ALTITUDE SICKNESS IN PERU

Many of the most important attractions of Peru are located over the 7,000 feet like Arequipa city (7,600 ft.), Colca Canyon (12,000 ft.), Titicaca Lake (12,560 ft.), Cusco city (10,800 ft.) or Machu Picchu (7,970 ft.) and tourist always hear about  terrible tales of high altitude sickness.

It’s difficult to determine who may be affected by altitude sickness since there are no specific factors such as age, sex, or physical condition that correlate with susceptibility. Some people get it and some people don't because some people are more susceptible than others. 

Most people can ascend to 8,000 feet with little or no effect. If you have been at that altitude before with no problem, you can probably return to that altitude without problems as long as you are properly acclimatized.
If you haven't been to high altitude before and plan a trip to Peru, let us recommend you the following 3 tips:

1. TAKE IT EASY

The main cause of altitude sickness is going too high too quickly. Given enough time, your body will adapt to the decrease in oxygen at a specific altitude. This process is known as acclimatization and generally takes one to three days at any given altitude. Remember that light activity during the day is better than sleeping because respiration decreases during sleep, exacerbating the symptoms. Take time to rest, don’t over exert yourself.

2. HYDRATATE
Acclimatization is often accompanied by fluid loss, so you need to drink lots of fluids to remain properly hydrated (at least four to six liters per day). Water or beverages as Gatorade are the best options.

3. EAT LIGHT

The first day(s) stay away from grease food, sodas and alcohol. Consider eating chicken grill, chicken noodle soup, cooked salads. Eat high calories.

There are some other tips like drink coca tea once you arrive in the high altitude, take a pill named “Soroche pill” the night before your trip, the morning before and the night of your first day in the altitude and eat lemon candies.

We recommend you to follow all these advices but specially relax to enjoy your trip!

PERU TRIP ADVISORS

www.peru-tripadvisors.com

Web form powered by 123ContactForm.com | Report abuse

SOUVENIRS TO BRING HOME FROM PERU - PUCARA BULLS

See also our post What to bring home from Peru 
Peru has a huge variety of souvenir articles you can bring home for your family, friends or for yourself. These articles are crafted by local artisans; they come from different parts of the country and are inspired in traditions, animals, colonial art, typical textiles, etc.

Toritos de Pucara or Pucara Bulls are souvenir examples that represent part of our cultural heritage. You can find these nice bulls in different sizes and prices in the markets and handicraft shops during your trip to Peru.

As it´s known, they are still made using the original manufacturing techniques, original colors and molded in the traditional clay ovens, although you may find Pucara bulls painted in brighter colors with typically Andean designs. 

Toritos de Pucara or Pucara Bulls

But what are these bulls? What do they represent? 

While you travel in Peru, especially in the countryside of Cusco and Puno, it´s very common to see in the roof of almost all houses two small bulls made of clay placed side by side accompanied by a ladder and a cross.

They are the Puccara Bulls, pottery bulls with brown, green and ochre decorations. 

These bulls were originally made as a ritual element and appeared in the early years of the Spanish colony. The bull figure was also a jar and was used to hold a beverage made of fermented corn (chicha) which was mixed with the blood of cattle and drunk by the high priest conducting the cattle-branding ceremony with the purpose of protect their cattle.

Nowadays, the bulls are still used but with a different purpose. It’s believed by the locals that they keep the house safe with a blessing to the “Apus” (the Inca mountain gods) and ensure health, wealth, and unity for the occupants of the house.

The bulls are combined with a ladder and a cross to allow easy passage to heaven when the final call comes.

They can be an excellent souvenir to take home from Peru!   

Marita Nuñez
PERU TRIP ADVISORS
E-mail: Marita@peru-tripadvisors.com
Website: www.peru-tripadvisors.com
Address: La Paz Av. 676 Office 4, Miraflores, Lima – PERU
Phone number: 51-1 241-7429

Like us on Facebook

Follow us on Twitter 

Web form powered by 123ContactForm.com | Report abuse