Trujillo General Health and Safety

General Health and Safety

Beware of unsolicited approaches from people purporting to be from hotels, travel agents, surf & salsa teachers & invitations to parties. Surprisingly attractive young people have learned phrases in numerous languages to convince you they coincidentally have a similar profession, interest in your language or country; or their family & friends in your country. They may 'happen' to bump into you several times during your stay. The more backpacks, daypacks, cameras, moneybelts, sunglasses & jewellery you display, the more you look like a Christmas tree. Be careful at ATMs & on leaving banks, displaying cash in shops etc. Official taxis have post card sized municipal stickers with the city's coat of arms on it. They may have a surprising array of tactics to take you to more distant, expensive, isolated hotels & destinations to monopolize your future custom. The taxis from the airport & more expensive bus companies are the most ambitious. Do not carry around belongings any more than is necessary & try not to put them down unobserved/unattended during transfers, in restaurants, internet cafes, buses etc. In the last census in 1993, Trujillo had the least (lowest indices of) Poverty of 188 cities in Peru. Despite it being a relatively affluent & a university city people from poorer areas pass through & you have to be watchful.

A cool breeze is deceptive: a sun hat and sun block are recommended for visits to the beach and ruins, especially in summer.