need some advice

[ANA]

Hi,
My boyfriend and I are planning our first trip to South America for the next July. We would like to stay for around three months and see Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and Bolivia. We have not decided it yet but we intend to fly from London to La Paz, and then return to London from Caracas.

I have got few doubts you might be able to sort out:

1. La Paz is located at an altitude of 3,660 meters, do you think it would be a shock to fly to La Paz if you are not used to such a high altitude? Would it be better to start in Caracas and end up in La Paz?
2. Is there any particular measure we could take in order to keep healthy for the whole trip? I have heard that many people get sick after few days there.
3. I am going to take the ISIC card for some flight discounts. Do you know if I can use this card in busses, domestic flights, hostels, etc. in S.America?
4. Do they use the same power socket than in Europe?

Thank you very much for your help. I find your website really helpful.

[Mark]

Thanks very much for the kind words. I love your questions. I'll go over them one by one.

1. La Paz is located at an altitude of 3,660 meters, do you think it would be a shock to fly to La Paz if you are not used to such a high altitude?

Yes, you'll have a difficult time. You may suffer from soroche (altitude sickness). It is important to take it easy, rest a lot and drink lots of water the first week. This allows your body to acclimatize to the high altitude.

Would it be better to start in Caracas and end up in La Paz?

Much better. Your body will be acclimatized by the time you reach La Paz.

2. Is there any particular measure we could take in order to keep healthy for the whole trip?

Vaccinations
You may want to arrange vaccinations or drugs to protect against diseases such as hepatitis, typhoid, malaria and yellow fever. As you will need to have some vaccinations weeks or months before travel, it is best to see your doctor six to eight weeks before you go.

Eat and drink wisely
The most common travel related illnesses are gastrointestinal diseases usually picked up from poorly prepared foods or untreated water. To avoid the diarrhea, stomach pains, nausea and vomiting associated with these illnesses:

• Use boiled or bottled water, or water purifiers or tablets.
• Avoid ice in drinks.
• Avoid unpasteurized milk and dairy products.
• Avoid fruit and vegetables that have been washed in local water.
• Eat thick-skinned fruit and vegetables that you can peel yourself, such as bananas, oranges and mandarins.
• Make sure food is cooked thoroughly and eat it while it’s hot

Avoid insect bites
Some serious infectious diseases such as malaria, yellow fever and dengue fever, are transmitted by insect bites. While there are vaccines and drugs available to help protect against some of these diseases, travelers are advised to always protect against mosquito bites. Some tips include:

• Wear mosquito repellent that contains at least 30 per cent DEET.
• Apply repellent, such as permethrin, to your clothes and bedding.
• Wear socks, long pants, and long-sleeve shirts when outdoors.
• Use a bed net.

3. I am going to take the ISIC card for some flight discounts. Do you know if I can use this card in busses, domestic flights, hostels, etc. in S.America?

Yes, you will be able to use your ISIC card in some cases such as museums, archaeological sites and some hostels. Most busses do not accept ISIC cards.

4. Do they use the same power socket than in Europe?

No, you'll have to buy an adapter. Check out the Travelite Universal Travel Power Adapter at Amazon.co.uk


Feel free to ask more questions. I'll do my best to help you out.


Best wishes,

Mark

[ANA]

Thank you so much Mark, great advice