Peru is a land of captivating contrasts, blending ancient Inca ruins with vibrant colonial cities, towering Andean peaks, and the sprawling Amazon rainforest. Whether you’re trekking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, wandering Cusco’s lively markets, savoring ceviche in Lima, or exploring wildlife in the Amazon, it’s an unforgettable South American adventure. But like any international destination, Peru comes with unique health risks—and getting the right vaccines for Peru before you go is one of the most important ways to stay safe and healthy.
This 2025 guide covers everything you need to know:
✔️ Recommended Peru travel vaccines
✔️ Yellow fever vaccine requirements
✔️ How to avoid altitude sickness and mosquito-borne illnesses
✔️ Cost and timeline for vaccinations in Canada
Table of Contents
- Recommended Vaccines for Peru (With Canadian Price Estimates)
- Are Any Vaccines Required for Peru Entry?
- Yellow Fever Vaccine: Who Actually Needs It?
- Peru Vaccine Timeline Guide
- How Much Do Travel Vaccines for Peru Cost in Canada?
- Mosquito-Borne Illnesses in Peru: Malaria, Dengue, Zika
- Altitude Sickness in Peru (Cusco, Sacred Valley, Andes)
- Peru Travel Health Kit Essentials
- Peru Travel Vaccination FAQs
- Final Thoughts: Stay Healthy, Travel Smart
✈️ Recommended Vaccines for Peru (With Canadian Price Estimates)
| Vaccine | Why It’s Recommended | Who Should Get It | When to Get It | Estimated Cost (CAD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yellow Fever | Mosquito-borne and potentially fatal. Highly recommended for regions east of Andes such as Amazon region travel. More details below | Travelers ≥9 months old visiting jungle regions <2,300m (e.g., Iquitos, Loreto, Madre de Dios, San Martín, Amazonas, parts of Cusco and Puno and more). | ≥10 days before travel | $150–250 |
| Hepatitis A | Spread through contaminated food and water—common in Peru. | All travelers | ≥2 weeks before travel | $65–100 per dose |
| Typhoid | Food/water-borne illness, especially from street food or rural areas. | Travelers eating street food or visiting small towns | Oral: ≥1 week; Injectable: ≥2 weeks | $40–80 |
| Rabies | Found in stray dogs, bats, and wildlife—especially in rural or jungle areas. | Long stays, rural treks, animal contact (e.g., caves, bat tourism) | 3 doses over 3–4 weeks | $200–300 per dose |
| Hepatitis B | Spread through blood/sex/tattoos. | Travelers getting tattoos, medical/dental care, or sexually active | 2–3 doses over several weeks to months | $30–60 per dose |
| COVID-19 | COVID still circulates; vaccine reduces risk of severe illness. Entry not required, but vaccination is encouraged. | All travelers (especially older adults or those with conditions). | Ideally at least 2 weeks before travel. | Free |
| Routine Vaccines | MMR (measles-mumps-rubella), Tdap (tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis), Varicella (chickenpox), Polio, Flu — outbreaks can happen globally. | All travelers | Update before departure | Often free (admin fee) |
📝 Note: For 50 yrs +, consider Shingles vaccine (cost: $150-200 per dose for 2 doses)
📝 Tip: Visit a travel clinic 6–8 weeks before departure. Some vaccines require multiple doses for full protection.
🛂 Are Any Vaccines for Peru Required For Entry?
🛬 No vaccines are mandatory to enter Peru in 2025.
🦠 Yellow Fever Vaccine: Who Actually Needs It?
Even if not required for entry, the Yellow Fever vaccine is strongly recommended if you’re visiting jungle areas below 2,300m (7,550 ft).
✅ Recommended if you’re visiting:
- Amazon regions like Loreto, Madre de Dios, Ucayali, San Martín, Amazonas
- Parts of Cusco, Puno, Junín, Pasco, Huánuco, Cajamarca, Ancash, Apurímac, Ayacucho, Huancavelica, La Libertad and Piura.
- Jungle treks: Salkantay, Inca Jungle, Choquequirao
💉 All travelers ≥9 months old going to these areas should get vaccinated at least 10 days before travel.
⚠️ Not recommended if you’re only visiting:
- Highland areas above 2,300m, such as Cusco, Machu Picchu, Sacred Valley, Arequipa, Lake Titicaca
- Classic tourist routes like the Inca Trail, Rainbow Mountain, or Lima
🧭 Always verify your route and vaccine needs with a travel health clinic based on your exact itinerary.
