GRADE 1

These trips generally involve normal tourism and there are no strenuous activities. There is no overnight camping.

GRADE 2

There may be some overnight campling, but there are no strenuous activities on these trips.

GRADE 3

Could involve some trekking up to 4 hours per day, but at a very leisurely pace. On these trips there is extended time allowed for photography etc.

GRADE 4

These involve treks of up to 5-6 hours per day, no experience necessary. All heavy personal and group equipment is carried by donkeys or porters in Peru and Bolivia. Some pack carrying, up to 12kg, may be required for 2 hours per day in Tierra del Fuego. On these trips there may be optional side trips of Grade 5.

GRADE 5

These can be strenuous trips of up to 8-9 hours per day. Participants should have previous backpacking experience and must be sure-footed on untracked terrain and uneven ground.

GRADE 6

These are strenuous expeditions of up to 10 hours per day maximum. There may be some camping on snow and carrying personal equipment for a small number of days. They may also involve mountaineering using crampons and ice axe. You can be a beginner at climbing but must be in good health between the ages of 14 and 65 years, able to walk for 5 hours or more without undue discomfort.