motion sickness in Peru?

[kac911]

DH & I are looking to do the adult only trip to Peru in Oct. My concern is my motion sickness. Can anyone comment?

Right now they are 23% booked (11 of 44 - these are the numbers they gave me so if the math is off it's not my fault, or my strong suit). So once we book they would have 13 people. I'm thinking since the trip is still 9 months away we should be good to go. Because we are using DVC points and my ability to get time off is extremely limited I don't want to book until I feel more comfortable that the trip will be a go AND I'm assured I won't get sick!

 

[sayhello]

DH & I are looking to do the adult only trip to Peru in Oct. My concern is my motion sickness. Can anyone comment?

Right now they are 23% booked (11 of 44 - these are the numbers they gave me so if the math is off it's not my fault, or my strong suit). So once we book they would have 13 people. I'm thinking since the trip is still 9 months away we should be good to go. Because we are using DVC points and my ability to get time off is extremely limited I don't want to book until I feel more comfortable that the trip will be a go AND I'm assured I won't get sick!

Do you mean altitude sickness? There's no "motion" involved with the Peru trip that I'm aware of (unless you count the river rafting, but I don't know anyone who's gotten seasick from rafting -- including me, and I'm prone to sea sickness). It's the altitude in the Cusco area, I believe, that some people have had issues with.

Also, I've had one trip go with 14 people, and another with 15, so unless someone cancels, I think you'll probably be OK.

Sayhello

 

[tufbuf]

The drive around the Urubamba Valley and the drive up Macchu Picchu has made one child suffer from motion sickness. It was bad one time, we had to stop at a store so Alejandra (the local ABD guide) can get some bags, just in case.

The bigger problem, like sayhello said, is the altitude sickness. It can make you dizzy and aggravate motion sickness if you have one. I would try to get in shape if you decide to take this trip. It is quite challenging because of the altitude. You could feel your heart working twice more than at sea level. BUT don't be encouraged! This trip is sooo worthi it!!! I love Cusco, Macchu Picchu is breathtaking and have fun shopping for all the gorgeous alpaca wool products!!

 

[sjlsk8r]

The bus rides are trough some pretty winding roads at times so if you are very sensitive to that (like me) it may be a concern. However, I took my dramamine and told the guides who gave me a permanent front row seat on the bus. The only time I had an issue was the bus ride from Macchu Pichu back down to agua calientes. This was a public bus and I got stuck in the middle. I was pretty unconfortable but had enough time to recover before we got on the train back to the hotel. All in all I would say that if you take appropriate precautions the portential for motion sickness shouldn't be enough to hold you back.

 

[sayhello]

Well! I'm glad that people who know better than me answered you!

Sayhello

 

[WeLoveABD]

Our family went last summer, and our then 10 yr old and 17 yr old faired pretty well--the bus rides were interesting to say the least, but didn't last long. Our 10 yr old feared the river rafting most of all--but once on it she loved every minute and was sad to see it end!

I would recommend plenty of water, and check the website for altitude sickness for other diet recommendations. We did not feel it until we landed at the airport in Cusco (then not again until we were back at the Cusco hotel--the valley hotel was sufficiently lower in elevation, as was MP.

I was a little winded at times roaming around Cusco, but mostly felt it at night--had a hard time sleeping through the night because of the altitude. But I agree with tufbuf and others: definately go!

 

[Phil1019]

I went to Peru 2010 with my daughter. My MD gave me a scrip for diamox which is a diuretic to help ease symptoms. My daughters MD suggested taking iron tabs (ferrous sulfate 325 ng two per day ). Iron increases red blood cells whic carry oxygen to organs. Drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol and tobacco. My daughter and I did still experience some discomfort but not enough to not have greatly enjoyed this trip. Just go! You won't regret it!