Travel Vaccines and Advice for Peru
With a wide array of natural beauty to explore, Peru is a popular destination.
A place of great history, Peru has something to offer everyone. A day can be spent hiking dunes, sunning on beach or walking through ancient ruins.
Contained within Peru are parts of the Andes mountain range and the Amazon jungle.
There is plenty to see and do in the urban areas and rural villages as well. From fantastic music to culinary delights, large cities like Lima, Cusco and Piura have much to offer.
On This Page:
Do I Need Vaccines for Peru?
Other Ways to Stay Healthy in Peru
Do I Need a Visa or Passport for Peru?
What Is the Climate Like in Peru?
How Safe Is Peru?
Trekking in Peru
What Should I Take to Peru?
U.S. Embassy in Peru
Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Peru. The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Peru: typhoid, hepatitis A, polio, yellow fever, chikungunya, rabies, hepatitis B, influenza, COVID-19, pneumonia, meningitis, chickenpox, shingles, Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis) and measles, mumps and rubella (MMR).
See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunizations:
- Typhoid –
Food & Water –
Recommended for travelers to most regions. - Hepatitis A –
Food & Water –
Recommended for most travelers. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Generally considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended. - Yellow Fever –
Mosquito –
Recommended for all travelers over 9 months of age going to areas at elevations under 7500 ft. in the regions of Amazonas, Loreto, Madre de Dios, San Martin and Ucayali, Puno, Cusco, Junín, Pasco, Huánuco, far north of Apurimac, far northern Huancavelica, far northeastern Ancash, eastern La Libertad, northern and eastern Cajamarca, northern and northeastern Ayacucho, and eastern Piura. - Chikungunya –
Mosquito –
Peru is a higher risk region. Vaccination is recommended. - Rabies –
Saliva of Infected Animals –
Moderate risk country. Vaccine recommended for certain travelers based on destination, activities and length of stay. - Hepatitis B –
Blood & Body Fluids –
Recommended for travelers to most regions. - Influenza –
Airborne –
Vaccine components change annually. - COVID-19 –
Airborne –
Recommended for travel to all regions, both foreign and domestic. - Pneumonia –
Airborne –
Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. - Meningitis –
Direct Contact & Airborne –
Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. - Chickenpox –
Direct Contact & Airborne –
Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. - Shingles –
Direct Contact –
Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended. - TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) –
Wounds & Airborne –
Only one adult booster of pertussis required. - Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) –
Various Vectors –
Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended.
See the table below for more information:
Recommended Travel Vaccinations for Peru |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Typhoid | Food & Water | Recommended for travelers to most regions. |
| Hepatitis A | Food & Water | Recommended for most travelers. |
| Polio | Food & Water | Generally considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended. |
| Yellow Fever | Mosquito | Recommended for all travelers over 9 months of age going to areas at elevations under 7500 ft. in the regions of Amazonas, Loreto, Madre de Dios, San Martin and Ucayali, Puno, Cusco, Junín, Pasco, Huánuco, far north of Apurimac, far northern Huancavelica, far northeastern Ancash, eastern La Libertad, northern and eastern Cajamarca, northern and northeastern Ayacucho, and eastern Piura. |
| Chikungunya | Mosquito | Peru is a higher risk region. Vaccination is recommended. |
| Rabies | Saliva of Infected Animals | Moderate risk country. Vaccine recommended for certain travelers based on destination, activities and length of stay. |
| Hepatitis B | Blood & Body Fluids | Recommended for travelers to most regions. |
Routine Vaccinations for Peru |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Influenza | Airborne | Vaccine components change annually. |
| COVID-19 | Airborne | Recommended for travel to all regions, both foreign and domestic. |
| Pneumonia | Airborne | Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. |
| Meningitis | Direct Contact & Airborne | Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. |
| Chickenpox | Direct Contact & Airborne | Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. |
| Shingles | Direct Contact | Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. |
| TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) | Wounds & Airborne | Only one adult booster of pertussis required. |
| Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) | Various Vectors | Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. |
- Typhoid – Typhoid, caused by Salmonella Typhi, spreads via contaminated food and water, especially in areas with poor sanitation. Protect yourself by practicing good hygiene and safe food habits. Vaccination can significantly reduce the risk of typhoid infection, especially when traveling to endemic areas.
