beyond avoiding mosquito bites or contaminated water.  

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Recreational travel is an ever-growing past time.  Every year, billions of dollars are spent traveling domestically and internationally.  With growing affluence and a babyboom generation with more time and resources, nearly every travel niche has been addressed.

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Most hikes in the Peruvian Andes begin in Cuzco, the ancient Incan capital.  The most famous hike is the 30 mile Incan Trail which ends overlooking magnificent Machu Picchu.  Medical conditioning is critical in accomplishing this once in a lifetime experience.  Cuzco is approximately 11,000 feet above sea level and the highest point on the Inca Trail is Dead Woman's Pass at nearly 15,000 feet.  Therefore, physical preparation for the stress of high altitude exercise becomes very important to maximizing your Peruvian experience.  

While you are still at home and are planning for your trip, you need to begin exercising, focusing on cardiovascular activities.  These activities should begin with a medical check up if you haven't had one recently and you have heart or lung problems.  Then, if you smoke, stop!  As we ascend to higher altitudes, the air carries less and less oxygen.  Smokers normally have less oxygen carrying capacity in their blood because more of their hemoglobin is bound to carbon monoxide and therefore is not available to oxygen.  Trust me, you will need every available hemoglobin molecule to bind the scant oxygen up in the Andes.  Begin your training with walking an incline and then advance to steps.  If you have stadium seating near where you live, walk, then try jogging up these steps.  This will be terrific training for your hike.  Don't worry too much about strength training, sherpas carry most of the heavy stuff up the mountains.  You are responsible for your own personal belongings, like your sleeping bag, toiletries, clothes, cameras, and any personal food items.   

Accessible medical help, apart from a first aid kit, is not available along the trail.  But this does not mean that individuals or groups with special medical considerations could not accomplish this hike.  Options include lengthening the normal 4 day hike, carrying oxygen supplementation, and daily medical evaluations.  The latter service can be achieved by having a trained medical professional accompanying the group to enhance medical security while you climb.  Adventure travelers often find 'peace of mind' when traveling with a doctor who has experience in acute care medicine and adventure travel as he or she is able to anticipate and then act on potential medical problems that can suddenly arise during the trip.