Peru: Wonders of the Sacred Valley >

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.

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

Altitude sickness

 Cusco is at 3,360 meters above sea level (11,024 ft.). At high altitudes you can feel a slight headache for one or two days. 

Altitude sickness may occur in travelers who ascend rapidly to altitudes greater than 2,500 meters—including Cusco (3,400 meters / 11,155 ft.). Drugs can be taken for altitude sickness, so consult your doctor. 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, staying hydrated, and drinking coca tea. Some travelers choose to bring altitude sickness medication, as a precaution.