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How To Avoid Altitude Sickness In Peru

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By Johanna Read, TravelEater.net

Avoiding altitude sickness is key to having a good time while traveling.

The Andes Mountains and Machu Picchu should be on everyone’s bucket list. Machu Picchu is a top tourist site for good reason and the surrounding areas have many fascinating ruins that are much less crowded.

However, because many of these sites are at altitude, you need to plan carefully to see them without risking altitude sickness. Altitude sickness is serious. Many people experience the more minor symptoms of headache, loss of appetite, and, at any exertion, a racing heart and breathing like they’ve just run a sprint. More severe symptoms are vomiting, distorted vision, difficulty thinking clearly, heart failure, and cerebral and pulmonary edema. Some people die.

Where altitude sickness is possible

Once you are at 2438 metres (8000 feet) above sea level, altitude sickness is possible. Minor symptoms can be felt below this height. The secret to avoiding altitude sickness is acclimatizing slowly.

This means that you need to plan your Peru trip carefully. Many visitors to Machu Picchu don’t. They make the mistake thinking they need to acclimatize in Cuzco before they go to Machu Picchu. Once you look at the altitudes, it is easy to see why this is a mistake:

Location Altitude (m) Altitude (ft)
Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu base town) 2042 m 6700 ft
Machu Picchu 2430 m 7972 ft
Altitude sickness possible above 2438 m 8000 ft
Machu Picchu’s Sun Gate 2700 m 8850 ft
Huayna Picchu 2720 m 8920 ft
Start of the Inca Trail 2750 m 9000 ft
Ollantaytambo (train departure point) 2792 m 9420 ft
Cuzco 3400 m 11,150 ft
Puno / Lake Titicaca 3812 m 12,507 ft
Highest point on the Inca Trail 4200 m 13,780 ft
Everest base camp 5000 m 16,000 ft

Both Machu Picchu and Aguas Calientes, the base town where you sleep, are below the altitude sickness danger zone, so your risk of altitude sickness is very low there. Travelling straight from Lima (essentially at sea level) and staying in Cuzco first is a recipe for feeling sick.

Best Machu Picchu itinerary

My recommendation for the ideal itinerary to see Machu Picchu without getting sick follows. It lets you acclimatize to the altitude more slowly and has you stay in towns that are great bases for exploring. Because it takes three days to acclimatize to any given altitude, stay three nights in at least one — if not all — of the Sacred Valley towns if you can.

My itinerary adds on an optional stop at Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world. Under no circumstance should you travel to Lake Titicaca without acclimatizing first at lower altitudes. Your best case scenario is being too tired to enjoy the floating islands.

Note: if you plan to hike the Inca Trail, which ranges from 2750-4200 m (9000-13 780 feet), you will need to acclimate more slowly and spend more time in the Sacred Valley and in Cuzco before you start your hike.

Day 1: Arrive in Cuzco. Immediately take the train, taxi or collectivo (shared mini van) to the town of Ollantaytambo, the last town accessible by road. Then take the train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes. Trains are busy in the mornings and at high season — book ahead.

Night 1: Overnight in Aguas Calientes.

Day 2: Explore Machu Picchu. To see the sunrise or climb Huayna Picchu (separate ticket required), you’ll need to be in the queue for the bus up to Machu Picchu by about 5:15 a.m.

Night 2: Stay one more night in Aguas Calientes, or take the train back to Ollantaytambo right away.

Day 3-5: Explore Ollantaytambo and take it easy while you adjust to the 2792 m (9420 feet) altitude.

Nights 3-5: Ollantaytambo.

Day 6-7: Travel back toward Cuzco and higher up in the Sacred Valley to Urubamba, at 2863 m (9420 feet). Acclimatize and explore.

Night 6-7: Urubamba.

Day 8-10: Return to Cuzco’s 3400 m (11,150 feet), rest and explore.

Nights 8-10: Cuzco.

Day 11-12: Fly to Juliaca, and then take a taxi or shuttle to Puno / Lake Titicaca. You’ll need at least a day to see the floating islands. Don’t forget lots of sunscreen — the sun up there is bright!

Night 11-12: Stay in Puno or along the shores of Lake Titicaca before returning to Lima.

Bugs: What no one tells you about Machu Picchu

Depending on the time of year you visit Machu Picchu, you’ll need bug spray. There’s a tiny biting no-see-um that loves ankles, especially in Aguas Calientes. While the bug doesn’t carry diseases, many people have an allergic reaction to it which causes their ankles to swell painfully for several days.

