Peru
Health
Before you travel check that:
- your destination can provide the healthcare you may need
- you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation
This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.
Emergency medical number
Call 106 and ask for an ambulance.
Contact your insurance company quickly if you are referred to a medical facility for treatment.
Vaccine recommendations and health risks
At least 8 weeks before your trip:
- check the latest vaccine recommendations for Peru
- see where to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on the NHS travel vaccinations page
See what health risks you’ll face in Peru.
Altitude sickness is a serious risk in parts of Peru (including Cusco, Puno, the Colca Canyon and Kuelap). Read more about altitude sickness on TravelHealthPro.
Other health risks
Peru is experiencing a major dengue outbreak following floods. See the ‘Outbreaks’ page of the TravelHealthPro Peru guide for more information.
There is also a risk of being infected with malaria, Zika virus or yellow fever through mosquito bites. Take precautions to avoid being bitten by mosquitos.
Diarrhoea caused by contaminated food or water is common and is potentially serious. See more about food and water hygiene on TravelHealthPro.
Medication
The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries. Many medications are available over the counter in Peru, but local prescriptions will be required for some.
Read best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro.
Healthcare in Peru
Medical treatment is not easily available and can be more difficult to access outside of Lima. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation.
If you need emergency medical assistance during your trip in Lima, dial one of the following numbers: 0051 1 225 4040 (Lima - Alerta Med), 0051 1 467 4861 (Lima - Clave 5), 0051 1 241 1911(Lima - Plan Vital) and ask for an ambulance. These services are private, so you will need to pay for them.
FCDO has a list of medical providers in Peru where some staff will speak English.
COVID-19 healthcare in Peru
The Peruvian authorities provide guidance on public health centres in Lima and laboratories that process tests in the country (in Spanish). COVID-19 PCR tests are widely available.
Travel and mental health
Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro.