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Vaccinations & Shots

There are NO required vaccinations or shots for travel to Peru. However, you should consult your doctor to ensure that all of your immunizations are up-to-date.

We recommend that you consult with your local travel clinic for recommended inoculations for travel to Peru. Your local travel clinic may have some recommendations specifically for you. To find out the most current travel health information, we recommend that you contact the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Altitude sickness

Cusco is at 3,360 (11,024 ft) meters above sea level, (nearly double Denver). Certain people are affected by high altitude and may experience symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, nausea, and shortness of breath. This is known as "altitude sickness" or "mountain sickness". 

Altitude sickness may occur in travelers who ascend rapidly to altitudes greater than 2,500 meters. Drugs can be taken for altitude sickness, so consult your doctor before your trip. To help alleviate altitude sickness, we recommend you get enough rest, drink lots of liquids (still water, coca tea, and avoid anything carbonated), and eat lightly. We also recommend avoiding heavy foods the first days upon arrival as digestion takes longer in altitude (digestion requires oxygen). 

Most travelers do not experience altitude sickness, however, everyone is different! We highly recommend that you arrive a day before the trip start date to acclimate. The best way to combat altitude sickness is by resting, and staying hydrated. Some travelers choose to bring altitude sickness medication, as a precaution. Many locals in Peru drink coca tea or chew on coca leaves to help reduce the effects. This is an option as well. 

Amazon Extension

While the Peruvian Amazon is an incredible place to visit, make sure you prepare well for your travel to Peru by packing efficiently and getting the recommended vaccinations. Before you travel to Puerto Maldonado or other places in the Peruvian Amazon, visit a healthcare provider  who can tell you which vaccinations are recommended due to your health and vaccination history. It is best to see this physician 4-6 weeks before your travel to allow time for vaccinations to take effect. You should mention each country you are visiting on your trip in order to receive appropriate advice for all of your travel destinations. While there are no required vaccinations for travel to Peru, the United States Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has the following recommendations:

 Hepatitis A: Vaccination is recommended to all travelers to Peru.

Typhoid Fever: Vaccination is recommended to all travelers to tropical South America especially those who may be staying in rural areas where exposure through food or water could occur.

Yellow Fever: Vaccination is highly recommended for travel to Amazonia and the Southern Amazon basin. The shot should be given at least 10 days before your arrival.

Rabies: Vaccination is ONLY recommended to travelers with an increased risk of exposure including long-term travelers living in an area that poses a high risk of exposure, travelers working in occupations who will have direct contact with bats, stray dogs, and cats, or other mammals such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals or researchers.

Information subject to change. To find out the most current travel health information, we recommend that you contact the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Malaria is present but extremely rare. If you wish to take medical precautions against malaria consult your physician or a specialist in tropical medicine.