Peru Travel Advice

See also: Travel Information • Travel Tips

Peru Travel Advice
When travelling to Peru try to be as organized and well prepared as possible, any booking arrangements that can be made in advance should be and try to allow yourself plenty of time to get to destination as transport punctuality can be a little creative at times.

Safety
Remain vigilant of your surroundings and avoid travelling anywhere on your own, especially late at night and where possible carry as few valuables on your person as possible.

Street Crime
Street crime is common especially in cities such as Lima, Arequipa and Cuzco where theft and mugging's are common. Be aware of your surroundings and avoid walking around late at night on your own, this especially applies to females. Be careful when using any ATM machine as they are often targeted by thieves. As with many tourist destinations be aware of pickpockets who tend to target tourist areas and overcrowded public transportation.
Travel Crime
Be extremely cautious when entering a taxi hailed off the street as bogus drivers are common and are often working with others to rob you, where possible ask your hotel to book a taxi for you. When travelling in a car keep your belongings hidden to avoid them being snatched from outside and keep doors locked as highjackings do occur.

Travel Safety
Be extremely cautious when venturing out onto the roads and only use a reputable travel companies that have good safety records. Ask your hotel to arrange a taxi and where possible do not travel alone.

Nazca Lines
There are serious concerns over the adequacy of the light airplanes used to take tourists over the Nazca Lines due to a number of fatal accidents.
Airports
Be aware of bogus tour operators and taxi drivers who often operate at airports, Lima's Jorge Chavez International Airport is especially well known for this problem and only use a registered and approved taxi company who will have a kiosk at the airport.
Busses
Where possible avoid travelling overnight by bus as crime is common and use only a reputable company as bus crashes are quite common and due to the poor quality of many roads and the driving culture they are often of a serious nature. Busses are also known to be held up by armed robbers when going between cities, as well as incidents such as thefts and muggings.
Roads
The driving culture is fast and furious with many roads poorly maintained with drivers frequently not paying attention to other road users, signs or public safety. It is advisable to travel in convey where possible and hire a car with a driver for any excursions planned. When driving keep the doors locked and valuables out of sight and reach due to highjacking concerns.

Food and Drink
Drink plenty of bottled water and avoid drinks that have ice in or foods like salads that may have been washed in tap water. Avoid ice in drinks and drinks that have been watered down and dairy products. Any fruit should be peeled first.

Photography
It is not advisable to take photo's of any military facilities.

Natural Disasters
The most common natural disasters are earthquakes and mudslides, if you are travelling to any remote areas of Peru it is worth checking ahead for any transport issues that there may be.

Earthquakes
Earthquakes and tremors are frequent occurrence throughout Peru.
Landslides and Flooding
Severe seasonal rains during November to April can cause landslides and flooding which can affect travel and attractions, in particular areas around Cusco.

Health
It is advisable as with many travel destinations to take out full health insurance and visit your physician a good 4 to 6 weeks prior to travelling to ensure that you have the correct vaccinations and any medication that is necessary for your trip and If you suffer from any significant medical conditions then medical bracelet should be worn and it is a good idea to take your own first aid kit.

Health Centres
The private health centres found in major cities often have superior facilities and are therefore preferred.
Yellow Fever Certificate
If you are travelling from or to a Yellow fever infected area then you will need to provide a Yellow Fever vaccination certificate. If you are only planning to visit Cuzco and Machu Picchu then a Yellow Fever vaccination is not required.
Malaria
Malaria is found in several of the lowland areas of Peru such as Tumbes, Piura, Junin, Ayacucho, Madre de Dios, San Martin and Loreto.
Rabies
Peru is a high risk area for rabies.
HIV/AIDS
Is widespread in Peru and caution is required with regard to blood transfusions.
Altitude Sickness
Take time to acclimatize to the high altitudes before embarking on any strenuous activity when vising areas such as Cuzco, Machu Picchu and Lake Titicaca. This is especially important with regards to the Inca Trail.
Altitude sickness can occur when reaching altitudes above 2500 meters above sea level and especially if ascending rapidly whilst physical exertion is occurring, symptoms such as pins and needles, feeling sick, headaches, nosebleeds, and dizzy spells can occur and if you experience any of these symptoms then tell your guide immediately as you may need immediate medical treatment. Spending a couple of days at a lower altitude before ascending higher combined with drinking plenty of fluids is the best prevention.
Fitness
Ensure that you are fit enough for the activities planned, this especially applies to the Inca Trails.
Diarrhoea
Travellers diarrhoea is common in Peru and although most cases are mild and do not require further medication it is advisable to take with you anti-diarrhoea products and antibiotics, if symptoms persist then seek medical advice.
Inca Trails
Especially important if you are going on any of the splendid trails is to ensure that you drink plenty of water, which is also essential to help prevent altitude sickness. Take with you your own water canister and sterilizing tablets.
Insects
Insect protection such as a suitable fly repellent, long sleeved tops and trousers and if camping out a suitable fly net is recommended for certain areas.
Vaccinations
Vaccinations that you should have are Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Hepatitis B, Tetanus and if you haven't already had one a MMR vaccination. A Yellow Fever vaccination will be necessary if you are travelling outside of Lima, Cuzco and Machu Picchu where vaccination is not required.

Health and Travel Insurance
This is a must when travelling to Peru, before you leave check exactly what your policy will and will not cover especially with regard to medical and evacuation cover.