Peru

Recommended Vaccinations For Peru

For Most Travellers

Hepatitis A Vaccine

There is a significant risk of exposure to hepatitis A for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.

Hepatitis B Vaccine

There is a significant risk of infection with hepatitis B for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.

For Some Travellers

Yellow Fever Vaccine

Peru does not have a country requirement. However, there is a risk of yellow fever in Peru. The yellow fever vaccination is recommended for all travellers 9 months of age or older going to the following areas at altitudes below 2,300 meters: the Regions of Amazonas, Loreto, Madre de Dios, San Martin, Ucayali, Puno, Cusco, Junín, Pasco, and Huánuco, and areas of the following regions: far north of Apurimac, far northern Huancavelica, far northeastern Ancash, eastern La Libertad, northern and eastern Cajamarca, northern and northeastern Ayacucho, and eastern Piura. The yellow fever vaccination is generally not recommended for travellers whose itineraries are limited to the following areas west of the Andes: regions of Lambayeque and Tumbes and areas of western Piura and south, west, and central Cajamarca. Also, the vaccination is not recommended for travellers whose itineraries are limited to the following areas: all areas above 2,300 meters elevation, areas west of the Andes not listed above, the city of Cusco, the capital city of Lima, Machu Picchu, and the Inca Trail.

Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) Vaccine

BCG vaccine is recommended for those at increased risk from coming in close contact with infected persons or for unvaccinated, children under 16 years of age, who are going to live in the country for more than 3 months.

Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) Vaccine

A dose of Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is recommended for infants aged 6 to 11 months.

Typhoid Fever Vaccine

There is a risk of exposure to typhoid fever in this country through consumption of unsafe food and water. Since exposure to unsafe sources is variable within this country, the vaccination against typhoid fever is generally recommended, especially when visiting smaller cities or rural areas, where food and water sources may be contaminated.

Rabies Vaccine

Vaccination against rabies is recommended for travellers involved in outdoor activities (e.g., campers, hikers, adventure travellers, and cavers) who may have direct contact with rabid dogs, bats, and other mammals. Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) and long-term travellers and expatriates are at higher risk and should be vaccinated.

Recommended Medications For Peru

For Some Travellers

Anti-malarial Drugs

Recommended anti-malarial drugs are atovaquone/proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine. Anti-malaria drug resistance for chloroquine is present.

Diseases To Be Aware of for Peru

For Most Travellers

Chikungunya Fever

Chikungunya fever has occurred in some regions of this country.

Hepatitis A

There is a risk for hepatitis A virus exposure in Peru through contaminated food or water.

Dengue Fever

Dengue fever outbreaks have occurred in Peru, and the risk to travellers is significant.

Hepatitis B

There is a risk for acquiring hepatitis B in Peru.

For Some Travellers

Hanta Virus

There is a risk of acquiring Hantavirus in this country through the consumption of food and water contaminated by an infected rodent or through rodent bites.

Measles

There is a risk of acquiring Measles in this country.

West Nile Fever

There is a risk of acquiring West Nile virus in this country.

Chagas Disease

American trypanosomiasis occurs in the western and northeastern areas of Peru. This disease is more common in rural areas, however, the risk of travellers acquiring this disease is low unless staying in very poor quality housing or camping.

Typhoid Fever

Unvaccinated people can become infected through contaminated food and water in Peru, especially when visiting smaller cities, villages, or rural areas where food and water sources may be contaminated.

Tuberculosis

Tuberculosis occurs in this country. Travellers to this country are at risk for tuberculosis if visiting sick friends or family, working in the healthcare field, or having close prolonged contact with a sick person.

Epidemic Louse-Borne Typhus Fever

Epidemic louse-borne typhus has occurred in Peru, particularly in the mountain areas. It is common in areas of overcrowding and poor sanitation. The risk for travellers is very low unless staying or working in remote areas where infestations of body lice can occur.

Malaria

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that there is a risk of malaria in all departments at altitudes less than 2,000 meters, including the cities of Iquitos, Puerto Maldonado and only the remote eastern regions of La Libertad and Lambayeque. There is no risk in the following areas: Lima Province; the cities of Arequipa, Ica, Moquegua, Nazca, Puno and Tacna; the highland tourist areas (Cusco, Machu Picchu, and Lake Titicaca); and along the Pacific Coast.

Plague

Outbreaks of plague have occurred in Peru, particularly in the departments of Cajamarca, La Libertad, Piura, and Lambayeque in the northern part of the country. This disease usually occurs in rural areas, and urban outbreaks are rare. The risk to travellers is low unless they have contact with fleas, infected rodents, or suspected plague patients.

Leishmaniasis

Leishmaniasis occurs in the mountain and jungle departments of Peru. It is usually more common in rural than urban areas. The risk of acquiring leishmaniasis is increased in travellers who spend time outdoors in rural areas and at night, when sand flies typically feed.

Zika Fever

There is transmission of the Zika virus in this country.

Rabies

Rabies occurs in this country. Travellers involved in outdoor activities (e.g., campers, hikers, adventure travellers, and cavers) may have direct contact with rabid dogs, bats, and other mammals. Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) and long-term travellers and expatriates are at higher risk.