As you board the train for Machu Picchu in Ollantaytambo, spray your feet and legs with insect repellent and try to keep them covered with clothing too. It is because of the no-see-ums (and the lack of charm in Aguas Calientes) that I recommend your stay there be as short as possible.

More tips to lessen the effects of altitude

Though you’ve minimized the chances of getting sick by moving gradually to higher and higher elevations, you will feel the effects of the altitude at each step of the itinerary. To make the altitude easier on your body:

  • Stay well hydrated: Drink lots and lots of water. Make sure you pee clear.

  • Eat lightly: Non-essential functions like digestion are suppressed as your body focuses on keeping oxygenated blood circulating. While you may not feel hungry, don’t skip meals — you need some calories. Follow local customs and have a light dinner so you can sleep better.

  • Go slow: Walking more slowly and pausing to enjoy the view will make the exertion easier on your heart and lungs. Don’t worry — how your body reacts to altitude has nothing to do with your fitness level. By taking a rest on those stairs you’re not admitting that you’ve been skipping the gym.

  • Go to bed early: You may have trouble sleeping, so help your body along by hitting the hay early.

  • Take oxygen: Many hotels will let guests breathe from their oxygen tank for 15 minutes without charge. Small portable bottles are available for purchase.

  • Coca tea and coca leaves: Coca tea is ubiquitous in the Andes and you’ll be offered it at breakfast and for free in your hotel lobby. Some people believe drinking it helps your body deal with the altitude. Chewing fresh coca leaves is said to give you an energy burst for about 30-45 minutes; guides on the Inca Trail and at Lake Titicaca often have some on hand to help a weakened guest. While neither the tea nor leaves will make you high, do not ingest coca tea or coca leaves if you could be drug tested when you return home, as your urine will test positive for cocaine.

  • Diamox: also called acetazolamide, you should not need this drug if you are just visiting Machu Picchu or if you properly acclimatize before visiting higher altitude locations.

With these tips, you should have enough energy to see Peru’s Andean sites and not get altitude sickness.

Johanna Read is a Canadian freelance writer and photographer specializing in travel, food and responsible tourism. She writes for a variety of print and digital publications to promote unique destinations and experiences and encourage sustainable travel. In one year Johanna visited six continents, but since then has only been able to hit five annually (not yet getting back to Australia, with Antarctica still eluding her).

Follow Johanna on Instagram and on Twitter. Links to her writing and photographs are at TravelEater.net.

10 Health and Safety Tips to Tick off Before Travelling Abroad

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Staying healthy and safe is hte most important part of any trip.

Travelling is a rich and rewarding experience but it requires preparation—a whole lot of it! Whether you’re travelling for leisure, work, as a volunteer, or something else, the health and safety of you and your loved ones should be the number one priority. Here are 10 health and safety tips to tick off before embarking on your next adventure abroad:

Tip #1: Use the free Registration of Canadians Abroad service provided by the Government of Canada.

If an emergency or crisis occurs in the country you’re travelling to, such as a natural disaster or civil unrest, government officials will alert you with important instructions, updates and information regarding the emergency. This is a free service provided to Canadian citizens. It’s quick and easy to register online.

Tip #2: Be aware that some vaccinations and medications require weeks to take effect.

First, it’s extremely important to know which vaccines and medications should be considered for the country you’re travelling to. From traveller’s diarrhea and waterborne illnesses to deadly diseases such as rabies and typhoid fever, the health risks you’re exposed to while travelling can vary from country to country. In some cases, you are required to provide proof of yellow fever vaccination for travel to and from certain countries.

It’s also very important to book your travel health appointment in advance. Some vaccinations and medications require time to take effect (days or even weeks), and sometimes you will need to schedule multiple follow-up visits to receive booster shots for maximum protection.

If you’re planning a trip, book an appointment with your Passport Health Travel Medicine Specialist in order to take the necessary health and safety precautions.

Tip #3: Make multiple photocopies of your passport pages and have important information handy.

If you lose your passport while travelling and need to visit the Canadian embassy, it will be very helpful if you can present them with a photocopy of your passport.

Carry photocopies of your passport with you in different places (i.e., handbag, suitcase, wallet, etc.). Ask a trusted friend or family member to keep a copy with them too. In addition, it is strongly recommended that you share a detailed itinerary and contact information with someone who is not travelling with you.

