Peru
Health in Peru: vaccines, water, medical care and insurance
Most travelers to Peru should be up to date on routine vaccines and consider hepatitis A, typhoid, and yellow fever if visiting the Amazon. Tap water is not safe to drink; use bottled or filtered water. Travel insurance is strongly recommended, especially for altitude illness and evacuation. Check official advisories for the latest.
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Key facts
- Routine vaccines
- MMR, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, polio, flu, COVID-19 — up to date before travel
- Recommended for most
- Hepatitis A, typhoid
- Yellow fevercheck
- Required if coming from a yellow-fever country; recommended for Amazon visits
- Malariacheck
- Risk in Amazon lowlands; use repellent and consider prophylaxis
- Tap water
- Not safe to drink; use bottled or filtered water
- Altitude
- Cusco 3,400 m; acclimatize 1–2 days before exertion
- Emergency numbers
- 105 police · 116 fire · 106 SAMU ambulance
Quick answer
For most travelers, the essential vaccines are routine ones plus hepatitis A and typhoid. If you plan to visit the Amazon (Iquitos, Puerto Maldonado, Tambopata), yellow fever vaccine is recommended, and malaria prophylaxis may be advised. Tap water is not safe to drink anywhere in Peru; use bottled or filtered water. Travel insurance is strongly recommended, especially for altitude illness and emergency evacuation.
Vaccines by traveler
Vaccine needs depend on your itinerary and health status. The table below summarizes the common recommendations. Always confirm with a travel health clinic 4–6 weeks before departure.
| Vaccine | Who needs it | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Routine (MMR, DTP, polio, flu, COVID-19) | Everyone | Ensure up to date before travel |
| Hepatitis A | Most travelers | Food and water risk |
| Typhoid | Most travelers | Especially if eating street food |
| Yellow fever | Travelers to Amazon (Iquitos, Puerto Maldonado, Tambopata) | Required if arriving from a yellow-fever country; certificate may be checked |
| Rabies | Travelers with outdoor or rural exposure | Consider for treks and animal contact |
| Malaria prophylaxis | Amazon lowlands | Discuss with a doctor; use repellent |
Check official advisories for the latest requirements (check).
Water and food safety
Tap water in Peru is not safe to drink. Use bottled water, or filter and treat it. Ice in drinks is often made from treated water in tourist areas, but be cautious. Avoid raw vegetables and unpeeled fruit unless you wash them with safe water. Street food is fine if it's cooked hot and served fresh.
Altitude and common illnesses
Cusco sits at 3,400 m; altitude sickness can affect anyone. Acclimatize for 1–2 days before strenuous activity, drink plenty of water, and consider medication like acetazolamide (Diamox) if prescribed. The main risks are altitude illness, traveler's diarrhea, and insect-borne diseases in the Amazon. Use repellent and cover skin at dawn and dusk.
Medical care and insurance
Private clinics in Lima and Cusco are good, but rural areas have limited facilities. For serious emergencies, evacuation may be needed. Travel insurance is strongly recommended; it should cover medical expenses, evacuation, and trip cancellation. Carry your policy details and emergency numbers.
FAQ
Answers to common questions about health in Peru.
Sources and verification
This page was last checked in September 2026. Always confirm with official sources before travel.
Questions people ask
What vaccines do I need for Peru?
Most travelers need routine vaccines plus hepatitis A and typhoid. If visiting the Amazon, yellow fever is recommended, and malaria prophylaxis may be advised. Check with a travel clinic 4–6 weeks before departure.
Is tap water safe to drink in Peru?
No. Tap water is not safe to drink. Use bottled or filtered water, and avoid ice unless it's from treated sources. Brush teeth with bottled water if you're cautious.
Do I need travel insurance for Peru?
Yes, strongly recommended. It should cover medical expenses, emergency evacuation, and trip cancellation. Private clinics are good in cities, but rural areas may require evacuation.
What should I do if I get altitude sickness?
Rest, hydrate, and descend if symptoms worsen. Over‑the‑counter acetazolamide (Diamox) can help if prescribed. Seek medical care for severe headache, vomiting, or difficulty breathing.
Do I need malaria prophylaxis in Peru?
Malaria risk is low and limited to the Amazon lowlands. Consult a doctor; prophylaxis may be advised for extended stays in those areas, and always use insect repellent.
Verify with the official source
Draft, not field-verified
Deep dive
Every source; changeable facts are marked check
Sources
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