- Hepatitis A – Hepatitis A is a highly contagious liver infection caused by the hepatitis A virus. It’s typically spread through contaminated food or water. The hepatitis A vaccine is a safe and effective immunization that protects against the virus, usually given in two shots for long-term prevention.
- Yellow Fever – Yellow fever, transmitted through mosquito bites, can lead to serious illness. Prevention is key. The yellow fever vaccine is a must for travelers visiting at-risk regions. The vaccine provides lifetime protection.
- Chikungunya – Chikungunya, transmitted via mosquito bites, poses a health threat. Prevention involves mosquito bite avoidance and vaccination against the disease.
- Rabies – Rabies, a deadly viral disease, spreads via bites or scratches from infected animals. Vaccination is the cornerstone of prevention, including post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) for suspected exposures and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for individuals with regular animal contact or travelers.
- Hepatitis B – The hepatitis B virus causes liver infection, spreading through contact with infected bodily fluids. Prevention measures include safe practices and, notably, hepatitis B vaccination. This vaccine effectively triggers the immune system to produce antibodies, offering reliable, long-term protection against the virus.
- Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) – Measles, mumps, and rubella are highly contagious viral infections. Vaccination is the cornerstone of prevention. The MMR vaccine, with its two-dose regimen, ensures strong immunity, reducing the risk of disease transmission and protecting both individuals and the broader population from these potentially severe illnesses.
Yellow fever vaccination is generally recommended for travel to Peru. If only traveling to the high Andes or Cajamarca, vaccination may not be needed, depending on activities and mode of transportation. Traveling from Peru to another country may require proof of yellow fever vaccination even if you were not in yellow fever-endemic areas.
Antimalarials are recommended for all areas under 8,200ft except the following: Lima Province, the Pacific Coast and the cities of Arequipa, Ica, Moquegua, Nazca, Puno and Tacna. Malaria in Peru is choloquine-resistant, limiting the antimalarials that can be used.
To find out more about these vaccines, see our vaccinations page. Ready to travel safely? Book your appointment either call 1-888-499-7277 or book online now.
Keep bugs at bay by dressing smartly and applying EPA-registered repellents containing DEET, picaridin, or OLE. In case of a bug bite, cleanse the area, refrain from scratching, and find relief with readily available remedies. If symptoms worsen, consult a healthcare professional.
Abroad, make wise food choices by familiarizing yourself with local cuisine and favoring established restaurants. Frequent handwashing is crucial, and it’s advisable to steer clear of street food, opting for thoroughly cooked options. A travelers’ diarrhea kit is recommended for travel to all regions throughout the world.
- Chagas disease (American Trypanosomiasis) – Chagas disease, transmitted through kissing bug bites, can be prevented with insecticides and insect avoidance.
- Dengue – Aedes mosquitoes spread dengue to millions globally, prevention is the best defense. The disease can strike multiple times due to its four strains, underscoring the need for mosquito bite prevention like netting and repellents.
- Leishmaniasis – Leishmaniasis, a parasitic disease carried by sand flies, poses a substantial health risk. Effective prevention includes protective measures like using insect repellents, wearing long clothing, and avoiding outdoor activities during sand fly peak hours.
- Zika – Zika, a mosquito-borne virus, can cause mild to severe symptoms and poses significant risks during pregnancy. Prevention strategies include using insect repellent, safe sex practices, and avoiding travel to affected areas.
Travelers from the United States do not need a visa to enter Peru if they are staying less than 30 days. While entry and exit regulations are more relaxed than other countries, fines can mount up if you stay past your deadline.
