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 seaside 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?
Embassy of the United Kingdom in Peru
Do I Need Vaccines for Peru?
See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunisations:
- Hepatitis A –
Food & Water –
Recommended for most travellers to the region, especially if unvaccinated. - Hepatitis B –
Blood & Body Fluids –
Recommended for travellers to most regions. - Tetanus –
Wounds or Breaks in Skin –
Recommended for travellers to most regions, especially if not previously vaccinated. - 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 –
High risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-stay travellers and those who may come in contact with animals.
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 to the region, especially if unvaccinated. |
Hepatitis B | Blood & Body Fluids | Recommended for travellers to most regions. |
Tetanus | Wounds or Breaks in Skin | Recommended for travellers to most regions, especially if not previously vaccinated. |
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 | High risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-stay travellers and those who may come in contact with animals. |
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 whilst 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.
Do I Need a Visa or Passport for Peru?
No visa is required for stays under 183 days in Peru. Passports must be valid for at least six months beyond the date of entry.
Peru Entry Requirements |
||
Do I Need A… | For My Trip to Peru? | |
---|---|---|
Passport | ||
Tourist Visa | ||
Business Visa | ||
Vaccinations |
Sources: Embassy of Peru and GOV.UK
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 UK.
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. Ensure 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. Ensure to include anti-diarrhoeal, 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.
Embassy of the United Kingdom in Peru
If you are in Peru and have an emergency (for example, been attacked, arrested or someone has died) contact the nearest consular services. Contact the embassy before arrival if you have additional questions on entry requirements, safety concerns or are in need of assistance.
British Embassy Lima
Torre Parque Mar (22nd Floor)
Avenida José Larco 1301
Miraflores
Lima
Peru
Telephone: +51 1 617 3000
Emergency Phone: 00 51 1 617 3000
Fax: +51 1 617 3100
Contact Form: Click Here
If you have any questions about travelling to Peru or are wondering which jabs you may need for your trip, schedule an appointment with your local Passport Health travel medicine clinic. Ring us up at or book online today.