We offer some health and safety recommendations for your trip to Peru.
Your health is a priority when visiting any country.
Traveling outside our countries exposes us to sudden changes that can weaken our immune system's defenses. Therefore, it is important to be properly protected for any eventuality.
It is advisable for all travelers to carry personal insurance for adequate coverage, ensuring that this insurance covers any incidents in Peru.
Many private clinics in major cities of Peru accept international insurance, making it easier for travelers to receive appropriate care. Often, hospitals and clinics require payment in cash, so keep your receipts for reimbursement later.
If you are considering adventure sports such as kayaking, motocross, paragliding, and others, ask if your insurance covers such activities. Agencies operating in Peru will check the validity and coverage of your insurance policy, and you may be rejected if your policy does not meet the necessary criteria and requirements. CuscoPeru.com recommends consulting your doctor before any tour or vacation.
Altitude Sickness
Altitude sickness, or soroche, is caused by lower atmospheric pressure at high altitudes. This directly results in a lower amount of oxygen stored in the blood, and simultaneously, the body's organs receive less oxygen than usual. Do not worry, as all symptoms of altitude sickness are natural and temporary.
The main recommendations to counteract altitude sickness are:
Slow down: Avoid overexerting your body or engaging in activities that require a lot of physical effort.
Acclimatization: Dedicate a day or two to allow your body to acclimate to the altitude.
Drink water: Water will help you acclimate better.
Coca leaves: This plant is the natural remedy par excellence for altitude sickness.
Medications: Pills like Sorojchi Pills or oxygen tubes like Oxishot help to better cope with altitude sickness.
Coca tea helps counteract the symptoms of altitude sickness.
Endemic Diseases and Vaccinations
There are no mandatory vaccinations required, but consider that most vaccines need to be administered in advance.
Vaccinations
Peru has good health conditions, however, it is advisable to be cautious about certain diseases in some areas. Although no vaccine is mandatory for entry into Peru, we recommend some that you should have to avoid setbacks:
COVID-19: Due to the recent pandemic, it is advisable to have the indicated number of doses of this vaccine, however, it is not a mandatory requirement for entry into the country.
Chickenpox:
If you have never had chickenpox, it is advisable to get vaccinated before traveling to any part of Peru.
Hepatitis A: It is advisable to be protected against hepatitis if you plan to travel, although it is not mandatory, it is preventive.
Hepatitis B: If you are planning to stay for an extended period in locations such as Amazonas, Loreto, San Martín, Ucayali, Junín, and Madre de Dios, it is advisable to have this vaccine.
Yellow Fever: If you plan to visit the jungle regions of Peru such as Amazonas, Loreto, San Martín, Ucayali, Junín, and Madre de Dios, you should have this vaccine. The yellow fever vaccine should be administered at least 10 days before travel to be effective.
Be Cautious With:
Food: Be very careful where you choose to eat. Observe if it maintains adequate hygiene standards. If not, it is preferable to abstain and consume packaged products. If you are in the process of acclimating to the altitude, CuscoPeru.com recommends avoiding heavy meals, as digestion takes longer at high altitudes.
Water: It is not advisable to drink directly from the tap water used by the population. Due to health complications, mainly to prevent gastrointestinal infections or other related issues. We recommend buying bottled water, which is safer and available everywhere.
Rivers and lakes: Avoid washing and bathing in waters that may be contaminated, as they can be pathways for transmitting infections in the eyes, ears, and intestines. Additionally, stagnant water tends to have higher bacteria accumulation.
Beaches and pools: At CuscoPeru.com, we recommend that travelers inform themselves about the site they will visit to see if it is safe or poses a health risk to bathe. If you have any doubts about the place you intend to enter, consult the DIGESA website.
Sun: Due to its proximity to the Equator and altitude, some destinations in Peru have very high radiation levels. It is recommended to avoid exposing your skin for extended periods. CuscoPeru.com recommends the use of sunscreens, also verifying that they are suitable for the area, as the higher the elevation, the more intense the sun's rays.
Directory of Clinics and Hospitals
Hospitals and Clinics in Cusco
CIMA Medical Center
Av. Pardo, Paseo de los Héroes 728, Cusco
(084) 255 550
Traveler's Clinic, You Are Not Alone
Calle Puputi 148
(084) 221 213 / (084) 225 407
MacSalud Clinic
Av. La Cultura, 1410 - Wanchaq
(084) 582 060
Pardo Clinic
Av. La Cultura 710, Cusco
(+51) 989 431 050
San Jose Clinic
Av. Los Incas 1414, Cusco
(+51) 989 431 075
San Juan de Dios Clinic
Av. Manzanares 264
(084) 229 955 / (084) 231 340
National Hospital Adolfo Guevara Velasco
Av. Anselmo Alvarez s/n, Cusco
(084) 234 724
Regional Hospital
Av. La Cultura, Cusco
(084) 231 131
Hospitals and Clinics in Lima
Ricardo Palma Center
Av. Javier Prado Este No. 1066, San Isidro
(01) 224 2224
Delgado Clinic
Av. Angamos Oeste, block 4. Corner of General Borgoño, Miraflores.
(01) 377 7000
Good Hope Clinic
Malecon Balta No. 956, Miraflores
(01) 610 7300
Anglo American Clinic
Av. Alfredo Salazar No. 350, San Isidro
(01) 616 8900
International Clinic
Av. Guardia Civil No. 385, San Borja
(01) 619 6161
Cayetano Heredia Clinic
Av. Honorio Delgado No. 370 – Urb. Ingeniería, S.M.P.
(01) 207 6200
Archbishop Loayza National Hospital
Av. Alfonso Ugarte 848 – Cercado de Lima
(01) 614 4646
Emergency Hospital José Casimiro Ulloa
Av. República de Panamá 6355 Urb. San Antonio – Miraflores
