Peru is a country of very diverse climat. Many people who decide to travel around former Inca Empire downplays this issue. Meanwhile, other conditions prevail in the Peruvian jungle (Selva), the other on the coast (costa), and still others in the Andes (Sierra). Here are some important issues you should know about Peruvian sun, mosquitoes and altitude sickness!
Peruvian sun, as a silent enemy in all the country
Regardless of the differences that occur in each of the above mentioned regions, there is something that also combines these 3 parts of Peru, namely SUN. In the former Inca Empire the sun is very intense, which changed travel plans of many tourists, at least for a few days. The question of sunlight and their influence on our body is very often underestimated by travelers. Therefore, I recall that in the whole of Peru this topic should be treated very serious. Sunscreen with a large filter applied very often in my opinion is the must! And what more important, even if it is raining or it is cloudy, it does not mean that the sun “sleeps”. Even then, a blazing heat of the sun’s rays, definitely weaken our bodies. When we talk about sun, we can not forget about some important gadgets, which can rescue you from dangerous sunlight. The most important are: very good quality sunglasses; hat and refilling fluids all the time!
Sunset in Pacasmayo
The other very important things which you should take into consideration while travelling in the former Inca Empire are all kinds of INSECTS and ALTITUDE SICKNESS.
Mosquitos and insects as a main enemy in Peruvian jungle
In the case of mosquitos and INSECTS you will have to deal with them if you will decide to visit Peruvian jungle. In this case, all lovers of the jungle should be prepared for the attack from each site. How to win a battle with them? Well, exist as many advices as many people on the world. Some of them will work for everyone, but not always. My recipe for mosquitos is simple: I always wear long pants, blouses with long sleeves – preferably in two layers and remedy for mosquitoes called deet. Only this combination works quite reliably. Quite reliably, because sometimes you just cannot avoid them. These often invisible midges often find the possibility or part of the body exposed for a moment and then with premeditation will attack you. But if we will wear proper to the situation clothes as well as if we will be greased by deet, all jungle enemies will have definitely less chance.
Selva alta – Peruvian jungle near Machu Picchu
For a change, if you consider that walking through the jungle in the short pants and t-shirts is enough (what usually tourists do) – well – good luck! After coming back from your jungle adventure, the next few days you will suffer due to bites and itching.
If you are travelling to the jungle there is also another important thing to take into consideration. Namely you should be aware that there are months when there is much less mosquitoes and some month when they appears more often. The best time to visit Peruvian jungle is between April and October. The worst will be between November and April.
Altitude sickness as a denger in Peruvian Andes
Besides the sun and mosquitoes, there is also another potential danger waiting for travelers in Peru. Of course, with a little knowledge and the application of preventive measures, it is not as scary as you can think. What is that? Common for the Peruvian Andes – ALTITUDE SICKNESS.
Definitely this is the topic, which should not be ignored. Travelers often think that it will not affect them and they do not focus on any precautions. Unfortunately after arriving to Cusco, which is placed at around 3400 meters below sea level, during first day or sometimes even during second day, we should be more careful, drink a lot, chew coca leaves, if necessary take also medications. The worst thing is to wait with the pain which from hour to hour increase. Of course, there is no rule. Some people do not have any side effects, but some have and quite serious. One thing is certain. If you will have more time for acclimatization, you will have less possibility to have problems with altitude.
Mountain Veronica in Cusco region
Peru is a country where a day lasts about 12 hours
Actually it does not look like important and interesting information, but… The issue of sunrise and sunset sometimes can play very important role, especially if in the country where we are planning to travel the sunset and sunrise are in different time, than we have in our daily life.
While we plan the trip to Peru we should be aware, that our sightseeing possibilities will depend on the duration of the day. After sunrise it will be rather hard to explore new places, do trekking, etc. And here one very important information: the day in Peru starts more or less at 6 am and finish at 6pm. It means that we will have only around 12 hours for outdoor activities and what more important always only more or less till 6 pm. This means roughly that after dark little we can see and visit. So if you want to see and explore as much as possible and know as much as possible, you need to adjust to the rhythm prevailing in the visited our country, and obviously in Peru.
My proposition:
If you wish to see in Peru a lot, you need to become an early bird. When you will start the day early, around 6 am, you will have maximum possible time to discover new places around. Otherwise, much can escape.
Of course there are also some other things which each traveler should remember while travelling in Peru, like safety, rainy season, etc., but about them I will write another story :-).
