Peru Travel Health Guide
Moderate risk
Peru carries a CDC Level 1 travel health notice. Malaria risk exists in areas below 2,500m elevation east of the Andes. Key travel vaccines: COVID-19, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B.
Overall risk
Moderate risk
Malaria
Present
Best time to visit
Year-round
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines
Make sure you are up-to-date on all routine vaccines including chickenpox, DTP, flu, MMR, polio, and shingles.
COVID-19
All eligible travelers should be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines.
Hepatitis A
Recommended for unvaccinated travelers one year and older. Infants 6-11 months should also be vaccinated.
Hepatitis B
Recommended for unvaccinated travelers under 60. Those 60 and older may also get vaccinated.
Measles
Cases of measles are rising worldwide. All international travelers should be fully vaccinated with MMR vaccine, including early dose for infants 6-11 months.
Typhoid
Recommended for most travelers, especially those staying with friends or relatives or visiting smaller cities or rural areas.
Yellow Fever
Vaccine recommended for travelers to specific areas below 2,300m elevation, especially jungle regions. Not required for entry. Not recommended for Lima, Cusco, Machu Picchu, or high-altitude areas.
Chikungunya
There is elevated chikungunya risk in Peru. Vaccination may be considered for extended stays of 6 months or more.
Rabies
Dogs infected with rabies are sometimes found in Peru. Rabies vaccines may only be available in larger medical facilities. Consider pre-exposure vaccination based on your activities and access to medical care.
Disease risks
Malaria
Malaria risk exists in areas below 2,500m elevation east of the Andes. Take prescription medicine to prevent malaria in high-risk areas. No risk in Lima, Cusco, Machu Picchu, or coastal areas.
Altitude Sickness
Cusco (3,400m), Huaraz (3,050m), Puno/Lake Titicaca (3,820m), Inca Trail; >50% AMS; acclimatize in Sacred Valley (2,500m); coca tea may help symptoms.
Traveler's Diarrhea
Amazon regions (e.g., Loreto, Madre de Dios); low risk in Lima, Cusco (non-Amazon).
Malaria risk
Malaria is present in this destination. Prophylaxis medication is recommended.
Malaria risk exists in areas below 2,500m elevation east of the Andes. Take prescription medicine to prevent malaria in high-risk areas. No risk in Lima, Cusco, Machu Picchu, or coastal areas.
Emergency numbers
Police
105
Medical / Ambulance
106
Fire
116
Tourist Police
1818
U.S. Embassy
+51-1-618-2000
Peru travel health FAQ
Do I need vaccines to travel to Peru?▼
For travel to Peru, Routine vaccines, COVID-19, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Measles, Typhoid and Yellow Fever are recommended; Chikungunya and Rabies may be advised depending on your itinerary. Make sure your routine vaccinations (such as MMR, Tdap, polio and seasonal flu) are up to date, and see a travel-health provider about 4–6 weeks before you leave.
Is there malaria in Peru?▼
Yes — malaria is present in Peru. Antimalarial prophylaxis is recommended for most travelers, alongside insect-bite precautions such as repellent and treated bed nets.
Is it safe to travel to Peru?▼
From a travel-health standpoint, Peru is currently rated moderate risk. Peru carries a CDC Level 1 travel health notice. Malaria risk exists in areas below 2,500m elevation east of the Andes. Key travel vaccines: COVID-19, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B.
What are the emergency phone numbers in Peru?▼
Key emergency numbers in Peru are Police 105, Medical / Ambulance 106, Fire 116, Tourist Police 1818 and U.S. Embassy +51-1-618-2000. Save them before you travel and confirm the current numbers with your accommodation on arrival.
More country guides
Argentina carries a CDC Level 1 travel health notice. No malaria risk. Key travel vaccines: COVID-19, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B.
Bolivia carries a CDC Level 2 travel health notice. Malaria risk exists in areas below 2,500m elevation. Key travel vaccines: COVID-19, Chikungunya, Hepatitis A. Required for entry (applies below 2300m)
Brazil carries a CDC Level 1 travel health notice. Malaria risk exists in certain areas of Brazil. Key travel vaccines: COVID-19, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B.
Plan your Peru trip
Get vaccines, prescriptions and a personalized health plan for Peru — matched to your itinerary and travelers.
Build my Trip KitSources: CDC Travelers' Health · WHO International Travel and Health. Last updated 2026-07-31. Health conditions and entry rules change — verify with the CDC, WHO and your destination’s authorities before travel. This page is informational and not a substitute for advice from a travel-medicine provider.