Peru in June
May 17th, 2008, 10:43 AM
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Peru in June
We are doing an Adventures by Disney trip to Peru in early June. Is it still hot during the day requiring shorts or can we get a way with pants for the entire time? We will be going to Cusco, Urubamba, Ollantaytambo, Moray, Maras, Machu Picchu, Sacsayhuaman.
Any tips are appreciated regarding the altitude and how to handle stomach issues. Anyway use natural remedies?
Any tips are appreciated regarding the altitude and how to handle stomach issues. Anyway use natural remedies?
May 17th, 2008, 11:20 AM
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Remember that Peru is a third world country - take all precautions - only bottled water for everything - brushing teeth, contacts, etc. - do not eat any raw vegetables.
My husband and I were there in March - everyone on our tour became ill from either bad food, unclean conditions, altitude sickness and stupidity of the tour guides.
It is a beautiful country - but I would travel with good insurance, antibiotics - which I do not take unless absolutely necessary and had to take a round - and I took all precautions - we were lucky about the altitude sickness but many people were very ill - it has nothing to do with your physical fitness or age - altitude sickness can hit anyone - even children. Take all precautions - Cuzco is at 14,000 ft.
My husband and I were there in March - everyone on our tour became ill from either bad food, unclean conditions, altitude sickness and stupidity of the tour guides.
It is a beautiful country - but I would travel with good insurance, antibiotics - which I do not take unless absolutely necessary and had to take a round - and I took all precautions - we were lucky about the altitude sickness but many people were very ill - it has nothing to do with your physical fitness or age - altitude sickness can hit anyone - even children. Take all precautions - Cuzco is at 14,000 ft.
May 17th, 2008, 01:32 PM
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Actually Cusco is at 11,000 feet, not 14k. Nevertheless, it is an elevation that may cause problems for some people.
When I was in Peru last June, I didn't have too much difficulty. Followed the suggestions to avoid any alcohol (I'm not much of a drinker anyhow), take it easy, drink lots of water, and drink the coca tea. Drinking mate (coca tea) or chewing the leaves certainly is about as natural remedy as you can get -- it's what the locals do. And don't worry, you won't get "high" by doing either. Most hotels have the tea and/or leaves available for their guests.
We also went to Lake Titicaca/Puno, which is at a higher elevation than Cusco (about 12k) and I did feel the difference.
Prior to my trip, I talked with my Dr. about whether to use "Diamox", a medication that is supposed to help head off the effects of altitude sickness. After reading about potential side effects, I chose not to go that route.
When I was in Peru last June, I didn't have too much difficulty. Followed the suggestions to avoid any alcohol (I'm not much of a drinker anyhow), take it easy, drink lots of water, and drink the coca tea. Drinking mate (coca tea) or chewing the leaves certainly is about as natural remedy as you can get -- it's what the locals do. And don't worry, you won't get "high" by doing either. Most hotels have the tea and/or leaves available for their guests.
We also went to Lake Titicaca/Puno, which is at a higher elevation than Cusco (about 12k) and I did feel the difference.
Prior to my trip, I talked with my Dr. about whether to use "Diamox", a medication that is supposed to help head off the effects of altitude sickness. After reading about potential side effects, I chose not to go that route.
May 17th, 2008, 01:34 PM
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Another recent thread about dealing w/ elevation / altitude sickness.
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=35123022
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=35123022
May 18th, 2008, 01:16 PM
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http://www.worldweather.org/029/c00110f.htm#wxforecast
Temperatures are not that high, but the sun is harsh - use plenty of suncreen. Lightweight pants will be fine. It's cool in the morning and evening, warm during the day.
We went in October, but the temperatures don't vary all that much year round.
If you can start your trip in the Sacred Valley, which is lower than Cusco, you'll have a chance to adjust to the altitude more gradually, which is the way to go if possible. As already suggested, drink plenty of water - also coca tea (yummy). Also, avoid alcohol and really take it easy the first day.
Temperatures are not that high, but the sun is harsh - use plenty of suncreen. Lightweight pants will be fine. It's cool in the morning and evening, warm during the day.
We went in October, but the temperatures don't vary all that much year round.
If you can start your trip in the Sacred Valley, which is lower than Cusco, you'll have a chance to adjust to the altitude more gradually, which is the way to go if possible. As already suggested, drink plenty of water - also coca tea (yummy). Also, avoid alcohol and really take it easy the first day.
May 19th, 2008, 08:41 AM
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As others have said, use only bottled water, don't use any ice, and avoid all fresh vegetables and fruits that are not peeled. Take a bottle of Pepto Bismal tablets in case of a bad stomach; also a prescription for Cipro would be useful. We were there last week and no one in our group got sick from the food.
As for altitude, you can take presciption Diamox for two days before you arrive. The hotels will serve you coca tea when you arrive, which might help you adjust. We also took powdered Gatorade to put into our bottled water as it is very important to stay hydrated and keep up the electrolytes. We had no problems with altitude, except a little shortness of breath when climbing at Machu Picchu, but no headaches, dizziness, etc.
As for altitude, you can take presciption Diamox for two days before you arrive. The hotels will serve you coca tea when you arrive, which might help you adjust. We also took powdered Gatorade to put into our bottled water as it is very important to stay hydrated and keep up the electrolytes. We had no problems with altitude, except a little shortness of breath when climbing at Machu Picchu, but no headaches, dizziness, etc.
May 25th, 2008, 06:32 PM
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Hi,
The first time that I went to Peru was in the month of June. Before I left, I thought the temperature was going to be quite warm and I remember packing mostly shorts and short sleeved shirts, even though my wife who is from Lima warned me that it would be chilly. Big mistake on my part, she was right. After arriving, I had to buy some more pants and sweaters.
During the day seemed to be okay, but I do remember the nights being cool, although I am speaking about the Lima area. I'm not familiar with the climate of other areas. As others have said, do drink only bottled water. You can buy regular bottled water or carbonated bottled water (con gas). I've heard that the carbonated is actually safer, but I have had both and never had any problems.
Enjoy your vacation!
The first time that I went to Peru was in the month of June. Before I left, I thought the temperature was going to be quite warm and I remember packing mostly shorts and short sleeved shirts, even though my wife who is from Lima warned me that it would be chilly. Big mistake on my part, she was right. After arriving, I had to buy some more pants and sweaters.
During the day seemed to be okay, but I do remember the nights being cool, although I am speaking about the Lima area. I'm not familiar with the climate of other areas. As others have said, do drink only bottled water. You can buy regular bottled water or carbonated bottled water (con gas). I've heard that the carbonated is actually safer, but I have had both and never had any problems.
Enjoy your vacation!
May 27th, 2008, 09:09 PM
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I was in most of those same places the first part of May and wore long pants every day. It is winter there and even tho it doesn't get too cold, it will be colder in June. A lightweight long sleeve shirt (helps with sun protection) and a fleece jacket worked fine most days with the fleece going on and off at various times.
