Red Lotus Tours, Ltd. has chosen locations for our tours that provide you with an experience that will be out of your normal comfort zone. This is intentional and part of the journey we are offering to you. We ask you to open your heart and your mind, to different standards of living and different cultures. This translates to different levels of comfort. Though we do make every effort to offer you most of the comforts that will provide for your safety, warmth, and everyday needs, it won’t be like home, and that’s a promise.

All the tours are in developing countries that have standards of living much lower than what you are used to. This means there may be delays, confusion, and impoverishment you are not accustomed to seeing. We want to open you to
the possibility that there are apt to be many differences that may seem strange at first. We ask that you take them in stride, and learn to be flexible, patient, open and understanding. This is part of your learning. Different doesn’t necessarily mean worse or better, sometimes it’s just ‘different’. All in all, the experiences you have will be an opportunity to grow and explore unconscious and conscious belief systems. There is a saying in India, "travel teaches tolerance" and we couldn't agree more.

Each country has it’s own set of do’s and don’ts, which we will review on the first day of your visit. A brief description of what to expect in the particular country you are visiting will be sent to you with your registration packet, however learning to be open to the unknown is a part of what we are exploring. So please, we ask that you bring your enthusiasm and curiosity, and leave your expectations at home.

Ascending rapidly to altitudes great than 2500 meters or 8100 feet may cause altitude sickness.  In Peru, this means the flight from Lima (sea level) to Cusco, (11,000 feet, 3,300 meters) could put you at risk for altitude sickness.  Being physically fit offers no protection and those who have experienced altitude sickness in the past are more susceptible to developing it again.  The risk increases the faster the ascent, the greater the exertion (hence, taking it easy the first few days), and the higher the altitude.  Symptoms include headaches, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, malaise, insomnia, and loss of appetite.  Severe cases may be complicated by fluid in the lungs (high altitude pulmonary edema) or swelling of the brain (high altitude cerebral edema).  If symptoms are more than mild or persist for more than 24 hours, descend immediately by at least 500 meters (1,650 feet)  and see a doctor. 

“Walk slowly, eat lightly” are wise words to heed.  Generally it is advised to avoid overexertion, eat light meals, and abstain from alcohol.  Altitude sickness should be taken seriously as it can be life-threatening when severe.