Avoiding Heat Exhaustion or Heat Stroke on Your Tour
With temperatures in the 90s (°F) and over 34°C this past weekend, it’s no surprise that this summer is shaping up to be an extremely hot one. This intense heat has a significant impact on our Chichen Itza excursions, but fear not - we're here to ensure you enjoy a heat exhaustion-free tour. We're already experiencing the pressure of this heat on our tours, and we want to make sure everyone takes the right precautions and can enjoy our tours without experiencing heat exhaustion or heat stroke.
The good thing is that heat exhaustion and stroke is preventable if you take the right steps. Here are our top tips for avoiding heat exhaustion or stroke on your tour.
Preventing Heat Exhaustion on Your Tour
When exploring the magnificence of Chichen Itza, consider the following to avoid the discomfort of heat exhaustion or heat stroke:
Opt for loose, breathable clothing: Tight or excessive clothing can hinder your body's natural cooling process. Consider lightweight, breathable tees that shield your skin from excessive sun exposure.
Protect against sunburn: Sunburn can impair your body's cooling ability. Wear a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 50. Remember to reapply generously every hour, especially if you're swimming or perspiring.
Hydrate: Drink ample water to help your body maintain its normal temperature through sweat.
Medications: Certain medicines can impact your body's ability to stay hydrated and regulate heat. If you're on medication, be aware of its potential heat-related side effects.
Take breaks: During the hottest part of the day, intersperse strenuous activity with rest in a cool spot. Hydrate and transition slowly between activities.
Acclimatize: Limit your sun exposure if you're not accustomed to hot weather. It can take weeks for your body to adapt to high temperatures.
Consider your medical history: If you have a family history of strokes, heart disease, or any allergies, be extra cautious.
Remember, our guides are committed to your well-being. They'll carry umbrellas and additional water to ensure you stay cool and hydrated throughout your Chichen Itza tour.
Awareness of heat exhaustion and heat stroke symptoms is essential for prevention. Symptoms can develop quickly or over several hours or days. Signs to look out for include tiredness, weakness, dizziness, lowered blood pressure, headaches, muscle cramps, nausea, heavy sweating, intense thirst, a fast pulse, and dark urine. Untreated, these conditions can lead to confusion, disorientation, seizures, and loss of consciousness.
Should you or anyone else display these symptoms, it's important to take immediate action:
Lie down in a cool place.
Remove unnecessary clothing to expose skin to the air.
Use a cool, wet sponge, flannel, or cold packs to cool the skin.
Once cooled, rehydrate with water, fruit juice, or a sports drink.
Elderly people, babies, young children, and those with long-term health conditions like diabetes, heart, or lung disease are most susceptible to heat-related illnesses.
We encourage you to share any additional tips or experiences with heat-related illnesses in the comments below.
For those who prefer cooler surroundings, our Mayan Explorer private tour includes visits to three refreshing open air cenotes, along with zip-lining and canoeing adventures!
If you have any questions or concerns, please comment below or reach out to us via our on-site chat or WhatsApp. Our friendly team is on hand to provide a non-binding quote for your private excursion.
Stay safe, stay cool, and enjoy your Chichen Itza excursion!