Perú; Travel Programs Giardino 2017

TRAVEL INFORMATION
4
HEALTH & FITNESS
Drinking or cleaning teeth in unboiled water is not
recommended. Drinking only bottled water is a good
idea. You'll find many brands in supermarkets or in little
stores called bodegas. Common brands are Cielo, San
Antonio, San Luis, and Fresh (lemon infused water).
There are two types of water you can buy: sin gas
meaning un-carbonated, “normal” water, and con gas
which is carbonated.
Important note: Peruvian tap water is not potable,
should not be ingested directly from the tap.
Be careful with what you eat to avoid upset stomachs
and stay away from unpeeled fruit, salads and do not
have ice in your drinks. Hot, fresh cooked food, where
possible, is best.
You should also be aware of issues associated with
travelling at high altitudes. The lower atmospheric
pressure at higher altitudes results in less oxygen
finding its way into the blood. Problems usually start
for most people at around 2,500 to 3,000 metres. If
you reach this altitude gradually the body can
accustom itself to having less oxygen, and you are less
likely to have problems. It is important on arrival at
destinations at this kind of altitude to rest for a few
hours and not to over-exert yourself in the first day or
two, as over-exertion can make altitude problems
more likely. Local people also swear by coca leaf tea,
which you will probably be offered on arrival, as a
means of preventing or treating altitude problems. It is
harmless and if you drink plenty of it, it will at least help
you to avoid dehydration, something else that makes
altitude problems more likely, so drink plenty of fluids
(not alcohol!) at these high altitude destinations.
Anybody who has a medical condition affecting blood
circulation or breathing or has any other worries
should consult their doctor before departure.
Note: Bathrooms in Peru often have the telltale stick
figures on the door. If they do not, look for Damas or
Mujeres for women, and Caballeros or Hombres for
men. Also, SS.HH indicates a restroom. You may
sometimes be asked a pay a small charge for using
public restrooms.
PERSONAL SAFETY
Please take sensible precautions like leaving your credit
cards and passport in the hotel safe
and avoiding displays of wealth such as wearing
expensive jewellery or watches. Do not carry more
cash on you than you need for each day.
RAINY SEASON IN THE HIGH LANDS
AND THE JUNGLE:
The rainy season in Peru starts in December and
continues until March. On the coast, the weather is
arid with a warm summer from late December through
March. A mist known as garúa covers the central and
southern coastal provinces for the majority of the rest
of the year. During the dry season it will be warm in
the jungle, while it may be hot during the day and very
cold at night in the other high regions such as Cusco,
Arequipa, and Puno. Lima, Nazca, and Paracas are in
between the two