Is there puma risk? Dog attack?

The chance of attack by puma (similar to the North American cougar) is miniscule.

The chance to see a puma is miniscule, despite the fact that Cuzco is laid out in the shape of a puma.

We have heard of no encounters on Ausangate.

If you are approached by a puma, be aggressive making noise & waving your arms. If attacked, fight back as if your life depends on it. It does.

Even dogs seemed very tame on Ausangate to us. We had no serious encounters with the tail-waggers.

---

Storing food safely

At night you should cache food out of reach of animals, including fox & mice. We keep ours in the tent, but sealed in air tight kayak bags.

Domestic animals have been known to damage tents trying to get at food, especially salty food.

---

Are there any dangerous snakes?

None we are aware of.

But poisonous ophidians (snake-like reptiles) of the Bothrops species are known near Machu Picchu. Some trekking companies carry a treatment in case hikers are bitten. The risk is very small, however.