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?
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?
Canadian Embassy in Peru
Do I Need Vaccines for Peru?
Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Peru. The PHAC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Peru: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, yellow fever, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia and influenza.
See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunizations:
- Hepatitis A –
Food & Water –
Recommended for most travellers - Hepatitis B –
Blood & Body Fluids –
Recommended for travellers to most regions. - Typhoid –
Food & Water –
Recommended for travellers
to most regions. - Yellow Fever –
Mosquito –
Recommended for all travellers over 9 months of age going to areas at elevations under 2,200 metres 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. - Rabies –
Saliva of Infected Animals –
Moderate risk country. Vaccine recommended for certain travellers based on destination, activities and length of stay. - Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) –
Various Vectors –
Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. - TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) –
Wounds & Airborne –
Only one adult booster of pertussis required. - 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. - Pneumonia –
Airborne –
Two vaccines given seperately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. - Influenza –
Airborne –
Vaccine components change annually. - Meningitis –
Airborne & Direct Contact –
Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended.
See the tables below for more information:
Recommended Travel Vaccinations for Peru |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Hepatitis A | Food & Water | Recommended for most travellers |
| Hepatitis B | Blood & Body Fluids | Recommended for travellers to most regions. |
| Typhoid | Food & Water | Recommended for travellers to most regions. |
| Yellow Fever | Mosquito | Recommended for all travellers over 9 months of age going to areas at elevations under 2,200 metres 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. |
| Rabies | Saliva of Infected Animals | Moderate risk country. Vaccine recommended for certain travellers based on destination, activities and length of stay. |
Routine Vaccinations for Peru |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) | Various Vectors | Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. |
| TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) | Wounds & Airborne | Only one adult booster of pertussis required. |
| 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. |
| Pneumonia | Airborne | Two vaccines given seperately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. |
| Influenza | Airborne | Vaccine components change annually. |
| Meningitis | Airborne & Direct Contact | Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. |
| Polio | Food & Water | Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended. |
Antimalarials or recommended for travel to some jungle regions. Consult with a travel health specialist to learn if you will need them for your trip.
There is also a risk of contracting Zika virus while in Peru. Because of the birth defects caused by the virus, it is recommended that pregnant women do not travel to Peru.
Dengue is another threat to travellers. The mosquito-borne disease can be fatal if it becomes hemorrhagic fever. Protection from all three diseases is possible through using insect repellents and mosquito netting.
See our vaccinations page to learn more about these infections and vaccines. Ready to protect yourself? Book your travel health appointment today by calling or schedule online now.
Customer Reviews
Passport Health – Travel Vaccines for Peru
“I have to compliment both of the nurses I met at Passport Health in Barrie. One was very patient with me when I first booked, explained things in a great deal of detail and helped accommodate me at the last minute to meet my schedule. The other who I actually met with in the office was very thorough and explained all my options in detail including giving me a very comprehensive report afterwards. My overall impression was that I’m more than ready for my trip to Peru and that I picked the right provider to help get me there. Thanks to all of you at Passport Health! I would use you again for any other trips I might plan in future.”
“Excellent consultation session for my trip to peru. The nurse was very professional as well as patient in providing the vaccines, medications and some situations to watch out for when travelling in the area. And it’s really convinient to get consultation, vaccine shots and medicines all in the clinic with one-time visit. Definitely recommended to anyone who need similar service for business or leiture trips!”
“It was a good experience I was able to have good information and clarify about my trip to Peru and what I need…I am so grateful for the guidance I receive. thank you for the kindness”
“Hello there: I went to Passport health for travel advice to go to Peru. I was fortunate to have a wonderful nurse look after me. She was very thorough, very friendly and very efficient. I feel in good hands travelling under Passport’s care and advice. Thank you!”
“I came to the clinic to get my vaccinations for Peru, and had a great experience. The nurse was very thorough and provided me with all of the information I needed for my trip. She was very professional and patient with me when I mentioned that I felt sick after receiving my vaccines. Friendly reception and easy to make an appointment. Would recommend!”
“Great service quick and knowledgeable about Peru. Will be going back.”
“Excellent service. We met with our nurse in preparation for our trip to Peru. We received a great package regarding the immunizations along with other helpful information with regards to our trip.”
“I recently patronized “Passport Health” to prepare me for a trip to Peru, health-wise. The service was very positive. They were well informed and up on the health risks pertaining to my trip to Peru. The vaccination process was quick, well explained to me and thorough. Very informed staff and was quick and easy. I am very happy with my experience there and would recommend them for your health peace of mind on your travels to areas that are health risks.”
“I visited in preparation for a trip to Peru. The nurse was most helpful in reviewing what vaccinations I needed keeping in mind what I had already had. She discussed each option in detail and let me make an informed decision in consultation with my doctor. Excellent service. Thank you.”
“I met with the consultant this morning and she was very prepared with all of the details about where I will be heading in Peru. She was very knowledgeable about all the vaccinations required and the details of each.”
Do I Need a Visa or Passport for Peru?
Travellers from Canada do not need a visa to enter Peru if they are staying less than 90 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 |
||
| Do I Need A… | For My Trip to Peru? | |
|---|---|---|
| Passport |  |
|
| Tourist Visa | ||
| Business Visa | |
|
| Vaccinations | ||
Sources: Embassy of Peru and Canadian Travel and Tourism
All Canadian tourists will receive an entry stamp in their passport, as well as an Andean Immigration card upon their arrival. If you are travelling to Peru for business purposes, a visa is required.
Visit the Canadian Travel and Tourism website for more information on entry and exit requirements.
What is the Climate Like in Peru?
The equator runs through Peru making the climate very warm. The average annual temperature is in the mid-20’s. Nights can get chilly with temperatures reaching the low-10’s.
There is a rainy season from March to May and from October to November. In November and December there is light rain.
How Safe is Peru?
Peru’s safety situation is like other Latin American countries. Travellers 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. Pickpocketing 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.
Trekking in Peru
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.
What Should I Take To Peru?
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 travelling 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.
Canadian Embassy in Peru
Canadian consular services can help travellers with many issues they may face including passport services. Once in Peru, the information for the Canadian Embassy is:
Embassy of Canada to Peru
Bolognesi 228, Miraflores
15074, Lima – Peru
Telephone: 51-1-319-3200
If you have any questions about travelling 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 or book online today.
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