Guatemala Getaway    Trip overview

Dates

Land Costs (USD)

Trip Details

• For the hikes:
1. Water proof or Gore-Tex hooded parka
2. Water proof or Gore-Tex pants
3. Ski/walking poles (recommended)
4. Warm jacket, pants, and hat
5. Comfortable, waterproof hiking boots (broken in)
6. Tough gloves, warm gloves, and water proof or Gore-Tex overmitts
7. Light sweaters (wool or thermal)
8. Light shirts or T-shirts
9. Light pants or shorts
10. Thermal socks (at least 2 pairs)
11. Sun hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, insect repellent
12. Day pack
13. Head light, flashlight, and extra batteries
14. Two quart/liter water bottles
15. Water purification system
16. Personal first aid kit, toiletries
17. Camera, reading, and writing equipment
    
    
• Personal First Aid Kit:
  If you have any medical issues or concerns, consult your doctor.
1. Regular medication - Those on a regular medication will need to bring sufficient amounts for the duration of the trip. These people must inform the leaders that they are on medication and the dosage required.
2. Antiseptics - Liquid antiseptics such as Betadine in a plastic dropper bottle are the most efficient. If you want a cream then a small tube of one of the popular brands should be enough.
3. Analgesics - For the relief of general aches and pains an aspirin free analgesic is recommended. Paracetamol tablets or capsules such as Tylenol suit most people. Use what you normally would at home.
4. Anti-inflammatory - Unless you regularly require anti-inflammatory medication, you should need nothing more than Aspirin and Ibuprofen.
   If you cannot tolerate these, then see your doctor for a prescription.
5. Blister Treatment - One of the most crippling trekking ailments is foot blisters.
   The best remedy is avoiding them by wearing well-fitting, broken in footwear.
   If you are unfortunate enough to develop blisters, then the best treatment is moleskin padding. Once a blister has developed, the addition of Second Skin or tape will help relieve the pain. Include lots of moleskin and tape in your kit.
6. Antibiotics - Your doctor can prescribe suitable antibiotics if you explain where you are going. You will need medications such as ciprofloxacin for gastro intestinal infections and cephalexin for upper respiratory tract infections.
7. Lip Salve - Cracked lips can become infected. Regular application of lip salve will lessen the cracking. It should also contain sun block.
8. Sunscreen - The sun’s rays at high altitude are much more damaging than at sea level. Make sure you bring lots of sunscreen rated at least SPF 15.
9. Anti-Motility Tablets - These are the ones that bung you up. They should only be used as a last resort and then only for a short time. The best known are Lomotil and Imodium.
10. Nasal Decongestant - You can use a non-sedating nasal decongestant like Sudafed for colds and air travel.
11. Antihistamines - Used for the relief of cold symptoms and allergic reactions to stings, bites, etc. There are many brands available; Sudafed is a well known example.
12. Bandages - Bring a selection of tape bandages, small adhesive bandages, butterfly bandages, and a roll of cotton gauze. Also include a three or four-inch elastic bandage for the treatment of strains and sprains.
13. Instruments - Small scissors, needle (for removing splinters), safety pins, and tweezers.
14. Miscellaneous - Vitamins, pocket knife, zip-lock bags.