In this volume of the Trails & Tribulations series, I chat with Luis, aka Mr. Traveler, an experienced international trekker and founder of the Vamos Hiking Crew, about two frightening high altitude incidents involving his longtime friend Carlos that unfolded nearly two years apart on Rainbow Mountain in Peru and Acatenango in Guatemala.
Luis takes us high into the Peruvian Andes, where what should have been a straightforward trek above 15,000 feet quickly became alarming as Carlos began showing increasingly serious signs of altitude sickness. Nearly two years later, history frighteningly repeated itself on the slopes of Guatemala's Acatenango. This time, the situation became even more severe, forcing Luis and his group to confront the possibility of an emergency evacuation in a remote environment with limited rescue options.
Through both experiences, Luis shares valuable lessons about recognizing warning signs at altitude, proper training and acclimatization, pacing, hydration and fueling, resisting summit fever and group pressure, and knowing when it's time to turn around. This is a story about friendship, leadership, humility, and one of the most important lessons we can carry into the mountains. The summit will always be there, but getting yourself and your people home safely comes first.
Have you ever experienced a survival moment or learned a tough lesson on the trail? Maybe you got lost, faced sudden weather, encountered wildlife, or found yourself pushed to your limits in ways you didn’t expect. Trails & Tribulations is the space where those stories come to life, inspiring and connecting the outdoor community. If any of these resonates with you, we'd love to hear YOUR story!
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