There are many resources for helping travelers to plan their vacations.  But there is one important detail that only you are completely in charge of.  No travel agent or tour operator can help you prepare and protect your skin from the sun while traveling.  This is your job.  

Get educated about the negative side affects of excessive sun exposure.  See these facts about skin cancer.

• over the past 3 decades, more people have skin cancer than all other cancers combined. 
• parents play an important role both genetically and as role models for their children
• about 90% of non-melanoma skin cancers are associated with exposure to UV sunlight
• UV radiation exposure increases 4 to 5 percent with every 1,000 feet above sea level. At an altitude of 9,000 to 10,000 feet, UV radiation may be 35 to 45 percent more intense than at sea level.  (Cusco 11,000 ft / Machu Picchu 8000 ft)
• At the equator, the sun is directly overhead and UV rays are stronger.
• Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands are located right on the equator. 

There are plenty of reasons to protect yourself and your family from the sun.  Combined with altitude, the negative effects of sun exposure are compounded when traveling in the Andes Mountains of South America.  Fortunately, with simple precautions you can protect your skin during your vacation:

• pack suncreen with minimum SPF rating of 30
• pack several small tubes/bottles of sunscreen to carry in several places.  You're more likely to reapply if it's accessible
• choose water - proof sunscreen
• apply sunscreen daily before you leave your hotel (or tent)
• wear a broad-brimmed hat to protect neck and shoulders.  Baseball-style caps only protect upper portion of the face.  
• wear long-sleeve lightweight clothing to protect skin on the arms and legs
• apply sunscreen to the back of your hands and the outer ear if exposed
• use sunscreen and wear hats even when it's cloudy or temperatures are cool (average yearly high temperature in Cusco is 66 F)

 Establishing good skin care habits while you travel will enhance your trip and result in one less thing to worry about.  For information and assistance with planning your big trip to South America, click here to contact our destination experts in our US office.