I been there few years back. Are you doing an inca trail or taking the train into machu pitchu?

Here's a deal... Follow guidlines for the immunizations that is set by WHO. As far as medical care goes. There are clinics but few. Meds are pleanty and everything is available over the counter in dosages that you cant even get in the US. Most people speak English or Spanglish. It is pretty safe and just use common sense. It is Lima that is unsafe but that's like any big city. Either buy bottled water or treat the water. Taps are unsafe since they use river water and few clicks up you have livestock urinating into the source.

Attitude is a problem only if you decide to run around. Common shortness of breath and early exhaustion is normal and will pass or become not noticable as time goes on. I saw some people taking diamox to prevent altitude sickness. Totally not neccessary but good to have in your kit just in case. There is point on the inca trail of about 4200 meters and it is the highest point and it gets little difficult there but than you decent right away so it is all good. Steps on the trail and in general are pretty high so it is pretty good workout for your legs. Landing in Cuzco at high altitude makes some people to experience altitude sickness like symptoms but what you can do is stay hydrated and avoid excecive exercise until you get aclimatized. Good FAK beefed up with anti blister plasters, antibiotic cream, and elastic bandages should be more than enough.

Get a strong antibiotic for upper respiratory infection. Amociclin is great. People cough a lot, germs fly.

Look at some of my pix:
http://brunerdog.tripod.com/peru35mm/index.htm
http://brunerdog.tripod.com/peruxpan/index.htm

I only got a warm reception. I experienced a shady part of Cuzco by going into places that I shouldn't. Common tourist scams are there (non materializing trips, crappy service, latnesses) but if you are planning your trip out of the US or with reputable outfiitter everything should be fine.

Watch out for the train. You will know what I'm talking about when you get there <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

I learned over the years that I answer better to direct questions so shoot my man and i do my best to answer them...