Yellow Fever

Peru does not have a country requirement. However, there is a risk of yellow fever in Peru. The yellow fever vaccination is recommended for all travellers 9 months of age or older going to the following areas at altitudes below 2,300 meters: the Regions of Amazonas, Loreto, Madre de Dios, San Martin, Ucayali, Puno, Cusco, Junín, Pasco, and Huánuco, and areas of the following regions: far north of Apurimac, far northern Huancavelica, far northeastern Ancash, eastern La Libertad, northern and eastern Cajamarca, northern and northeastern Ayacucho, and eastern Piura. The yellow fever vaccination is generally not recommended for travellers whose itineraries are limited to the following areas west of the Andes: regions of Lambayeque and Tumbes and areas of western Piura and south, west, and central Cajamarca. Also, the vaccination is not recommended for travellers whose itineraries are limited to the following areas: all areas above 2,300 meters elevation, areas west of the Andes not listed above, the city of Cusco, the capital city of Lima, Machu Picchu, and the Inca Trail.

Safety & Security in Peru

Personal Safety

Peru faces escalating crime that requires your attention. Extortion reports increased sixfold between 2019 and 2024, with one in three Peruvians now knowing an extortion victim. Homicides doubled since 2019, hitting their highest level in at least seven years during 2024. Robbery ranks as the most common crime against people. Petty theft dominates in Lima, Cusco, and Arequipa. Pickpocketing and bag snatching occur frequently in crowded markets, bus terminals, and public transportation hubs. Armed robberies happen in tourist areas including Miraflores and Barranco in Lima. Express kidnapping targets solo travelers, forcing victims to withdraw cash from ATMs before release. Criminals posing as taxi drivers or tour operators operate at Jorge Chavez International Airport and bus stations. Armed gangs stop intercity buses to rob passengers, particularly at night. Over 75 percent of Peruvians reported feeling scared when leaving their homes in 2025. Tourist destinations like Miraflores, Cusco, and Machu Picchu maintain visible police presence and stronger infrastructure. Crime increases during summer months from December to February. The government declared states of emergency suspending basic rights in Lima and other areas throughout 2024 and 2025 to address crime, though these measures showed limited effectiveness.

Extreme Violence

Transnational criminal organizations including Tren de Aragua operate across Peru. Drug trafficking organizations, mafia syndicates, and gangs control illegal activities. Over 700 homicides occurred in Lima during 2022, many linked to organized crime. Contract killings and assassinations became routine. The March 2025 assassination of cumbia singer Paul Flores highlighted the deepening crisis. Criminal groups expanded presence across key economic sectors including gold mining and transportation. Illegal gold mining ravages the Amazon, with over 30,000 hectares of forest lost between January 2021 and March 2024 in Madre de Dios. Drug trafficking dominates the VRAEM region where the Valley of the Apurimac, Ene, and Mantaro rivers meet. Remnants of Shining Path guerrilla group remain active in coca-growing areas. Violence concentrates in the VRAEM, along the Colombian-Peruvian border in Loreto, and Ecuador border areas. Nineteen human rights defenders were killed between 2020 and 2023, with nearly half dying in the Amazon. Criminal gangs targeted mining operations and tourist vessels for kidnappings in 2025.

Political Unrest

Mass protests erupted in December 2022 following President Pedro Castillo’s removal and arrest. Demonstrations between December 2022 and March 2023 resulted in at least 50 civilian deaths, nearly all in southern regions. Security forces used disproportionate lethal force, particularly in Indigenous-majority areas of Puno and Ayacucho. Eighteen people died in Juliaca on January 9, 2023. The government declared multiple states of emergency, suspending basic liberties and allowing arrests without judicial orders. Protests blocked roads, closed airports, and suspended tourist activities including temporary closures of Machu Picchu. Demonstrations concentrate in Lima’s historic center but spread to Arequipa, Ayacucho, Cusco, La Libertad, Madre de Dios, and Puno. Political instability stems from deep distrust of political leaders, economic inequality, and polarization. The Supreme Court ruled in May 2023 that protesting was illegal and not constitutionally protected. New protests began in September 2025 against the Boluarte administration. Public opinion remains hostile to politicians, with Congress members facing widespread corruption investigations. March 2025 protests against crime and insecurity drew large crowds demanding government action.

Areas To Avoid

The VRAEM region covering parts of Ayacucho, Cusco, Huancavelica, and Junin departments poses extreme danger due to drug trafficking, terrorism threats, and limited law enforcement. The Colombian-Peruvian border area in Loreto region faces crime, drug trafficking, and landmines. Border areas with Ecuador in Loreto, Amazonas, and Cajamarca regions present security risks. Coca-growing regions in northern Peru including Alto Huallaga and Aguaytia remain dangerous. Parts of Lima Province including Callao, La Victoria, and San Juan de Lurigancho experience high crime rates and should be avoided, particularly at night. Areas in Piura Department face organized crime concerns. Major cities require vigilance in certain districts. Avoid walking alone in quiet areas or at night in any city. Drug production and trafficking occur throughout Peru’s Amazon regions where poor infrastructure limits law enforcement effectiveness.