Travel vaccines for Peru
Advice differs sharply between the Andes and the Amazon. Altitude is the main issue for Cusco and the Inca Trail, and yellow fever for the jungle.
Vaccines for Peru
Book this week to give your vaccines time to work.
Some courses can be speeded up. A yellow fever certificate becomes valid 10 days after your vaccine.
Current health alerts
- Oropouche virus disease outbreak ongoing. It is spread by midges and mosquitoes and there is no vaccine, so bite avoidance matters, especially in pregnancy.
Advised for most travellers
Advised for some travellers, depending on your trip
These are suggestions only and may differ from what our expert clinician advises at your consultation.
Entry rules
- There are no certificate requirements under International Health Regulations.
- There is a risk of yellow fever in parts of Peru. Other countries may ask for a certificate when you arrive from Peru.
Malaria
Low risk. Tablets are not usually advised.
- Low risk in the Amazon basin along the borders with Brazil and Bolivia, particularly Loreto, and in other rural areas below 2,000 metres: awareness and bite avoidance.
- No risk in the city of Lima or the coastal region south of Chiclayo.
- For travellers at higher risk, atovaquone with proguanil, doxycycline or mefloquine are suitable options.
Other health risks
Altitude
Cusco is at 3,399 metres, Puno at 3,827 metres and the Inca Trail reaches about 4,200 metres. Machu Picchu itself is lower, at 2,430 metres.
Zika
There is a risk. Pregnant travellers and couples planning a pregnancy should seek advice before booking.
Yellow fever activity
49 cases and 19 deaths were reported in Peru in 2025, with further cases in Madre de Dios in 2026.
Insect-borne infections
Chagas disease and leishmaniasis occur in parts of South America. Avoid bites day and night.
More than one country?
Add each country when you book and we’ll plan for the whole route.
Common questions about Peru
What vaccines do I need for Peru?+
For most travellers, Hepatitis A, Diphtheria, Tetanus and Polio and Typhoid are advised. Others may be advised depending on your route, how long you stay and what you will be doing. Your pharmacist will only recommend what suits your trip.
Do I need malaria tablets for Peru?+
Low risk. Tablets are not usually advised. Low risk in the Amazon basin along the borders with Brazil and Bolivia, particularly Loreto, and in other rural areas below 2,000 metres: awareness and bite avoidance. No risk in the city of Lima or the coastal region south of Chiclayo. For travellers at higher risk, atovaquone with proguanil, doxycycline or mefloquine are suitable options.
Do I need a yellow fever certificate for Peru?+
There are no certificate requirements under International Health Regulations. There is a risk of yellow fever in parts of Peru. Other countries may ask for a certificate when you arrive from Peru.
How far in advance should I get vaccines for Peru?+
Ideally six to eight weeks before you fly, so any courses can be finished. If you leave sooner, still book: many vaccines help close to departure.
Summarised from NaTHNaC TravelHealthPro, checked 10 November 2026. Advice can change, so we check it again at your appointment. Clinical content by Lyneham Pharmacy and Travel Clinic (GPhC registered pharmacy 9010716).
Can’t see your destination? We still cover it.
We show some of our most popular destinations here, but we give travel vaccine advice for wherever you’re going. Tell us your route when you book, or give us a call.