PHYSICIAN’S FORM:

Due to the physical nature of this trip, a signed physician’s form is required for participation. Please download the form here and return it to Megan at megan@elevatedestinations.com by March 15th, 2020.

PHYSICAL EXPECTATIONS:

This is a moderate/advanced trip, and we recommend that travelers have a moderate to high level of fitness and agility, with some experience backpacking or hiking full days with a heavy pack. Some days we will walk up to 9 miles throughout the day on steep, muddy trails. The highest elevation we will reach is about 4,000 feet (1,219 meters). We recommend starting a training routine that includes hiking or backpacking, in addition to your regular fitness regimen. Travelers with knee injuries may wish to consult with their doctor before registering. For the most satisfying experience, and in fairness to your fellow travelers, please note that this trip requires the following abilities:

– Walk at least ten miles without difficulty on uneven surfaces
– Spend extended periods of time on your feet
– Climb multiple sets of stairs without assistance
– Keep pace with an active group of travelers
– Able to carry a 15 pound load on your back
– Flexible and positive attitude in the case of sudden changes to the itinerary or weather – expect the unexpected!

Accommodations during the Lost City Trek will be very basic open-air bunkhouses with bunks or hammocks and shared bathrooms. The hotels before and after the trek are three- and four-star accommodations.

If you have questions about whether this trip is right for you, feel free to email Megan at megan@elevatedestinations.com.

CDC RECOMMENDATIONS:

Please be sure check the CDC Website for Colombia for updated information about vaccinations and health concerns, and check with your medical provider or travel clinic about your individual requirements.

Make sure you are up-to-date on routine vaccines before every trip. These vaccines include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, polio vaccine, and your yearly flu shot.

In addition to being up-to-date on routine vaccinations 4-6 weeks before travel, the CDC recommends that most travelers be vaccinated for Hepatitis A and Typhoid. The CDC also recommends some travelers to be vaccinated for Hepatitis B, Rabies, and Yellow Fever*, and to take prescription medicine before, during, and after your trip to prevent Malaria**.

Note: Zika is a risk in Colombia. Zika infection during pregnancy can cause serious birth defects. Therefore, pregnant women should not travel to Colombia. Partners of pregnant women and couples planning pregnancy should know the possible risks to pregnancy and take preventive steps (more information).

*Yellow Fever: While Yellow Fever vaccinations are not required to enter Colombia from the US, yellow fever is present outside of the cities and at elevations below 7,549 feet. We strongly urge you to talk to your doctor to decide if this vaccine is right for you. Note: Yellow fever vaccine availability in the United States is currently limited. If you need to be vaccinated before your trip, you may need to travel some distance and schedule your appointment well in advance. Find the clinic nearest you.

**Malaria: While the estimated risk of malaria for travelers from the US is low, the CDC does advise that malaria is present at altitudes below 5,577 ft. The highest point we will reach on the trek is about 4,000 feet. The group will be spending a significant amount of time outside, including at night sleeping in open-air cabins with mosquito nets. We urge you to speak with your doctor about whether malaria medication is right for you.

SAFE TRAVELER ENROLLMENT PROGRAM (STEP):

Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) allows you to enter information about your upcoming trip abroad so that the Department of State can keep you updated and better assist you in case of an emergency.

TRAINING SUGGESTIONS:

We recommend speaking to a healthcare professional before starting a new training plan, and consulting a certified personal trainer or physical education expert to create a plan that is right for you. You should have some experience hiking long days before the trek, so the most important aspect of training will be to practice longer hikes (5-10 miles) on hilly or mountainous terrain. If you don’t have access to trails, try walking on a treadmill at the highest incline or a stairs machine, combined with walking outside, about once a week. In addition to hiking, you may wish to train with a mix of cardio (swimming, biking, running) and strength training several days a week.