📅 Peru Vaccine Timeline Guide
| Vaccine | Minimum Time Needed Before Travel |
|---|---|
| Yellow Fever | ≥10 days before travel (1 dose = lifetime) |
| Rabies | 3 doses over 3–4 weeks |
| Hepatitis A | Single dose ≥2 weeks before |
| Typhoid | Oral: ≥1 week; Injectable: ≥2 weeks |
💡 Traveling last-minute? You may still benefit from rapid protection with single-dose vaccines like Hep A and Yellow Fever.
💰 How Much Do Travel Vaccines for Peru Cost in Canada?
| Vaccine | Cost Range (CAD) |
|---|---|
| Yellow Fever | $150–250 |
| Hepatitis A | $65–100 per dose |
| Typhoid | $40–80 |
| Rabies | $200–300 per dose |
| Hepatitis B | $30–60 per dose |
| Routine Shots | Often free (admin fee) |
💡 Where to get vaccines in Canada:
- Travel clinics: Best for personalized advice
- Pharmacies: Now offer many travel shots
- Doctor’s offices: Ideal for routine or free vaccines
✅ Savings Tip: Some clinics offer bundle discounts or accept insurance. Ask if your workplace or school plan covers travel vaccinations.
🦟 Mosquito-Borne Illnesses in Peru: Malaria, Dengue, Zika
🦟 Malaria (CDC Peru Malaria Map)
- Present in lowland jungle regions below 2,500 meters elevation east of the Andes (e.g., cities of Iquitos and Puerto Maldonado, Loreto, Amazonas, San Martin, Huanuco, Ucayali, Madre De Dios and more)
- Not a risk in high elevation Lima, city of Cusco, Machu Picchu, Lake Titicaca, Arequipa, Ica, Moquegua, Nazca, Puno or Tacna
👉 Ask your doctor if malaria prevention medication is needed. Options: atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine
🦟 Dengue & Zika Virus
- Dengue is common in the Amazon and northern coastal areas
- Chikungunya present in tropical and jungle regions of Peru, especially during the rainy season.
- Zika risk is low but relevant for pregnant travelers
Protect yourself:
- Use 20–30% DEET or picaridin repellent
- Sleep in screened or air-conditioned rooms
- Wear long sleeves and pants
🔗 Learn more about mosquito prevention, malaria, dengue fever, chikungunya and zika.
⛰️ Altitude Sickness in Peru (Cusco, Sacred Valley, Andes)
Altitude sickness (Acute Mountain Sickness) is a real concern in cities above 2,500 meters like Cusco (3,400m) and the Inca Trail.
Symptoms:
- Headache, nausea, dizziness, shortness of breath, fatigue
Prevention:
- Acclimatize slowly (e.g., rest a day in Cusco before hiking)
- Stay hydrated, eat light, avoid alcohol
- Ask your doctor about Diamox (acetazolamide) or traditional remedies like coca tea
🔗 See full guide: How to Prevent Altitude Sickness in Machu Picchu
🧳 Peru Travel Health Kit Essentials
Pack these travel must-haves:
- Insect repellent (DEET or picaridin)
- Oral rehydration salts
- Pain relievers (ibuprofen/acetaminophen)
- Anti-diarrheal (e.g., loperamide)
- Antiseptic wipes and basic bandages
- Motion sickness pills (for boat/road travel)
- Altitude meds (e.g., Diamox, if prescribed)
- Your personal medications & vaccine record
🔗 Full checklist: Travel First Aid Kit for South America
🙋♀️ Travel Vaccines for Peru FAQs
A: The most important are Yellow Fever (for jungle travel), Hepatitis A, Typhoid. Routine shots and Hep B should be updated before travel. Rabies may be needed for some travelers.
A: No vaccines are required to enter Peru.
A: No — these are high-altitude areas where Yellow Fever risk is negligible.
A: Yes — even one dose offers partial protection. Clinics can prioritize based on your departure date.
🌎 Related Resources
- 🔗 Travel Vaccines by Country: How to Check What You Need (2025 Guide)
- 🔗 Do You Need Travel Insurance for Peru? Here’s What It Covers
- 🔗 How to Prevent Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) on Long-haul Flights
🌟 Final Thoughts: Stay Healthy, Travel Smart
Peru is a bucket-list destination—but it’s also home to health risks you might not face at home. With a few well-timed vaccines, smart packing, and basic hygiene, you can focus on enjoying your trip instead of dealing with preventable illnesses.
➡️ Plan ahead
➡️ Visit a travel clinic 6–8 weeks before your trip
➡️ Get travel insurance—just in case
Disclaimer
The information provided in this post is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider or travel health professional before making any decisions regarding travel vaccines or health precautions for your trip. This post does not substitute for professional medical consultation.
Reference
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Travel Health – Peru. Available at: CDC – Peru Travel Health
World Health Organization (WHO). Vaccines and Vaccination. Available at: WHO – Vaccines