Peru Country Bundle: suggestions, stories and tips
Content about Peru on WorldSupporter
Peru: Updates & Travel
Peru: Updates & Travel
Travel in Peru?
- In Peru, culture really is there for the taking. Visit the world-famous Inca city of “Machu Picchu” or admire Spanish colonial architecture in Arequipa, Cuzco and Puno. Besides a rich culture, you will also find a huge diversity of animals and nature: volcanoes, beach, jungle, rainforest and snow-capped mountains. This variation in nature provides a huge range of activities for the quiet hikers and the adrenaline seekers. Peru has it all.
- Natural parks: Peru is incredibly diverse in natural beauty. You can find everything from the Amazon rainforest to snow-capped mountain peaks and coastal sand deserts.
- Hiking: The variety of nature ensures that both beginners and advanced hikers can make very nice hikes. For example, the “Inca Trail” is an extraordinary four-day hike through the mountains to the hidden city of Machu Picchu.
- (Extreme) sports: For adrenaline seekers, there is much to do. In Peru you can zipline through the mountains, bungee jump from great heights, skydive, white water rafting and mountain climbing, among other things.
- JoHotspots in Peru
- Cuzco: Many travelers only stay in Cuzco to get to Machu Picchu via there. The city is also absolutely worth staying a little longer. Take two days to see the unique architecture, experience the culture and taste the delicious food.
- Oasis of Huacachina: This unexpected village of about 100 inhabitants is a real oasis, built around the lake “oasis of America” in the middle of the sandy desert.
- Cathedrals and churches: Lima, the capital of Peru has many magnificent structures, including the famous “Cathedral of Lima” and the “Church of San Francisco.” Many other extraordinary religious buildings can also be found in Lima and other cities of the country.
- It is advisable to pay close attention when participating in traffic.
- Also, do not just get into a cab, but check if it has a “cab” sign and if the car looks decent.
Updates Peru
- More about Peru, updates and contributions, see the link below.
How does the healthcare system work in Peru, and which travel insurance, health insurance or expat insurance do you need?
How does the healthcare system work in Peru, and which travel insurance, health insurance or expat insurance do you need?
How does the health and healthcare system work in Peru?
- The quality of health care varies greatly between the public and private sectors and urban and rural areas.
- Because of living conditions (e.g. poor sanitation, infections) there is still a big difference in health between the relatively small group of richer Peruvians and the large group of poorer people.
- That contrast is still strong, for example, between maternal health in rural (poor) versus more urban environments.
- Many Peruvians also face meager access to quality dental care, leading to common problems such as tooth decay and gum disease.
- The Peruvian government and many NGOs are working together to improve infrastructure and make changes to the health system. Many organizations also work on the front lines of health care, providing medicine, education and support. Especially in poor or less accessible areas, where the need is greatest.
- In Peru, you often still find a mix of modern and more traditional medicine.
- Western medicine and traditional medicine are not mutually exclusive in Peru, but complement each other. And are used in the same way.
- Many indigenous people continue to perform medical practices used by their ancestors.
- In many parts of the country, shamans (“curanderos”) help maintain balance between body and soul.
- Specific (emergency) treatments may require medical evacuation, from locations outside Lima to Lima or from Lima to another country.
- Emergency care is available 24/7 in the larger cities.
- As an expat, you have the same rights regarding health care as locals. Some treatments are free, but in many cases expats and expatriates turn to private care.
- In general, you'll find the best care in capital Lima and in more densely populated areas on the coast. These mostly private hospitals often also offer ambulance services, which you can use if you are already a client of the hospital, or by calling the hospital directly and paying for the service.
How does the public health care system work in Peru?
- In Peru, residents can choose between two types of public insurance.
- The first layer of health care is the subsidized system SIS (Seguro Integral de Salud). It provides universal assistance to low-income people.
- Then you also have EsSalud, which is paid for by employers. This is mandatory for every employee, both in the private and public sectors.
- Public health care is developing in Peru, but mostly still of a different standard:
- Waiting times are often very long and care is not of high quality.
