Safety and health
Is it safe in Peru?
Peru is nowadays really safe for travellers if you just follow the normal precautions. There are still some areas that you should avoid but these are far from the tourist path and really not worth worrying. It's always wise to check the latest information about safety situation before going. Be aware of pick pockets in cities and use taxi at night.
Vaccinations
Always before travelling to a country like Peru contact you doctor and ask about the current situation. Usually these vaccinations are recommended when travelling to Peru:
- Polio
- Tetanus
- Typhoid
- Yellow Fever
- Rabies
- Hepatitis A
Malaria
Outside coastal areas and high altitudes there is a risk of malaria in Peru. Consult your doctor about right anti-malarials and remember to avoid being bitten. Take extra care if you are planning to camp or stay at cheaper places. In such cases it's best to use a net at night.
Altitude sickness
Don't underestimate the risk of altitude sickness. If you are not used to altitudes above 3,500m take some time to get used to it. For example you shouldn't start Inca trail right after arriving to Cuzco if you are not sure what you are doing.