Machu Pichu, Peru

• 8,000 feet above sea level, so there is a high risk of altitude sickness. Coca tea will help to adjust.
• Avoid drinking water from rivers or falls along trails without a purifying pill
• Stay against the hill side on trails when mules and porters pass you by, as trails are narrow and close to dangerous cliffs.

Isla Gorgona, Colombia – Paradise for divers

• Take hard solid footwear and avoid trails after 5pm as poisonous snakes are very common.
• Vaccination for yellow fever, tetanus and hepatitis B is a must
• Take your own first aid kit as cuts and injuries can be very common.

Atacama Desert, Chile

• Dont carry valuables as most hostels dont provide lockers or vaults.
• Take your own bed sheets as local hostels are not very clean
• Avoid walking alone at night through town
• If you need to take regular medications, have the names of these medications in Spanish
• Take a first aid kit, as medical assistance in San Pedro de Acatama is very precarious

5 common risks in South America

Antigua, Guatemala

• Avoid walking around town after 10pm, as most muggings occur between 10pm and 3am. Better use the tuk tuk
• Opportunistic pickpocketing is easily the most common petty crime in Antigua: keep your cash in the front pockets.
• If you take a car, always park in parqueo. Vehicle theft in Antigua is very common. Especially in the area of Central Park. Vehicle insurance is highly recommended
• Don’t show off your wealth
• Know all emergency numbers for Guatemala
• Avoid after parties – they attract dark characters
• Try to appear confident at all times – thieves smell fear and think you carry valuables.

 

Cusco, Peru

• If travelling by bus from Lima to Cusco use the established bus companies: Cruz del Sur, Ormeño or Tepsa.
• To get around town use only authorized taxis which have the number company on the roof
• Hire an organized tour to get around safely
• Notify someone if you go to the Andes treks near Cusco, as they can be risky
• Partying in Cusco is real fun, don’t accept drinks from strangers and be aware that no one sips anything in your drink.

When travelling to remote countries always plan for the worst situations 

Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia

• Take the tourist bus from La Paz to Uyuni and back, as regular buses in Bolivia have petty theft problems. This bus is more comfortable to sleep on.
• At Uyuni, only use called taxis by the hotel. Avoid a kidnap express.
• Avoid arriving in the middle of the night and plan ahead for airport pick up
• Know a bit of Spanish. Locals will appreciate it and you will be a little less exposed.
• Dress modestly so you attract less attention and blend in like a local, so avoiding being the target of thieves.
• Let someone else know where you are at.