- Medical facilities are often limited, especially outside Lima. The Peruvian government facilitates projects in which (graduate) doctors and health workers in their first year provide -obligatory- primary care outside major Peruvian cities.
- Be careful with blood transfusions, these are often not safe.
How does the private health care system work in Peru?
- In Lima and Cusco you will find good private health care, which is therefore often preferred among expats and emigrants.
- Sometimes you have to pay in advance in cash, keep that in mind. Or you may be asked for a credit card guarantee, even if you have (travel) insurance. As a foreigner, you may have to pay a fee at the entrance to the hospital or clinic to gain access.
- The chances that you can get into private care with doctors who speak English are still a lot higher than in public care.
- The cost of private treatment can be quite high.
How is the general practitioner arranged in Peru?
- General practitioners are often called “doctors” or el “medico/la medica.
- You also encounter the term “medico familiale. They work in community teams in the public system and independently in the private system.
- A visit to the family doctor is approachable, not expensive.
- You find medicos both in the public and private health care system.
How is the dentist arranged in Peru?
- Dental care is good, mostly inexpensive and accessible.
- Dental care is available at both public and private clinics. Private dental care is not always cheap.
- In rural and remote regions, dental services are more scarce.
- “Dental tourism,” a trip to Peru for specific high-quality dental care, is common. Lima offers many good facilities and clinics for this purpose.
- Improving oral health is one of the focal points in Peruvian health care, especially targeting children and low-income communities. Precisely because it also affects overall well-being.
How is the pregnancy, obstetrics & maternity care arranged in Peru?
- Most births take place in the hospital. There is plenty of support and staff.
- Home birth is also an option, but is less common.
- A third option is a birth center. It is a center with a home-like feel and good midwives.
- Cesarean section is also still relatively common.
- There is good prenatal care.
- For high-risk pregnancies, you can go to Lima, Arequipa and Trujillo.
- Abortion is mostly illegal, with some exceptions.
How safe or unsafe is a trip or stay in Peru?
What should you pay attention to in terms of safely in Peru?
- Peru is relatively safe compared to other countries in Latin America, but there are obviously areas of concern.
- In the cities, theft is a big problem and robberies also occur.
- Certain areas of Lima are no go areas: crime is high and the police are very active.
- There are also many unregistered cabs, which take advantage of tourists/expats.
- Protests are pretty common, and sometimes they last from days to weeks. Usually they are peaceful, but it may be wise to avoid these kinds of gatherings and monitor the situation through media.
- In Peru you have “The Shining Path,” a domestic insurgency group involved in drug smuggling. They have been less active in recent years and chances are slim, but it is better to avoid the areas where they are active.
- Be especially careful in the border area with Colombia and around the Amazon River. In the border area with Brazil, there are many illegal coca plantations and drug trafficking. There is also illegal gold mining.
- Floods and landslides are relatively common in Peru, partly under the influence of “El Niño. Through roads and train connections are then closed, for example to Machu Picchu, Cusco, Puno and Arequipa.
- Earthquakes can also occur in Peru; keep an eye on local and national media and know what to do if an earthquake hits your area.
- Always check the latest safety advice.
What should you pay attention to in terms of diseases in Peru?
- Altitude sickness is common in Peru. Watch for symptoms such as headache, nausea, lethargy (dullness, sleepiness) and dizziness.
- Several tropical diseases are common. So be sure to get the necessary vaccinations or medications in advance.
- The drinking water is not safe to drink.
- Never accept tea or any other herbal concoction from people you're not familiar with: a well-known “trick” to rob you.
What should you pay attention to in terms of traffic in Peru?
- One of the biggest safety risks is the risk of road accidents. Fatal accidents often occur because of driving.
- Be careful when walking on the streets. Not much consideration is given to pedestrians.
- Bus accidents are also common, especially at night. So make sure you book your bus trip with a good transportation company.
Which work and travel insurance policies are suitable for short and long stays in Peru?
- Is the trip to Peru and your return sufficiently covered? Are you sufficiently covered before, during and after your activities? Which insurance best suits your trip and your activity? Read more about insurances for abroad on JoHoinsurances.org.
