Traveling to Peru can be an unforgettable experience. From the iconic Machu Picchu to the Amazon rainforest, the landscapes are stunning, and the people are warm and welcoming. But like any destination, it’s important to stay healthy and take the right safety precautions to ensure your trip goes smoothly. Here’s a guide to staying safe and healthy during your visit to Peru.
Staying Healthy in Peru
It’s easy to stay healthy in Peru if you’re prepared. Keep these tips in mind to avoid getting sick:
Drink Bottled or Boiled Water
The tap water in Peru is not safe to drink. Always use bottled or boiled water for drinking, brushing your teeth, and even washing fruits and vegetables. Bottled water is widely available in urban areas but carry some with you when traveling to rural areas.
Watch What You Eat
Peruvian food is delicious, but street food may sometimes cause stomach issues if you’re not careful. Stick to busy street stalls with lots of local customers. This usually means the food is fresh. Avoid raw or undercooked fruits, vegetables, or meats unless you’re sure they’ve been prepared properly.
Wash Your Hands or Use Hand Sanitizer
Hygiene is key to avoiding illness. Wash your hands regularly, especially before meals. Carry a small bottle of hand sanitizer for when soap and water aren’t available.
What Vaccinations Do You Need?
Before your trip to Peru, make sure you’re up to date on vaccinations. Here’s what you’ll need:
Routine Vaccinations
Ensure you’ve had all your routine vaccinations like measles, mumps, rubella (MMR), and diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (DPT). It’s always good to check with your doctor for any updates before traveling.
Yellow Fever
If you’re heading to the Amazon or other jungles in Peru, a yellow fever vaccination is strongly recommended. Some countries may even require proof of this when entering after your trip to Peru.
Typhoid and Hepatitis A
These are important for travelers because both Typhoid and Hepatitis A can be spread through contaminated food or water. Protect yourself if you’re planning on venturing to rural areas or if you’ll be eating from street vendors.
Rabies (In Certain Cases)
Rabies is generally low-risk for most travelers, but if you’re planning to do a lot of hiking, caving, or spending time in remote areas with wildlife, it could be worth considering. Talk to your doctor for more personalized advice.
Dealing with Altitude Sickness
Peru is known for its high altitudes, especially in cities like Cusco and places like Machu Picchu. Altitude sickness can affect anyone, regardless of how fit you are, so it’s something to consider when planning your trip.
Arrive Early and Acclimatize
To prevent altitude sickness, try to arrive at a high-altitude destination (like Cusco) a few days before any strenuous activity, such as hiking. Take it slow and rest as much as you need.
Stay Hydrated and Avoid Alcohol
Drinking plenty of water helps combat the symptoms of altitude sickness. Avoid alcohol for at least the first couple of days while your body adjusts to the change in altitude.
Consider Altitude Medication
If you know you’re prone to altitude sickness, talk to your doctor about medications like acetazolamide (Diamox). This can help reduce symptoms. Some travelers also find that chewing coca leaves (a traditional local remedy) helps ease altitude sickness as well.
Safety Tips in Urban Areas
Like any other country, safety can be a concern in urban areas. Use common sense to stay safe:
Stick to Well-Lit and Busy Areas
Petty theft like pickpocketing can happen in busy cities like Lima and Cusco. Keep to well-lit areas, especially at night. Stick to busy streets, avoid less-crowded alleys, and keep a low profile.
Use Official Taxis
Always use official taxis, especially at night. Look for licensed taxis clearly marked with a company name and registration. You can also use rideshare apps like Uber in major cities.
Keep Your Valuables Hidden
Don’t flash cash, expensive jewelry, or gadgets when walking around. Keep your phone and wallet in your front pockets or in a money pouch to avoid being an easy target for pickpockets.
Safety Tips in Rural Areas
If you’re traveling outside the cities and into rural or remote areas, here’s what you need to watch for:
Be Prepared for Basic Medical Needs
Medical services may be harder to access in rural areas. If you take prescription medications, bring enough with you, and carry a basic first aid kit including things like pain relievers, band-aids, and antiseptic cream.
Traveling with a Guide
If you’re planning outdoor activities like hiking or visiting remote communities, it’s a good idea to hire a guide. They know the terrain, can assist in emergencies, and help ensure you stick to safe routes.
Inform Someone of Your Plans
If you’re going off the beaten path, let someone in the city know where you’re headed and when you plan to return. This could be a hotel receptionist, a friend, or your guide. This way, people will know where to look if something doesn’t go according to plan.
Emergency Contacts in Peru
It’s important to know who to call in case of an emergency while you’re in Peru.
Police (Emergency Services)
If you need immediate police assistance, dial 105. Use this number for emergency situations like theft, assault, or any other serious incidents.
Ambulance (Medical Emergency)
For medical emergencies, call an ambulance by dialing 106. Make sure to familiarize yourself with the closest hospitals in case you need them. It’s helpful to have medical insurance that covers travel as well.
Tourist Police
The tourist police are there to help with issues involving tourists. They can assist with things like lost documents, scams, or other travel-specific problems. You can contact them at 0800-22221.
US Embassy in Lima
If you’re an American citizen and face an emergency, you can contact the US embassy in Lima. Their number is (511) 618-2000. Similar embassies exist for citizens from other countries, so it’s a good idea to make note of your country’s embassy contact information before traveling.
Dealing with Skin Protection and Insects
The climate in Peru varies from dry deserts to humid rainforests, so preparing for the conditions is key.
Sun Protection
Peru’s high-altitude areas mean stronger sun exposure. Even if it’s not hot, you can easily get sunburnt. Wear sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat to protect yourself from UV rays, especially when hiking.
Insect Repellent
If you’re heading to jungle areas or the Amazon, bring insect repellent and light, long-sleeved clothing to protect against mosquito bites. Malaria, dengue fever, and Zika virus are present in some regions, so using repellent is a simple way to stay safe.
Conclusion
If you follow these health and safety tips, you’ll greatly reduce the chances of anything going wrong on your trip to Peru. The key is to stay aware, prepared, and cautious, without letting it stress you out. Stay healthy, be smart, and enjoy your time exploring everything Peru has to offer. Safe travels!
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