As a safety measure, memorize the following information, if possible:

  • Your passport number

  • The country’s emergency phone number

  • The contact information for the Canadian government office(s) abroad

  • The phone numbers of your emergency contacts who are not travelling with you

  • The phone number of your travel insurance provider and your member number

  • Your credit card details

Tip #4: Ensure you have a four-digit credit and debit card PIN

Travellers are often surprised when they discover that some countries’ ATM machines are restricted to a four-digit Personal Identification Number, or PIN. If your card’s PIN is longer than four-digits, you could face complications when attempting to withdraw money during your trip. Before travelling, ensure you update your credit and debit card PIN and call your providers to notify them of your travel plans.

Tip #5: Do not assume your current insurance plan provides you with travel insurance.

Before booking your ticket, consult with your insurance provider to gain a good understanding of exactly what is covered in case of an emergency during travel and if there are restrictions. Do not gamble with your life—ensure you have appropriate coverage prior to travelling.

Tip #6: Apply for required travel documentation in advance.

If your passport date is near expiry, you may be rejected from entry into another country—even if it hasn’t expired yet. It can take up to 20 business days to renew your passport depending on the method you choose. Express and urgent services are available at some locations but may cost you extra fees.

In addition, ensure you apply for any required country visas in advance. Any delays in the processing of your visa can cost you your trip. When applying for visas online, be wary of visa scams and ensure you are visiting a reputable website.

Tip #7: Don’t rely on suitcase tags.

At best, losing your suitcase can be a minor inconvenience. At worst, it can be a major setback. Print two separate pages with your contact information, home address, hotel address and hotel phone number. Place one inside your suitcase where it’s easy to spot, and one in the outer pocket. In the event your tags get ripped off, airport staff will have a chance at returning your luggage to you.

Carry essentials and a change of clothing in your carry-on, and never pack any valuables in your suitcase.

Tip #8: Book transportation in advance when possible.

If you plan to travel far distances within your destination country, consider booking bus and train rides (especially overnight ones), and domestic flights in advance. Depending on where you’re travelling and the time of year, these can fill up days or weeks in advance. Do not risk being stranded in an unfamiliar area.

Tip #9: Research, research, research!

Corruption and kidnapping may be common fears but it’s petty crimes such as pickpocketing and overcharging that are more likely to dampen your trip. Do your due diligence and thoroughly research your destination. Here are some suggestions:

  • Familiarize yourself with the country’s local currency. Know the average cost of everyday items and always ask for the price before you commit to making a purchase.

  • Is theft a common crime? Pack a handbag with straps that cannot be cut easily and consider bringing a waist security pouch so you can carry your passport and emergency money undetected beneath your clothes. If smartphones are not a common luxury, be very careful when using yours in public.

  • Get to know the country’s law. Minor offenses in Canada can be punishable by imprisonment or even death in other countries.

Tip #10: Don’t forget to pack sunscreen and insect repellent.

According to the Public Health Agency of Canada, there is evidence to suggest that Zika virus is transmitted through the bites of infected mosquitos. If travelling to countries affected by Zika, strict mosquito bite prevention measures should be followed.

We recommend using insect repellent that contains the active ingredient DEET. Trusted brands are available at your nearest Passport Health clinic.

Are you planning your next trip?

Schedule an appointment at your local Passport Health clinic so you can take the necessary health and safety precautions, and receive customized travel advice. Our Travel Health Medicine Specialists will provide you with the help you need to stay safe on your journey. Book your appointment today.

Have more helpful travel tips to share? We’d love to hear them! Comment below or share them via Facebook or Twitter.

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The Essential Steps for Travel Planning

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By Johanna Read, TravelEater.net

Making sure to plan your trip well is key to enjoying it.

An all-inclusive holiday is an ideal way to relax — it’s easy to plan and it’s easy to do. But sometimes you want a longer trip that gets you out exploring. How do you make planning for this kind of trip easy?

Travel writer Johanna Read — who travels to five or six continents every year — gives her top planning tips.

Plan, but don’t overplan

First, consider the kind of trip you want, and, if you’re travelling with someone else, the kind of trip they want. I recommend that each person identify two things (per week or per city) that they really want to do, as well as three or four things they’d like to do if there is time.

It’s perfectly ok to separate for the day to do your own thing; then you’ll have lots to talk about at dinner! Don’t try to plan more than one thing per day. You’ll enjoy your trip more if you leave time for discovery, relaxation and serendipity.

Yes, it’s important to get a good deal, but it’s not worth it to spend days on the internet finding the absolute best flight and hotels. Good enough is probably good enough. If you’re travelling in high season, you’ll need to make more effort. Timing your travels for low or shoulder season means better deals and less of a need to book everything in advance.

