I'm thinking of doing Highlights of Peru in October, with the River Amazon add-on. Do you know if anti-malaria tablets are required for the Amazon, or any other areas visited on this tour?

Also, what's the weather like in Peru in October?

Thanks!

I don't have enough medical knowledge to advise you about jabs but I would recommend talking to your GP, who will know your medical history. If you are going to the Amazon you may well need to take malaria pills. I remember being given a yellow fever jab before my visit and possibly others. This website is worth a look, too:

http://www.fitfortravel.scot.nhs.uk/destinations/south-america/peru.aspx 

As for the weather, the main thing to consider is that for much of the trip you will be at altitude - up to 4,000m. This means that when the sun is shining the temperature can be low 20s, but as soon as the sun dips behind a cloud it can drop to 5 or 6 degrees, and nights can be very cold.

So when you are packing, make sure you have lots of layers to take on and off as necessary. At the very least, you will need a t-shirt and a warm jumper or fleece. Peru should be fairly dry at that time of year but a lightweight waterproof is always a good idea.

Peru is an amazing country - I'm sure you'll love it.

Kind regards,

Olly, your editor

Many thanks for your response, it was most helpful. Do you happen to know where the Amazon add-on visits? All the places on the main tour seem to fall into the "low to no risk" areas, but the brochure doesn't say where you go during the add-on.

Here is the itinerary for your Amazon add-on. I hope this answers your question.

Day 1

This will be Day 10 of your Highlights of Peru tour. Transfer to Lima Airport for your flight to Iquitos, the capital of the Peruvian jungle region. After a short city tour of Iquitos you will board a riverboat for the journey down the Amazon to the Sinchicuy Lodge for a two night stay. The lodge is exquisitely set in a tropical garden with flowering trees and plants - the perfect place to experience a spectacular jungle sunset.

During your stay there will be various included activities. Enjoy a guided nature walk deep into the rainforest admiring the orchids, butterflies and a wide variety of vegetation. Visit the Yaguas tribe, plus the highlight of your stay, a motorised canoe journey in search of the mysterious Amazon dolphin.

Day 2

Today we have included jungle activities in the Amazon.

Day 3

After breakfast cruise along the river back to Iquitos for your return flight to Lima. Transfer to the Hotel Jose Antonio or similar where overnight accommodation has been arranged.

Day 4

Evening transfer to the airport for your return flight to the UK.

Day 5

Arrival in the UK.

Kind regards,

Olly, your editor

That looks really good!