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Peru Health Care and Vaccinations
| Title | Special precautions |
|---|---|
| Diphtheria |
Sometimes |
| Hepatitis A |
Yes |
| Malaria |
Sometimes ** |
| Rabies |
Sometimes |
| Tetanus |
Yes |
| Typhoid |
Yes |
| Yellow Fever |
Sometimes * |
Healthcare standards in Peru are variable and strongly dependent on location and facility type. Private clinics and hospitals in Lima, particularly in the Miraflores and San Isidro districts, offer a good standard of care for most conditions, with English-speaking doctors available at a number of facilities. Outside the capital, private facilities in Cusco, Arequipa and Trujillo provide adequate care for common conditions, but for serious illness or major surgery, evacuation to Lima or abroad may be necessary.
In remote highland and jungle areas, medical facilities are very limited. Village health posts operate with basic resources, and the nearest hospital for a jungle lodge may be hours away by river and then by road. Travellers planning extended stays in remote areas should carry a personal medical kit, have reliable travel insurance with evacuation coverage, and be aware of the nearest facility capable of treating serious emergencies.
Altitude sickness is a significant health consideration for visitors to Cusco, the Sacred Valley, Lake Titicaca and other high Andean destinations. Symptoms range from mild headache and fatigue to severe acute mountain sickness, high altitude pulmonary oedema or high altitude cerebral oedema in rare cases. The standard preventive approach includes gradual ascent where possible, rest and hydration on arrival, and avoidance of alcohol and strenuous activity for the first 24 to 48 hours. Acetazolamide (Diamox) is available by prescription and may be prescribed prophylactically for visitors with previous susceptibility to altitude illness.
Pharmacies are widely available in cities and towns throughout Peru and are generally well stocked with common medications. Many drugs available only on prescription in Europe or North America can be obtained over the counter in Peru, though quality assurance for some products may vary. Bringing an adequate supply of any personal prescription medication is advisable.
Travel insurance with comprehensive medical and evacuation cover is essential. Reputable private clinics in Lima typically require evidence of insurance or a deposit before providing treatment.
Tap water is not safe to drink in Peru and visitors should drink only bottled or purified water throughout the country, including in Lima. This extends to ice in drinks, brushing teeth and washing raw fruit and vegetables, particularly in less regulated settings. Bottled water is widely available and inexpensive. At established restaurants and hotels, ice is generally prepared from purified water, but in informal or budget settings this should not be assumed.
Food from established restaurants and busy street food stalls where turnover is high and preparation is visible is generally safe. Ceviche, consumed fresh and properly prepared with the acid of lime juice acting as a natural disinfectant, is safe at reputable establishments. Raw shellfish, poorly refrigerated seafood and food from unchecked sources carry a greater risk. Travellers' diarrhoea is relatively common in Peru, particularly among visitors travelling extensively or eating from a wide range of sources. Carrying oral rehydration sachets and knowing how to manage the condition is advisable.
Petty crime, including pickpocketing, bag snatching and phone theft, is common in Lima, Cusco and other tourist areas. In Lima, higher-risk areas include the historic centre, bus terminals and crowded markets, while in Cusco, extra caution is advisable around San Pedro Market and transport hubs. Standard precautions include using a money belt for valuables, avoiding the conspicuous display of expensive phones or cameras, and remaining alert in crowds and at bus and train stations. More serious robberies can occur; if confronted, handing over valuables without resistance is generally recommended.
Road safety is a significant concern in Peru. Traffic conditions can be unpredictable, particularly on mountain roads, and night bus travel carries greater risks than daytime travel. On intercity routes, reputable operators with newer vehicles and trained drivers are worth the additional cost. In smaller towns, motorcycle taxis (mototaxis) are widely used but are often loosely regulated and generally less safe than conventional taxis.
Natural hazards include earthquakes, for which Peru sits in a seismically active zone on the Pacific Ring of Fire, altitude illness at high elevations, and flooding and landslides during the rainy season on mountain and jungle roads. The VRAEM region of central Peru, the Apurimac, Ene and Mantaro river valleys, has historically been associated with narco-trafficking activity and is generally advised against for tourist travel; travellers should consult their government's current travel advice before visiting remote parts of the country.
Peru is considered to have a very low risk of Zika virus transmission. The World Health Organisation registered one case of sexual transmission of the virus in April 2016. This was the country’s first confirmed case of Zika virus infection and although the World Health Organisation does not recommend any travel or trade restriction to Peru, they do recommend basic precautions for protection from mosquito bites should be taken by people traveling to high risk areas, especially pregnant women. These include use of repellents, wearing light coloured, long sleeved shirts and pants and ensuring rooms are fitted with screens to prevent mosquitoes from entering.
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