Health & safety
Peru is a fantastic holiday destination with stunning environments, friendly people and cultures that have changed little over the last centuries. However, there are certain health & safety recommendations that a visitor should take into account.
Health
Located at a (sub)tropical longitude, Peru’s climate provokes a larger quantity of bacteria and pathogens, therefore visitors run more risks of becoming ill. The Huaraz region is located at a high altitude with a different climate and risks than the lower areas of the country, but anyone visiting Peru should be precautious before, during and after the trip.
Before leaving
Before leaving for Peru always visit a travel doctor which can give you professional advice on what vaccinations may be necessary. Make sure you have packed insect repellent (DEET) and a travel first-aid kit. When visiting the lowland jungle area, bring a mosquito net and repellent with at least 30% DEET.
During the trip
Be aware that on holidays in a different country, small health problems may have major effect on the rest of your journey. And due to the new impressions and fatigue (jet lag), you may be more susceptible to becoming ill. Therefore, when travelling, take good care of yourself and take notice of the following.
Jet lag
Even when there is not much time difference between Peru and your place of residence, any long flight is likely to make you tired. It takes the body a while to get used to new impressions, climate and altitude (more about altitude in the next paragraph). Therefore, it is wise to take it easy the first couple of days.
Altitude sickness
Huaraz is located at 3.100 (approx. 11.000 feet) above sea level. Altitude sickness is usually a problem for travellers who ascend quickly; those who fly or bus into Huaraz from lower altitude levels. Although not everyone is equally affected by the altitude, it usually takes a few days for the body to adjust to the low oxygen levels. You may experience shortness of breath from only minor physical exercise as well as dizziness, insomnia and a loss of appetite. Make sure that you always drink enough: rule of thumb is to drink one liter of water for each 1.000 altimeters.
Before you leave on your trip, ask your doctor about available preventive and symptom controlling medications. The best way to treat altitude sickness, should you experience symptoms, is to descend as soon as possible.
Travellers’ Diarrhoea
Changing rhythm, climate, water and food can affect your intestines. Diarrhoea is something most of the travellers get at some stage, and there's little to be done except drinking a lot (but not alcohol) and replacing salts by taking oral rehydration salts or mixing a teaspoon of salt and eight of sugar in a litre of purified water. When on the road, you can take medicines (loperamide), but this doesn’t cure the source of the infection – best is only to use these medicines when in a situation you aren’t able to go to the bathroom. If diarrhoea continues for more than 2 days or when side-effects occur such as fever or blood, please see a doctor. You can minimize the risk by being sensible about what you eat, washing your hands regularly and not drinking tap water. Mineral water is cheaply available everywhere, and you can also ask your local hostfamily to boil water for you at night to put in your bottles. Bringing (or buying) purifying tablets (e.g. Micropur) is recommended.
Skin care
Take little cuts serious - apply disinfectant and band aid - especially in the tropical climates of Peru little injuries can get easily infected and get worse. Don’t scratch mosquito bites. Avoid using strong perfumes, deodorant and aftershaves, as they attract stinging insects. Always apply sun block as – so close to the equator and at this altitude – the sun is very strong, even when it’s cloudy. Protect you head with a hat or bandana.
Sunstroke
Avoid sunstroke by wearing a hat and sunglasses. Always carry enough water, especially when hiking in an environment without drinking water available. Symptoms of sunstroke may include dizziness and light-headedness – if these symptoms occur, drink and stay in the shade.
When returned home
If you suffer from fever, intestinal problems or other medical problems that cannot easily be accounted for once returned home, don’t hesitate to see your doctor telling how long, when and where you have been travelling. Be aware that some diseases have months ‘incubation time’ before problems start.
Before leaving
Before leaving for Peru always visit a travel doctor which can give you professional advice on what vaccinations may be necessary. Make sure you have packed insect repellent (DEET) and a travel first-aid kit. When visiting the lowland jungle area, bring a mosquito net and repellent with at least 30% DEET.
During the trip
Be aware that on holidays in a different country, small health problems may have major effect on the rest of your journey. And due to the new impressions and fatigue (jet lag), you may be more susceptible to becoming ill. Therefore, when travelling, take good care of yourself and take notice of the following.
Jet lag
Even when there is not much time difference between Peru and your place of residence, any long flight is likely to make you tired. It takes the body a while to get used to new impressions, climate and altitude (more about altitude in the next paragraph). Therefore, it is wise to take it easy the first couple of days.
