Hi,
We will be in Peru the first 2 weeks of May. I have heard that Macchu Picchu has no-see-ums. Some sources have said Deet is effective against them and some sources say Deet doesn't work at all againt them. Any advice? Thanks

I used natural based citronella repellent and it worked for me.

I don't think they are the same flies as the no see ums in the States. You can see them and you don't feel the bites at first.

I didn't think they were that bad but I would bring insect repellent.

I also used a citronella product. And wore long sleeves and pants (lightweight). I saw someone with huge red welts on her arms, and my guide at Ollanta said they were probably from the MP bugs. At least they don't spread any disease.

Cutter Advanced best

actually works unlike citronella

with no DEET neurotoxicity...

Thanks for the advice. Bugs of all kinds love to chomp on me but always seem to leave my husband alone.

I used Cutter also - the picardin (is that right? I forget now - but something like that) version. Seemed better because you can spray it on clothes without worries like with DEET. It did work. After we ate lunch and went back in we forgot to reapply and had some bites on our hands since we had washed them at the restaurant. They did get red itchy bumps so make sure you spray your hands good!
Our guide wore gloves the whole time for protection (and it was pretty warm).

Hi guys,

I will also be in Peru in May.

Was MP the main place where insects were encountered, or was repellent necessary for the Sacred Valley and Cusco as well?

I only noticed them at MP and it's not as if there are swarms of them there. If you hike around other ruins such as Pisac or Ollantaytambo or particularly the Inca Trail you likely will encounter them.

I doubt you will encounter any in Cusco, as RBCal said possibly in Ollantaytambo ruins but to a minor degree. I think I only wore the repellent at MP. Have a good trip!

Thanks guys!

Yes, only noticed in MP.
Off-topic but I was just thinking about how strong the sun was up there even on a cool day - you really need a hat. I'm not a hat person and tried not wearing one & felt like my brain was being sauteed inside my skull.