Risk / Health Info for Peru

Do I need shots for Peru?

Make sure your vaccinations are up to date before you go to Peru. You can protect yourself against typhoid and hepatitis A, two nasty gastrointestinal diseases spread by contaminated food and water.

Consider also getting vaccinated against hepatitis B for Peru, especially if you are planning to go often or stay for a long time. Hep B shots are also recommended for children, and for people who plan to work in healthcare or dentistry, or might be exposed to blood or body fluid. Hepatitis B is also spread by unprotected sex, dirty needles, or invasive medical or cosmetic procedures.

There is a risk of yellow fever in Peru, so make sure you have had your shot. Keep your certificate handy, because the vaccination gives lifelong immunity.

Animals in Peru can carry rabies so make sure you are protected by this vaccination, particularly if you plan to visit remote regions or be around animals such as dogs or bats. Children should get their rabies shot because they are often bitten while playing with animals. Cyclists and runners are also at increased risk. Always get urgent medical advice about any animal scratch or bite in Peru, even if you’ve already been vaccinated.

What medical facilities are there in Peru?

Peru has well-equipped private hospitals and clinics in urban centres, and public facilities may not meet Canadian standards even in tourist areas. Make sure you have travel insurance and access to funds in case of medical emergency or evacuation, so consult your provincial or territorial health authority before you leave for Peru.

Protect yourself in Peru

Mosquito-borne illnesses including malaria, yellow fever, Zika, chikungunya and dengue fever are present in Peru. Protect yourself by wearing clothing that covers as much skin as possible and using a reliable insect repellent, and also sleeping under nets or in air-conditioned accommodation wherever possible. At least six weeks before you leave for Peru, consult our travel advisers about anti-malarial pills and your yellow fever shot, and also for advice on preventing altitude sickness.

Altitude in Peru

Parts of Peru are higher than 2,400m, and travellers planning to spend time at a high altitude should take steps to protect themselves against the potentially life-threatening acute mountain sickness. Your healthcare provider can help with this.

Dengue fever in Peru

There have been cases of the mosquito-borne virus dengue fever in Peru. Dengue fever is also known as breakbone fever because of the severe bone, joint and muscular pains it causes, in addition to flu-like fever and headache. There is no vaccine for dengue fever. Avoid mosquito bites by using insect repellents (50% DEET) and by wearing protective clothing. Sleeping with mosquito nets is also recommended.

Malaria in Peru

Malaria prophylaxis will be required for some parts of Peru at certain times of year. There is no malaria vaccine, but there are anti-malaria drugs that should be taken before, during and after travelling to certain at-risk countries. Speak with your healthcare provider six weeks before your trip, as not all prophylaxis regimes are appropriate for all regions and all individuals.

Zika in Peru

Global Affairs Canada has issued a warning about the risk of contracting Zika in Peru. Zika is a viral disease spread by mosquitoes, and infection during pregnancy has been linked to birth defects. Women who are pregnant or planning to get pregnant should take advice before travelling to Peru. Zika symptoms include rash, itch, mild fever, headache, red eyes, muscle and joint pains. Avoid mosquito bites by using insect repellents (50% DEET) and by wearing protective clothing. Mosquito nets and air conditioning should be used when sleeping.