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Timeless and breathtaking, Peru is truly a nation of living history, offering a profound,
historical experience to its visitors, as well as plenty of options to challenge the
adrenaline seeking adventurer. No visit to Peru will be complete without a trip to the
awe inspiring, ancient Inca city on Machu Picchu. Hikers will revel in the challenge
of trekking up the Inca trail. And there are countless opportunities to explore the tributaries
of the Amazon on our rafting trip. Indeed, a trip to Peru is an adventure travelers delight.
If you do plan on hiking the Inca trail, be sure to do so as part of a guided trail hike,
since you will be safer in a larger group. Peak tourist season is June to August, which
coincides with a cooler, dry season in the Andean Highland. If you are planning to take
your trip doing these months, be sure to make all of your reservations well in advance.
Take a few valuables with you and avoid carrying your original passport, as theft is the primary
crime that hikers experience in Peru. Exercise caution in steep or slippery areas, which
may not be fenced or marked. Minimize the risk you take, as only very basic medical
assistance is available at Machu Picchu.
Many of Peru most alluring sites, including Machu Picchu, are found at high altitudes.
And hypoxia, or lack of oxygen, is common, even among those who are physically fit. If
you suffer from circulatory or respiratory issues, your travel health specialist will
detail plan for you to follow when you head into those higher elevations. It's important
to stay well hydrated to help alleviate altitude sickness. But local Peruvian water is not
potable, so be sure to stick to the treated or bottled water on your trip.
Peru is an endemic yellow fever zone. And the risk of contracting the disease for unvaccinated
travelers, and especially travelers heading into the jungle, is high. Although Peru does
not require the yellow fever vaccine for entry to the country, the CDC and the Peruvian government
strongly recommend immunization. If you are traveling in the peak season, schedule your
appointment with a travel medicine specialists as early as March or April so you have sufficient
time to receive the yellow fever vaccine and all other necessary vaccines that may be given
in a series.
Make the most of your time in Peru. Consult with a Passport Health travel medicine specialist
to determine your strategy for staying well abroad. Call 1-888-499-PASS, or visit www.passporthealthusa.com
to find the Passport Health clinic nearest you.