Altitude sicknessHuaraz is located at 3.100 (approx. 11.000 feet) above sea level. Altitude sickness is usually a problem for travellers who ascend quickly; those who fly or bus into Huaraz from lower altitude levels. Although not everyone is equally affected by the altitude, it usually takes a few days for the body to adjust to the low oxygen levels. You may experience shortness of breath from only minor physical exercise as well as dizziness, insomnia and a loss of appetite. Make sure that you always drink enough: rule of thumb is to drink one liter of water for each 1.000 altimeters.
Before you leave on your trip, ask your doctor about available preventive and symptom controlling medications. The best way to treat altitude sickness, should you experience symptoms, is to descend as soon as possible.
Travellers’ Diarrhoea
Changing rhythm, climate, water and food can affect your intestines. Diarrhoea is something most of the travellers get at some stage, and there's little to be done except drinking a lot (but not alcohol) and replacing salts by taking oral rehydration salts or mixing a teaspoon of salt and eight of sugar in a litre of purified water. When on the road, you can take medicines (loperamide), but this doesn’t cure the source of the infection – best is only to use these medicines when in a situation you aren’t able to go to the bathroom. If diarrhoea continues for more than 2 days or when side-effects occur such as fever or blood, please see a doctor. You can minimize the risk by being sensible about what you eat, washing your hands regularly and not drinking tap water. Mineral water is cheaply available everywhere, and you can also ask your local hostfamily to boil water for you at night to put in your bottles. Bringing (or buying) purifying tablets (e.g. Micropur) is recommended.
Skin care
Take little cuts serious - apply disinfectant and band aid - especially in the tropical climates of Peru little injuries can get easily infected and get worse. Don’t scratch mosquito bites. Avoid using strong perfumes, deodorant and aftershaves, as they attract stinging insects. Always apply sun block as – so close to the equator and at this altitude – the sun is very strong, even when it’s cloudy. Protect you head with a hat or bandana.
Sunstroke
Avoid sunstroke by wearing a hat and sunglasses. Always carry enough water, especially when hiking in an environment without drinking water available. Symptoms of sunstroke may include dizziness and light-headedness – if these symptoms occur, drink and stay in the shade.
When returned home
If you suffer from fever, intestinal problems or other medical problems that cannot easily be accounted for once returned home, don’t hesitate to see your doctor telling how long, when and where you have been travelling. Be aware that some diseases have months ‘incubation time’ before problems start.
Safety
Over the years, Peru has developed as a stable and friendly country for all visitors. At the same time however, there has been a growing division between the poor and rich population. Since tourists are likely to attract attention, it is wise to travel ‘low profile’ showing valuable items as little as possible (cameras, IPods, wallets) and watching your luggage closely at all times.
It is always advisable not to bring valuables and documents when strolling in towns. Instead, keep them in lockers provided at your hotel. When on the road, it is best to keep documents, cards and cash in a money belt around your waist. In the homestays offered by RESPONS, your personal belongings are in a safe environment, and houses can be locked.
Tips:
It is always advisable not to bring valuables and documents when strolling in towns. Instead, keep them in lockers provided at your hotel. When on the road, it is best to keep documents, cards and cash in a money belt around your waist. In the homestays offered by RESPONS, your personal belongings are in a safe environment, and houses can be locked.
Tips:
- don’t bring items that you can’t afford to lose
- don’t look like you may carry valuable items
- avoid groups of young men
- have a bit of money ready in case you get robbed
- listen to local advice about certain areas
- avoid abandoned areas
- don’t think everyone is after robbing you
- be friendly towards people you encounter (say “Buenos dias/ buenas tardes/noches”)
Animals
In Huaraz
In the Huaraz region there are no big animals that may pose any threat to humans. It is wise however to be cautious in the outdoors and countryside for smaller animals such as reptiles and insects, the same way as you would do in your own country. In Peru malaria only occurs in the jungle areas, and never over 2.500 meters altitude.
In the jungle
n the jungle areas the threat of malaria exists. Make sure you have insect repellant with at least 30% DEET in it. Also make sure that you have malaria pills with you and that you dress yourself properly to avoid insects. More information about this subject can be found in: what to pack and leave. In the jungle there are bigger animals, which are part of the visitor experience, but which could be dangerous when you do not act properly. Your local guide will be with you at all times so listen carefully to his instructions on how to behave.
n the jungle areas the threat of malaria exists. Make sure you have insect repellant with at least 30% DEET in it. Also make sure that you have malaria pills with you and that you dress yourself properly to avoid insects. More information about this subject can be found in: what to pack and leave. In the jungle there are bigger animals, which are part of the visitor experience, but which could be dangerous when you do not act properly. Your local guide will be with you at all times so listen carefully to his instructions on how to behave.