What emigration and expat insurance can you take out for Peru if you are going to live there for a while?
- Insurance is not mandatory, but it is highly recommended. Public care is not of good quality and private care can be expensive. Read more about insurances for abroad on Expatinsurances.org.
Packing list for Peru, travel insurance for Peru, and taking your belongings
Packing list for Peru, travel insurance for Peru, and taking your belongings
To pack and bring to Peru
Packing list for Peru, travel insurance for Peru, and taking your belongings
What to take with you to Peru: spotlighted
Featured items:
- Documents: a passport that is valid for at least 6 months, and copies!
- Money: taking Peruvian Sol is useful for everyday business and because ATMs can sometimes be empty. US dollars are very useful to have with you for emergencies.
- Care: high factor sunscreen and good lip balm, for trips to altitude.
- Outdoor and practical: cap or hat and sunglasses because the sun is incredibly strong.
- Protection: a raincoat is essential with the unpredictable weather and a rain cover or liner for your backpack will probably come in handy too.
- Comfort: a quick-drying towel.
- Clothing: in Peru, a layering system with lightweight, quick-drying clothing for the rainforest and slightly warmer clothing for the higher towns and mountains is useful.
- Shoes: comfortable walking shoes.
- Medicines and travel kit: a small first aid kit with plasters, painkillers, ORS (dehydration is a thing) and hand gel. Mosquito repellent is also important.
- Safety: a money belt.
- Technology and equipment: world plug type A&C, as a Dutch person you often need a travel plug.
What are some other options for packing:
- Reusable water bottle with filter, because tap water is technically drinkable, but often tastes strange.
- Toilet paper, easily biodegradable tissues for the public toilets.
- A pee cloth for when you go for a long walk (never just leave paper behind in nature!).
- Headlamp for when the power goes out or for when you are hiking.
- Power bank for during the hikes.
- A hat for in the mountains - although it is of course much more fun to buy one there.
- Altitude sickness pills if you have big plans (they are also available there).
- A mosquito net, if you are planning to go to remote areas yourself. Most jungle treks and lodges offer accommodation with mosquito nets.
What should you keep in mind when traveling to Peru with your belongings?
- Which medicines you can and cannot get, especially if you are going to more remote places.
- In which season you are going to Peru and what the weather is like in the places you are going.
- What is the situation with mosquitoes in the locations you are going to visit.
Are there mosquitoes in Peru?
- There are mosquitoes in Peru, but not everywhere.
- Mosquitoes particularly enjoy the lowland areas, such as the Amazon and other forests. Mosquitoes are also found at Machu Picchu. In the higher areas, including on the Inca Trail, they are hardly found.
- There are more mosquitoes during the rainy season in the Amazon.
- The mosquitoes can transmit several diseases.
- More about protection against mosquitoes and insects.
Are there sandflies in Peru?
- Peru has several species of sandflies. Most of them are found in the Amazon, but little is known about the further spread of sandflies.
- Sandflies increase in numbers during the dry season.
- The country also has a high number of cases of Leishmaniasis.
- Socks, long, airy clothing and mosquito repellent help a lot.
- More about sand flies and sand fleas.
Can you buy DEET, or other mosquito repellents, in Peru?
- Yes, mosquito repellent is available in Lima and Cusco, but often expensive and without or with lower concentrations of DEET.
- So the choice is limited.
Can you buy a joint or weed in Peru, or take it with you to Peru?
- Using cannabis for your own pleasure is not permitted in Peru. Nevertheless, you are allowed to have 8 grams of marijuana, or two grams of derivatives, in your pocket if it is really just for you.
- The police are not always predictable, so you do run a risk.
- In any case, do not smoke in public. That can cause quite a bit of irritation.
- The rules are somewhat vague and in transition with regard to medical cannabis. But as a tourist you are not allowed to use it, or take it into the country.
Peru: selection of contributions by WorldSupporters - Bundle
Peru: selection of contributions by WorldSupporters - Bundle
Content about Peru shared by WorldSupporters
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