WHEN TO COME? Markham's main 2006 dates are:
We regret that we are unable to host exchange students in Bimester 4, due to our students' heavy examination commitment. Exchange places in key academic years may be restricted in number. Our students are most willing to sacrifice their holidays to participate in overseas exchanges and projects, and we would expect visitors to us to be able to reciprocate. The coastal climate of Peru falls into two main seasons: summer and winter. November to April in Lima is dry and sunny, with temperatures reaching around 29 degrees Celsius by day and 20 degrees Celsius at night. As Peru is within the tropics, the sun is fierce at all times of the year, so a sun hat, sun glasses and sun block are recommended. May to October in Lima is overcast, with occasional drizzle. Winter temperatures in the capital fall to around 15 degrees Celsius by day and 13 degrees Celsius at night; this is made to feel much colder due to very high humidity levels. In combination with the air pollution of any capital city, this means that those prone to weak chests are advised to take precautions (warm clothing, scarf, inhalers, etc.). Due to the Humboldt Current that sweeps up from the Antarctic, sea temperatures are cold all year along most of the coast. A wetsuit is recommended for those that enjoy surfing. However, near the border with Ecuador, where the ocean current flows from the north, sea temperatures are welcoming all year. The climate of the highlands of Peru (Andes) typically contrast with that of the coast. November to April is generally the wet season, when the mountains receive their heaviest seasonal rainfall. May to October marks the dry season in the mountains, when rain is highly sporadic. Temperatures in the highlands rise to around 25 degrees Celsius by day and down to about 3 degrees Celsius at night. Of course, the temperature varies by altitude, as well as latitude. Many mountain peaks are covered in snow and ice, and it is not uncommon for eastern slopes and the Altiplano to suffer lengthy periods of freezing temperatures, especially when a south-easterly wind blows in from Patagonia. While T-shirts and sunhats may be worn during the day, woollen clothing and insulated jackets are indispensable at night. Special precaution should be taken to avoid altitude sickness, which can cause fatigue, nausea, unconsciousness, or worse. Visitors to high altitude areas must acclimatise before attempting any physically exerting activity. Alcohol, tobacco, fizzy drinks and heavy meals should be avoided. Coca leaf tea is a traditionally used to combat the symptoms, and is quite effective. Coca leaf tea is not a narcotic and is not addictive, yet you should not try to take coca leaf back home, since Western customs officials (and sniffer dogs) may not understand the distinction. To the east of the Andes lies the Amazon rainforest. While it is usually warm to hot all year (20-35 degrees Celsius), it also has its wet season from November to March. In spite of the sun, rainwear and rubber boots are a must. Downpours are frequent and heavy in the late afternoon. The jungle is a beautiful place, but city-dwellers need to be careful! Vaccination against Yellow Fever is a must, and current certification is a requirement for visits via most Amazon airports. Documentation may also be required at checkpoints on major roads. Malarial areas exist mainly in the central and northern jungle, with only small pockets in the south. Expert medical advice should be sought at home months before travelling to jungle areas, since some courses of medication are specific to different strains of infection and must be taken weeks in advance. Plain coloured, long-sleeved shirts, netted hats and insect repellent are vital. Insect repellents should have a high DEET (N,N-diethyl-M-toluamide) content of 90% or more. A useful starting point for tropical health matters is http://www.traveldoctor.co.uk/. |