Peru
🏛️ Capital: Lima
👥 Population: 34.2 million
💬 Language: Spanish
💰 Currency: Peruvian Sol (PEN)
✈️ Reasons to travel: Machu Picchu, Inca heritage, Andes mountains, Amazon rainforest, Peruvian cuisine
📈 High Season: May to September
📉 Low Season: November to Match
☀️ The warmest month: February
❄️ The coldest month: July
🌧 The rainiest month: February
Safety
Travelers should check government safety advisories before any trip to avoid dangerous situations. These sources offer reliable updates on security risks, health alerts, and local laws.
Check out the travel advisory from at least one of these government websites:
Average safety level:
Exercise increased caution
Try our travel preparation app for free, and get an overview of safety, entry requirements, local laws, contacts for hospitals, and more.
Health
Sanitation and drinking water:
Score: 56/100
Rank: 87th/180
These are based on indicators such as types of facilities and sewage systems in households, water sources, water treatments, etc. The higher the score the safer the drinking water and sanitation (based on the Environmental Performance Index from Yale University).
A lower score may suggest a higher risk of food-borne illnesses like traveler’s diarrhea.
Vaccine-preventable infectious diseases in Peru:
- Chikungunya
- Dengue fever
- Hepatitis A
- Hepatitis B
- Meningococcal meningitis
- Rabies
- Tuberculosis
- Typhoid fever
- Yellow fever
Infectious diseases in Peru with no vaccine currently available:
- Chagas disease
- Cutaneous larva migrans
- Leishmaniasis
- Malaria
- Oropouche
- West Nile virus
- Zika
Yellow fever certificate requirements:
No certificate required.
Would you like to learn more about Peru?
Use our app to find important information about relevant vaccines, what medication to pack, and how to address risks at your destination, so you can enjoy your travel to the fullest.
We’ve connected data from hundreds of scientific publications with the most recent recommendations from the world’s top authorities, including the WHO, the American CDC, and the UK’s NHS, to help you get the best preparation for the trip possible.
Try MyGlobdoc now! Peru is already available there.
Peru FAQ
Is it safe to travel to Peru in terms of health risks?
Yes, Peru is safe for travelers, but health risks vary between regions. In the Andes, altitude sickness is a common concern, while in the Amazon, mosquito-borne diseases are more frequent. Foodborne illness is also possible. With proper preparation, most travelers enjoy a healthy visit.
What vaccinations do I need before traveling to Peru?
Recommended vaccines for Peru include hepatitis A, typhoid, and tetanus. Depending on your travel route, hepatitis B, rabies, and yellow fever may also be recommended—especially for Amazon travel. MyGlobdoc can provide a personalized vaccination guide tailored to your destinations and activities.
Are there any common diseases in Peru that travelers should know about?
Yes. Traveler’s diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid are common throughout Peru. In the Amazon basin, diseases like dengue fever, malaria, and yellow fever can occur. Altitude sickness is another frequent issue in cities like Cusco or Puno.
How can I avoid food poisoning or traveler’s diarrhea in Peru?
Eat freshly cooked meals from reputable restaurants or popular street vendors. Avoid raw salads, undercooked meats, and tap water, including ice. Drink bottled or filtered water, and use hand sanitizer regularly before meals.
Is malaria a risk in Peru, and do I need anti-malarial pills?
Yes, malaria is present in parts of Peru, mainly in the Amazon and rural lowland areas. Major cities like Lima, Cusco, and Arequipa are malaria-free. MyGlobdoc can help you evaluate your route to determine if anti-malarial medication is necessary.
What mosquito-borne illnesses are present in Peru?
Mosquito-borne illnesses in Peru include dengue fever, malaria, yellow fever, and Zika virus, especially in the Amazon and jungle regions. Risks are higher during the rainy season. Prevent bites with insect repellent, long clothing, and mosquito nets when sleeping in rural areas.
Do I need travel health insurance for Peru?
Yes, travel health insurance is strongly recommended. Private hospitals in Lima and Cusco offer good care, but rural areas may lack advanced facilities. Insurance ensures access to quality treatment and covers medical evacuation if needed.
What should be in a travel medical kit for Peru?
Pack oral rehydration salts, anti-diarrheal medication, insect repellent, sunscreen, blister care, altitude sickness remedies, and prescription medicines. For Amazon travel, bring mosquito nets and water purification tablets. MyGlobdoc can generate a custom checklist based on your planned route.
How can I stay healthy while backpacking through Peru?
Stay hydrated, protect yourself from the sun, and take your time acclimatizing to altitude in the Andes. Eat carefully to avoid foodborne illness, and use mosquito protection in the jungle. Carry a small medical kit for common issues such as stomach upset or blisters.
Is Peru safe for pregnant travelers or travelers with chronic illness?
Pregnant travelers should avoid areas with Zika virus and take mosquito precautions seriously. High altitudes in Cusco, Puno, or the Sacred Valley can be challenging for those with heart or lung conditions. A high altitude environment should be avoided during pregnancy. Travelers with chronic illnesses should bring enough medication, a doctor’s letter, and confirm that insurance covers pre-existing conditions.
What should I do if I get sick in Peru?
Seek care at private hospitals or clinics in Lima, Cusco, or Arequipa for serious conditions. Pharmacies are widely available for minor illnesses, but rural areas may lack adequate facilities. Always carry your travel insurance details and emergency contacts.
What travel health documents or certificates are required for Peru?
Proof of yellow fever vaccination is not required to enter the country, but it is highly recommended for Amazon travel. It may be needed for entry to other countries in South America from Peru. Check updated entry and health requirements before departure.
Sources
Map generated with https://www.mapchart.net/index.html
Orthographic map by Addicted04 – Own work with Natural Earth Data, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=17638228 / CC-BY-SA-3.0 edited in Canva
Travel safety map from https://travel.gc.ca/destinations/peru
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0
https://datatopics.worldbank.org/world-development-indicators/
Block, S., Emerson, J. W., Esty, D. C., de Sherbinin, A., Wendling, Z. A., et al. (2024). 2024 Environmental Performance Index. New Haven, CT: Yale Center for Environmental Law & Policy. https://epi.yale.edu
Disclaimer:
The information provided on this page is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any health problem. The use or reliance on any information provided on this page is solely at your own risk.
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