Know-in-advance essentials

Travel.gc.ca is one of my favourite travel resources (though you do need to put their safety advisories in context). Check travel.gc.ca for:

  • Passport expiry date and visa requirements for the countries you’re visiting.

  • Health advice, especially for vaccinations and malaria prevention.

  • Safety tips (e.g. scams, street crime) particular to the area.

  • While on travel.gc.ca, consider filling in a Registeration of Canadians Abroad form (especially if travelling solo), so that the government knows where you are if there’s an earthquake or other event.

Buy travel insurance as soon as you’ve booked your plane ticket. If a health issue arises between then and your trip, it probably won’t count as a pre-existing condition.

Book at least the first two nights’ accommodations, ideally in a neighbourhood within walking distance to some of the sites you want to see. Make sure you know how to get from the airport to your first hotel (cost, logistics, scams to watch out for).

Check if you need adapters for electronics. Note most battery and phone/computer chargers have a built in voltage converter, you just need the right plug shape.

Write down a few basic phrases in the local language(s). People will so much more appreciate you and your questions if you can say “hello”, “please” and “thank you” in their language.

Money preparations

Check whether any banks at your destination are members of the Global ATM Alliance. Using these bank machines with your Scotiabank or Tangerine card means you can avoid the $5 foreign transaction fee in 40 countries.

Avoid using currency exchanges; their rates are terrible (especially at airports). For the best rates, withdraw cash from an ATM at the airport when you arrive and use your credit card for big purchases.

Advise your credit card company and bank that you’ll be using your cards abroad. Find out what your maximum withdrawal is in the countries you’re visiting. Ask to have it raised if you think you’ll need it, especially if you’ll have a $5 fee for every withdrawal.

If you’re sharing expenses with other travellers, figure out a system in advance (e.g. alternate withdrawing cash from the ATM; have one person pay for everything and square up at the end). It takes the fun out of a holiday if you’re constantly figuring out who owes what at the end of every meal.

Pack light

The lighter you pack, the easier your trip will be, especially if you’ll be moving around a lot. It is easy to do laundry in your hotel sink, or to find a local launderer to do it for you (generally $1-2/kilo). No one cares if you keep repeating the same outfits.

Consider both weather and culture when deciding what clothes to bring. Laundry dries slowly in humid countries, so you might need to bring a few more pairs of underwear. If you’re going to a Muslim or Buddhist country, both men and women should wear street clothes that cover shoulders, knees and everything in between. If you wear less, you might be restricted from entering some sites. Plus you’ll stand out as a tourist; your experiences will be much better if you blend in and show respect by dressing more like locals.

Decant small amounts of creams and liquids into contact lenses cases; you don’t need to bring the whole bottle of moisturizer or hair gel. In humid countries, store your electronics in ziplock bags with a pack of silica gel. Bring extra ziplocks for dirty laundry, wet bathing suits, to keep snacks fresh, and to compression pack purchases.

Keep jewellery at home; don’t risk having it lost or stolen. Don’t bring contingency items — you can buy almost everything you need almost everywhere.

Photocopy your passport ID page and write your email address and home emergency contact info on the back. Put a copy in your wallet, day bag and your luggage. If anything gets lost it will have a better chance of finding its way back to you. In some countries you’ll need your passport as ID to show police, to buy train tickets or rent a vehicle. Keep the original in your hotel safe and just use the photocopy.

Enjoy!

Once you arrive at your destination, don’t forget to ask people “where would you have dinner tonight?” to get the best eating advice.

Johanna Read is a Canadian freelance writer and photographer specializing in travel, food and responsible tourism. A former Government of Canada executive, she worked several years in food safety before retiring early to pursue her passion for travel. She writes for a variety of print and digital publications, and in 2016 hopes to repeat her six-continents-in-one-year travel feat.

Follow Johanna on Instagram and on Twitter. Links to all her travel stories are at TravelEater.net.

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Florence, Italy: The City of Artistic Expression and Awesome Sunsets

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Florence is an amazing city, but preparation makes it even better.

Recognized for its striking beauty, the picturesque town of Florence, Italy attracts around 13 million tourists each year. It is the capital city of the Italian region of Tuscany, and home to breathtaking architecture such as the Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore (the city’s most iconic landmark), magnificent and expansive botanical gardens, and some of the world’s most famous art museums, such as Uffizi Gallery.