Peru Entry Requirements |
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| Do I Need A… | For My Trip to Peru? | |
|---|---|---|
| Passport |  |
|
| Tourist Visa | ||
| Business Visa | ||
| Vaccinations | |
|
Sources: Embassy of Peru and U.S. State Department
Peru is a country with different climates depending on where you go. Here are some of the most popular tourist destinations and what the weather is like there:
- Lima : The capital of Peru is often foggy during the winter months and has temperatures between 60 to 75 degrees throughout the year.
- Cusco : This city in the Andes Mountains has two seasons. The dry season from May-October is sunny and cold at night, and the rainy season from November-April is wet.
- Machu Picchu : This high-altitude destination has cooler temperatures ranging from 55 to 75 year-round. The driest and most popular time to visit is from May-October.
- Arequipa : This city has a dry climate with temperatures ranging from 60 to 80 year-round, but nights can be chilly.
- Iquitos : This city in the Amazon rainforest has a hot and humid climate with temperatures ranging from 80 to 95 year-round. The wettest months are from November-April.
Remember that weather can change, so it’s important to check the forecast before you go.
Peru’s safety situation is like other Latin American countries. Travelers should avoid leaving their residences after dark without a local guide. Be sure to stick to well-lit areas and public thoroughfares with heavy foot traffic.
When in public, be aware of your surroundings, especially in urban areas. pick-pocketing and other forms of petty theft are common in Peru.
Do not travel with debit or credit cards. Leave them at your hotel or hostel for the day unless they are necessary.
Some drugs that are illegal in the United States are widely available in Peru. Be cautious in what you buy do not return with any substances that are illegal in the U.S.
Avoid mosquitoes and other bugs
Insect-borne disease are a
threat throughout the world.
Keep the bugs away with
Passport Health’s repellent options!
One of the most popular tourist activities in Peru is trekking. There are many routes for visitors to hike, with the most famous being the Inca Trail that leads to Machu Picchu. These trips are a great way to soak in natural beauty and experience historical sites.
There are many companies to choose from when planning a trek, and prices can vary. Make sure to research the group you are going with to assure safety and financial security.
There is also a range of extreme sports such as skydiving and rafting that are open to the public.
Here are some essential items to consider for your trip to Peru:
- Medical Supplies – These can be expensive in Peru, so it is important to bring one’s own. Make sure to include anti-diarrheal, antimalarials and basic over-the-counter aides.
- Breathable Clothing – The climate of Peru in the central lowlands and the coast can be quite hot. Wear clothing that is not too thick, and that you wouldn’t mind sweating in.
- Warm Clothing – Take these with you if traveling to an area near or within the Andes mountain range.
- Documents – Be sure to bring a passport and another form of identification.
- Cash – It is safest to operate on a cash-only basis.
All Americans visiting Peru should register online with the U.S. Department of State before departure. This will inform the office of your travel plans within the country and will allow them to reach out in the case of an emergency or evacuation.
Once in Peru, the information for the U.S. Embassy is:
U.S. Embassy Lima
Avenida La Encalada cdra. 17 s/n
Surco, Lima 33
Peru
Telephone: +(51)(1) 618-2000
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(51)(1) 618-2000
Fax: +(51)(1) 618-2724
Email: LimaACS@state.gov
Visit the Embassy to Peru website before departure to confirm correct contact details for the office.
If you have any questions about traveling to Peru or are wondering what shots you may need for your trip, schedule an appointment with your local Passport Health travel medicine clinic. Call us at 1-888-499-7277 or book online today.
Customer Reviews
Passport Health – Travel Vaccines for Peru
“The nurse was friendly and had lots of information for my daughter and me. She had all of the vaccines we needed for an upcoming trip to Peru. Since our primary care provider is really booked up and doesn’t carry all of the vaccines we need, Passport Health was the perfect option for us. Our local health department recommended we try Passport Health and I’m glad they did!”
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