Travel Vaccines for Peru
Everything you need to stay healthy on your Peruvian adventure — from the heights of Machu Picchu to the depths of the Amazon rainforest. About 100,000 Canadians visit Peru each year.
Verified by CDC · Updated February 2025
What Vaccines Do You Need for Peru?
Based on current CDC guidelines. Your specific needs depend on your itinerary, health history, and planned activities — especially if visiting the Amazon region.
Hepatitis A
Strongly RecommendedProtects against contaminated food and water — essential for ALL travelers to Peru. Whether you're exploring Lima's ceviche scene or remote villages, this vaccine is your first line of defense. One dose protects your trip; a booster provides lifetime immunity.
Typhoid
Strongly RecommendedBacterial infection spread through contaminated food and water. Critical if you're eating street food, visiting local markets in Cusco, or traveling outside major tourist areas. Available as injection or oral capsules.
Yellow Fever
Strongly RecommendedREQUIRED if visiting the Amazon basin or jungle regions (including Iquitos, Puerto Maldonado, Manu). Not needed for Lima, Cusco, or Machu Picchu. Provides lifetime protection with a single dose. Bring your yellow vaccination card.
Hepatitis B
RecommendedSpread through blood and bodily fluids. Recommended for travelers under 60, those who might need medical care abroad, adventure travelers, or anyone staying 6+ months. Important for remote Amazon trips.
Rabies
RecommendedStrongly recommended for Amazon jungle visits where wildlife encounters are common and medical care is hours away. Also consider if exploring caves (bats) or spending extended time in rural areas.
Cholera (Dukoral)
RecommendedConsider if visiting areas with active outbreaks or traveling to remote regions with limited access to clean water. Also provides some protection against traveler's diarrhea from ETEC bacteria.
Routine Vaccines (Tdap, MMR, Polio)
RecommendedEnsure your routine vaccines are up to date. Many Canadians are overdue for their Tdap booster. We'll check your records during your consultation.
We stock all these vaccines. Book a free consultation and we'll create your personalized protection plan — usually completed in a single visit.
What to Watch Out For
These are the most common health concerns for travelers to Peru. Risks vary significantly between the coast, highlands, and Amazon basin.
Altitude Sickness (Soroche)
Major concern in Cusco (3,400m), Lake Titicaca (3,800m), and during Machu Picchu treks. Symptoms include headache, nausea, fatigue, and shortness of breath. Can be serious if ignored.
Acclimatize slowly, stay hydrated, consider DiamoxTraveler's Diarrhea
Very common — affects up to 50% of visitors. Can be particularly problematic at altitude where dehydration is already a concern.
Dukoral vaccine + careful food choicesDengue Fever
Mosquito-borne virus present in lowland areas, including the Amazon basin and northern coastal regions. Symptoms include high fever, severe headache, and joint pain.
DEET 20%+ repellent, long sleevesZika Virus
Mosquito-borne virus with serious risks for pregnant women. Present in lowland areas including the Amazon. Not a concern in highland regions like Cusco.
Avoid if pregnant; strict mosquito preventionYellow Fever
Serious viral disease transmitted by mosquitoes in the Amazon basin. Can be fatal. Vaccine is highly effective and provides lifetime protection.
Yellow Fever vaccine required for AmazonChagas Disease
Transmitted by triatomine bugs in rural and jungle areas. Can cause serious long-term heart problems if untreated.
Avoid sleeping in mud/thatch structuresMalaria Risk in Peru
Important: Malaria risk in Peru is LIMITED to the Amazon basin. There is NO malaria risk in Lima, Cusco, Machu Picchu, Lake Titicaca, or coastal areas — so most classic Peru itineraries don't require antimalarials.
Risk Areas
RISK AREAS: Amazon region including Iquitos, Puerto Maldonado, Loreto, Madre de Dios. NO RISK: Lima, Cusco, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Arequipa, Lake Titicaca, Nazca, coastal areas, and areas above 2,000m elevation.
Recommended Prevention
If visiting the Amazon: Atovaquone-proguanil (Malarone) or Doxycycline recommended. Some chloroquine resistance exists. We'll advise based on your specific jungle itinerary and lodge location.
Essential Health Tips
Altitude Acclimatization
- Spend 2-3 days in Cusco before strenuous activity
- Drink plenty of water (3-4 liters/day)
- Avoid alcohol for first 24-48 hours
- Try coca tea (mate de coca) — it helps
- Consider Diamox (acetazolamide) — ask us
- Descend immediately if symptoms worsen
Food & Water Safety
- Drink only bottled or purified water
- Be cautious with ceviche from street vendors
- Peel fruits yourself, skip pre-cut fruit
- Choose busy restaurants with high turnover
- "Boil it, cook it, peel it, or forget it"
Amazon & Jungle Safety
- Use DEET 30%+ or Picaridin repellent
- Wear long sleeves and pants in jungle
- Sleep under treated mosquito nets
- Take antimalarials exactly as prescribed
- Bring extra supplies — jungle lodges are remote
Common Questions About Traveling to Peru
No — Yellow Fever vaccine is NOT required for the classic Machu Picchu route (Lima → Cusco → Sacred Valley → Machu Picchu). It's only required if you're also visiting the Amazon jungle (Iquitos, Puerto Maldonado, Manu, etc.). However, if your trip includes an Amazon extension, the vaccine is essential and may be checked at some borders.
Very serious — Cusco sits at 3,400m (11,150 ft), and most travelers experience some symptoms. Mild effects (headache, fatigue, shortness of breath) are normal. We strongly recommend acclimatizing for 2-3 days before hiking, staying hydrated, avoiding alcohol initially, and considering Diamox (acetazolamide). We can prescribe this during your consultation.
No — the Inca Trail, Cusco, Sacred Valley, and Machu Picchu are all above 2,000m elevation where malaria-carrying mosquitoes don't survive. Antimalarials are only needed for Amazon jungle visits (Iquitos, Puerto Maldonado, etc.). We'll review your complete itinerary to determine what you need.
Amazon travelers need Yellow Fever vaccine (required), and should strongly consider Rabies (wildlife exposure, remote location), plus antimalarial medication. Hepatitis A, Typhoid, and Hepatitis B are important for all Peru travelers. The Amazon also has higher risk of dengue, Zika, and other mosquito-borne diseases, so bring strong repellent.
Ceviche at reputable restaurants is generally safe — the citric acid in lime juice helps kill bacteria. However, avoid ceviche from street vendors or questionable establishments, as improper handling is a major risk for traveler's diarrhea. Stick to busy, well-reviewed restaurants and ensure the fish looks and smells fresh.
Ideally 4-6 weeks before travel, especially if you need Yellow Fever vaccine (required 10 days before entering risk areas). However, don't skip your appointment if leaving sooner — we can still provide most vaccines and health advice on shorter notice. Altitude medication can be prescribed even days before departure.
Get Protected Before Your Peru Trip
Free consultation — we'll review your itinerary, recommend vaccines, and get you protected. Most patients complete everything in one visit.
Peru Travel Consultation
Free — No Consultation FeeComplete itinerary review, all recommended vaccines (including Yellow Fever if needed), altitude sickness medication, and personalized health advice for your Peru trip. You only pay for vaccines administered.