Social unrest and protests

Protests are completely normal in Peru. The justice system does not work that well in Peru and politicians don’t (always) keep their promises, so people need to protest to get some attention for their case. Almost all protests are peaceful. Just respect the protesters and nothing will happen to you.

Roadblocks form a traditional element in demonstrations and can continue for days. This can make a real mess of your travel plans. We strongly advice you: do not try to get through the blockades by for example taking a taxi that is ready to take the risk. Nothing is more important than your safety. Respect the protests and nothing will happen to you. And if you are stuck somewhere for a day, try to make the best of it.

Health issues in Peru

The key to staying healthy on a journey is the combination of a good preparation, common sense and a bit of luck. There are some specific diseases that are only a risk in the Amazon jungle. Altitude sickness is the most common health issue in Cusco.

Cusco
The altitude of Cusco can be an issue for travelers. The city center of Cusco is located at about 3400 meters above sea level. Most people don´t have any problems with the altitude, or just some minor symptoms. Few people get sick but almost everybody will experience minor symptoms the first few days at altitude, like breathing faster, heart pumping faster and less energy. This is normal and goes away after a few days. You have altitude sickness when you get a serious headache, nausea or even vomiting. In that case, you can take pills for the altitude, and you can get those in any pharmacy in Cusco.

Best advice is to always take it easy the first few days on altitude, especially the first 24 hours. Don’t go hiking the Rainbow Mountain on your first day in Cusco.

Water

Der Schlüssel zu einer gesunden Reise liegt in der Kombination aus guter Vorbereitung, gesundem Menschenverstand und etwas Glück. Einige Krankheiten stellen nur im Amazonas-Regenwald ein Risiko dar. Höhenkrankheit ist das häufigste Gesundheitsproblem in Cusco.

Water

You can’t drink water directly from the tap in Peru / South America. It is not necessary either: on every street corner you can buy bottles of mineral water for a few Soles. Or if you boil the water from the tap first, then you can drink it without any problems. Nowadays many accommodations have water purifiers. You can safely drink that water and refill your water bottle there.

Vaccinations

Yellow Fever
A yellow fever vaccine is strongly advised to anyone who visits the Peruvian jungle. This life-threatening disease (about 40% of the people who get yellow fever die) is transmitted by mosquitoes. Symptoms are high fever, possible jaundice and hemorrhage. In Peru proof of vaccination is required from all travelers arriving from an area where yellow fever is endemic.

Hepatitis A and B
After travelers’ diarrhea, hepatitis A is the most common travel-related infection. You can get it by ingestion of contaminated food, ice or water, but also by direct contact with infected persons. Like hepatitis B, it occurs all over the world, but it is more common in developing countries. Both are viral liver infections. You can get Hepatitis B by sexual contact or by exposure to infected blood.

Typhoid Fever
Typhoid fever is an infection in the bowels. You can get it by ingestion of contaminated food or water. Symptoms are fever, stomach-, head- and muscle aches, dizziness, and sometimes diarrhea but also constipation.

Tetanus
A potential fatal disease caused by a bacterium that is common in street-refuse. Tetanus is also transmitted through an animal bite. It is difficult to treat, but it is preventable by immunization.

Rabies
An almost always fatal viral infection, transmitted by bites (in rare occasions scratches or licks) of infected animals. You can get a series of three vaccinations. Normally it is only recommended if you travel for a long period. And if you are going to work with animals or if you travel to a remote area without access to appropriate medical care. During the incubation period you can still be treated: find medical help immediately when bitten or scratched!

Other diseases

Malaria
In Peru malaria occurs in some parts of the Amazon jungle. So malaria pills are recommended when travelling going into the Amazon.

Dengue
Dengue is another disease that is transmitted by mosquitoes. Unfortunately there is no vaccine. Normally people get sick for 6 or 7 days with sudden fevers, headaches, dizziness, nausea and vomiting, muscle and joint pains. As for other diseases that are transmitted by mosquitoes it is important to protect yourself: wear body-covering clothes and use insect repellent (with DEET) for the unprotected skin.

Travelers’ diarrhea
Most travelers will get some diarrhea by taking contaminated food or water. Most important risk by diarrhea is dehydration. Use the glucose-salt preparation ORS (oral re-hydration salts). You can also drink Gatorade or other re-hydrating drinks. We recommend you to seek medical attention if you have diarrhea for more than 3 days.

Cholera
As travelers’ diarrhea, cholera is caused by taking contaminated food or water. There is a vaccine, but in most countries (like the USA) it is no longer available due to inefficiency and side effects. Cholera can lead to watery diarrhea, sometimes to an extent that it causes live-threatening dehydration. Drink a lot of ORS and search medical attention! See also frequently asked questions, food.

Write us a message if you have any doubts about safety in Peru or health issues. We are happy to help you!