Traveling to any destination anywhere in the world can be challenging, both emotionally and physically. Peru and South America are no different. You must take care of your health to enjoy your vacation in Peru. This article contains tips for healthy travel and some advice for staying healthy during your vacation.
Join Machu Travel Peru and explore essential health tips and facts about Peru to make the most of your trip. Whether you’re trekking the Inca Trail, visiting high-altitude cities like Cusco, or exploring the Amazon rainforest, it’s essential to be informed and prepared. Altitude sickness, food safety, hydration, and vaccination requirements are just some of the issues every traveler should be aware of before and during their trip.
We show you the best tips to make your trip incredible
- Visit a medical clinic
- Bring a good first aid kit
- Get appropriate travel insurance
- Protection from mosquitoes and disease
- Avoid prolonged heat and sun
- Drink enough water
- Food safety
- Gradually adjust to the jet lag
- Act with caution and good judgment
- Acclimatize to the altitude
Visit a medical clinic
Visit a medical clinic before you travel. Your doctor can give you the shots you need for your trip. Vaccines and medications are among the best ways to protect yourself while traveling. You will need vaccines for Hepatitis B, Typhoid, Cholera, and traveler’s Diarrhea when traveling to South America.
Bring a good first aid kit
You may think that you do not need this, but this is an essential part of any trip, and take the essentials. Bring anti-diuretic medication, antihistamines, and anti-motion sickness medicine.
Don’t forget pain relievers, laxatives, antacids, pack antibacterial ointment, hand sanitizer, and band-aids. Include cream for sunburn and rehydration salts. If you don’t need it, then great, but it is better to have it.
Get appropriate travel Insurance
We all know that traveling can be expensive. You might not always be able to afford it, but a basic travel insurance policy is important for every trip. If, god forbid, something were to happen, whether it’s a medical emergency, lost baggage, or a canceled flight, you can at least rely on your policy to help get you home safely and handle unexpected costs. Without it, you could find yourself in serious trouble, facing hefty bills or logistical nightmares with no backup.
Protection from mosquitoes and disease
If you traveling somewhere where there are mosquitoes, make sure you cover up, wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants. Protect the back of your neck and apply insect repellent every few hours. Make sure that the jungle lodge where you are staying has netting over the beds to protect you at night. You can buy netting from camping stores before you leave home.
Avoid prolonged heat and sun
If you are going to a hot place, wear lightweight clothing. This will help protect you from the sun. Try not to stay too long out in the sun or the heat, and remember to drink plenty of water to keep yourself hydrated.
Drink enough water
Anywhere you travel, you need to be careful with the drinking water. Normally, what most people do is buy bottled water; this is the best idea, but make sure that the seal is intact.
If you feel that you will not be able to get bottled water, it is a good idea to take purification tablets with you. The taste is a little strange, but it is better than getting sick. Hot drinks are also the way to go because you know that someone has boiled the water.
Food safety
Traveling and trying new foods can upset our stomachs. This often happens in many third-world countries, causing stomach issues. So be careful, and a good rule of thumb is never go into an empty restaurant; go to a full one. This is an indication that the food is moving out of the kitchen, not sitting waiting for customers.
Unless you are really brave, street food, although it looks and smells delicious it might be wise to avoid. If you are a vegetarian, there are many vegetarian restaurants in Cusco and all of Peru. You do not need to worry about finding the food you want.
Gradually adjust to the jet lag
Some of us suffer from jet lag, others do not; this is hard to predict. If you are only staying in a location for a few days, you do not want to suffer from jet lag.
When you arrive, try and get into the local time as soon as you can. Do not go to bed until nighttime, although you may be very tired. This will help you with the time change.
It’s a good idea to get some fresh air, so if you feel unwell, go outside. During the first few days in a new place, try to avoid alcohol and, if you can, try to get some sleep during the flight. Don’t forget to wash your hands, eat nutritious snacks or fruit, and stay hydrated.
Act with caution and good judgment
When on vacation, sometimes we lose all caution and do some crazy things. We all have done it, but you need to take care in most situations. Use protective gear when needed, try to be careful when meeting new people, and do not go walking alone at night in dark streets. Be sensible and you will be healthy.
Acclimatize to the altitude
If you plan a vacation in Peru, for example, you will go to Cusco, which is at high altitude. See your doctor before leaving home for some medicine to help with the altitude. Take it easy when you arrive and drink plenty of water.
Do not take the altitude lightly; this can make you feel bad, and you do not want to spoil your holiday. Also, keep in mind that adjusting to a different time zone can affect your energy levels, so give yourself time to rest and adapt. Once you start feeling better, try to stay active with light walks and gentle activities to help your body adjust gradually to the new altitude.
“TRAVEL FAR ENOUGH, YOU MEET YOURSELF”
Traveling to Peru is an unforgettable experience, filled with rich culture, breathtaking landscapes, and world-class cuisine. From the heights of Machu Picchu to the mysticism of Lake Titicaca, this country offers something for every kind of traveler. But beyond the destinations, having the support of experts like Machu Travel Peru can make the difference between a good trip and a truly extraordinary adventure.
With local knowledge, personalized service, and packages designed for all types of travelers, Machu Travel Peru is there every step of the way, ensuring you experience Peru authentically, safely, and stress-free. If you’re planning your next getaway, don’t hesitate, Peru is waiting, and Machu Travel Peru is ready to help you discover it the right way!
Peru has so much to offer, it can be hard to know where to start. With many years of experience in the tourism sector, Machu Travel Peru is happy to help with anything regarding your trip to Machu Picchu and any tours around it. Make your Machu Picchu experience an unforgettable one!
