Overview
There are no official vaccination requirements for entry into Peru. However, we always recommend that you seek information from a professional travel doctor before you travel. Remember that some vaccinations require more than one dose, so it is best to seek advice a few months before you travel.
Common Vaccinations for travel to Peru
- Hepatitis A, for all travelers.
- Hepatitis B, for all travelers.
- Typhoid, for all travelers
- Yellow fever, for travel into the Amazon Jungle region. Not required for travel to Lima, coastal regions, Cusco or Machu Picchu.
- Rabies, for travellers spending a lot of time outdoors, or at high risk for animal bites, or involved in any activities that might bring them into direct contact with bats or monkeys.
- Tetanus / Diphtheria, Revaccination recommended every 10 years
Diarrhoea in Peru
Yes this is an unfortunate subject that we have to cover for travel to Peru, but is possibly one of the most common ailments for many visitors. Standards of food hygiene and cleanliness of restaurants in Peru vary widely from place to place, and it is important to remember a few important precautions that will help you keep your stomach in order.
- Although tap water is generally considered okay in Peru, it is not advised to drink or clean your teeth with it. Ice in drinks can also be a problem if the water that is used is not purified.
- Always carry hand sanitizer with you, and use it before you eat.
- Never eat un-cooked vegetables, and only eat fruit which has been peeled.
- Be cautious with cheese, as this can also be a source of stomach upsets.
- Cheap restaurants are often cheap. Poor hygiene and badly cooked food is a prime source for stomach problems. Pay the additional money and eat in good restaurants.
- Badly prepared cerviche (fish cooked in lime juice) can be a source of problems. Only eat in good recommended restaurants.
If significant diarrhoea occurs or you feel nauseous (or vomit) then seek medical advice immediately. Immediate medical attention will often prevent the onset of stronger symptoms developing and affecting your tour.
Talk to your travel doctor about anti-diarrheal tablets that could help should you get ill whilst in Peru.