Artistic masterpieces from the Renaissance are located in Florence, including work by the great artist Michelangelo Buonarroti, sculptures by Donatello, paintings by Sandro Botticelli, and many others.

For those aspiring to pursue a career in fine arts, there are excellent opportunities for training and education, including advanced courses offered at the Florence Academy of Art, a premier world-renowned institution. In the Piazza della Signoria, you will find the school’s students sketching and performing, inspired by the marvelous sculptures that surround the square.

If you find yourself in Florence, be sure to sample the mouth-watering homemade pasta and the artisanal gelato. Take in the panoramic views of the city from Piazzale Michelangelo, located at the top of a hill, and witness the splendid sunsets Florence is known for.

The best way to explore this small, pedestrian-friendly city is by foot. Leave some time to get lost in the beautiful winding lanes, and to shop the art galleries and souvenir shops built along the Ponte Vecchio bridge—a medieval stone bridge that overlooks the Arno River.

Health and Safety

Florence is generally considered a safe city. Exercise normal security caution when visiting and be wary of minor offenses such as pickpocketing. Take caution with your valuables and always zip or fasten your handbag shut, carry personal belongings securely, and do not place your wallet in your pocket or on counters.

When traveling to Italy, there are certain health risks you may be exposed to. If you’re planning your next trip abroad, be sure to book your Passport Health appointment in advance. Our Travel Medicine Specialists will provide you with the important information you need, and help you take the necessary health and safety steps in preparation for your travels.

The Public Health Agency of Canada recommends that people traveling to Italy consider the following vaccinations:

  • Measles: Regardless of your travel destination, your measles vaccination should always be up-to-date. This disease is highly contagious and is common in most parts of the world.

  • Typhoid: This common food and waterborne illness can be prevented through vaccination. The vaccine will provide you with up to five years of protection.

  • Hepatitis B: You may be exposed to hepatitis B, a disease of the liver, through sexual contact, medical treatment, acupuncture, tattooing, sharing needs, or other situations where it can be spread through blood or other bodily fluids. Book your Passport Health appointment to get vaccinated against hepatitis B.

  • Influenza: Commonly known as the flu, influenza is contagious and can be spread from person to person, through coughing or sneezing. In Italy, the flu season runs from November to April. If you will be traveling to Italy during this time, it is recommended you get the flu shot.

  • Tick-borne encephalitis: If bitten by an infected tick, you can contract this viral disease which affects the central nervous system. If you will be active in wooded areas or any regions with tick-borne encephalitis, you should consult with your local Passport Health Travel Medicine Specialist about the vaccine.

Planning your next trip?

If you are planning a trip to Italy or any other destination, don’t forget to visit your local Passport Health clinic. Our Travel Health Medicine Specialists will provide you with the expert care you need to stay safe on your journey. To schedule an appointment at your local Passport Health clinic, or book online today.

Travelling to Italy? Already been? What was your favourite place? Let us know in the comments below, on Facebook or via Twitter.

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Traveling to Mexico? You Probably Haven’t Heard of this Fascinating Town

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Chiapas and San Cristobal de las Casas are great places to visit.

In the Mexican state of Chiapas near the border of Guatemala lies a vibrant town called San Cristobal de las Casas. This colourful small city is nestled in the valley surrounded by hills. To get to it, you would need to drive 78 kilometers from Ángel Albino Corzo International Airport. San Cristobal de las Casas embodies the passion and artistic expression emblematic of Mexican heritage.

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When Cabin Fever Becomes Cuban Fever

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Cuba Coast

The Northern winters can be rough, there’s a reason why they call it the Great White North, but nothing is worse than ending up with cabin fever in mid-March. After months of cold and snow, sometimes you just need a break. Cuba is the third-most popular destination for Canadian travelers, just behind the United States and Mexico. The island nation is a fantastic travel destination with amazing beaches, great nightlife and not an ounce of snow in sight.

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6 Things You Must Know Before Travelling to Mexico

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Cancun Beach

Every year, millions of Canadians travel far south of the US border to Mexico. Airlines offer special deals and tour groups have exclusive offers, especially during the cold winter months, that attract a myriad of individuals looking for all types of adventure.

The beaches of Cabo are an extremely popular destination, especially with Western Canadians, and the tropical paradise of Tulum is a hit with people in Ontario and Quebec. All together, Mexico is an amazing country with plenty to offer to both the most casual and most adventurous travellers.

Despite Mexico’s popularity, there are a lot of questions we frequently hear from clients and friends about the county. Today, we’ll answer the most common ones.

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