Safety and Medical Guidelines for your Travel to the Peruvian Amazon

 

• Four to six week prior to your travel to the Peru visit a physician specializing in Travel Medicine for recommendations regarding vaccinations you may need for your trip.  

• You might want to bring:
  • any prescription medications that you take on a regular basis
  • an over-the-counter medicine for diarrhea.  
  • anti-bacterial handwipes or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer
  • Sunscreen
  • Mosquito Repellent
  • Iodine Tablets or a portable water filter if traveling in areas where bottled water may not be available.
• Food and Water:  The Amazon has its own unique cuisine that travels should make every effort to taste with the following considerations:
  • Exposure to different types of food may cause diarrhea.  Make sure to bring diarrhea medicine with you to treat small cases.
  • Choose your food carefully.  Many hotels, homestays and touristy restaurants and prepare their food by international standards of health.
  • Make sure food is thoroughly cooked and vegetables well-washed.  
  • Do not eat food sold by street vendors.
  • Wash or disinfect your hands with soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizer before eating.  
  • Only drink bottled or well-filtered water or drinks from sealed containers.  
  • Avoid fountain drinks and ice.  
• Minimize mosquito bites is by wearing tight-weave, long sleeve cotton clothing and insect repellent on exposed areas of skin.
• Wear sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses to prevent harmful exposure to UV rays.  
• To avoid animal bites or scratches do not feed or touch any animals including dogs or cats.
• To prevent sexually transmitted diseases always use a latex-rubber condom.
• To avoid HIV and other viral infections, do not share needles for tattoos, drug injections, or body piercings.
• Do not drink and drive.  
• Always wear a helmet when riding on bikes, scooters, or motorcycles.
• ALWAYS follow the advice of your knowledgeable guide regarding as you navigate your way through the incredible forest.  Most guides in Tambopata are native to the area and know the rainforest as if its their own back yard.  They will make sure their guests are safe and secure as they enjoy their travel in the Peruvian Amazon.