Health

Before your departure, it is advisable to consult your doctor and purchase insurance covering medical expenses and medical repatriation. In case of any issues on the ground, clinics and hospitals are well-equipped and staffed with highly qualified physicians. Medical care must generally be paid for in advance.

Soroche or Altitude Sickness (Mountain Sickness)

The effects of altitude sickness (also called Soroche in Peru) are unpredictable and vary from person to person. In the vast majority of cases, the most common symptoms are headaches and shortness of breath, particularly during physical exertion such as hiking.

Conversely, some people experience no significant effects at all. You can also find "anti-altitude sickness" medications ("soroche pills") available at pharmacies in Peru or Bolivia.

Our recommendations:

• We suggest consuming coca leaves, whether as an infusion or simply by chewing them.
• Once there, to facilitate your acclimatization, we advise you to eat light meals, avoid alcohol, and drink plenty of water.

We work notably with the CIMA medical center in the Cusco region, which specializes in altitude sickness. We ensure in all cases that we organize your trip to allow for gradual altitude acclimatization, thereby minimizing its effects.

For more information, consult: Institut de formation et de recherche en médecine de montagne, a specialized center in altitude sickness research (based in Haute-Savoie, Sallanches): http://www.ifremmont.com/

Food and Water Hygiene

Tap water is not potable; therefore, it is advisable to drink bottled water or to boil it. Additionally, avoid insufficiently cooked foods.

Vaccinations

There is no mandatory vaccination for entry into Peru. However, certain updates are recommended:

• Hepatitis A and B
• Diphtheria
• Tetanus
• Poliomyelitis
• Typhoid
• Rabies

Yellow fever vaccination is recommended for the Amazon region.

Dengue: A viral disease spread by mosquitoes. To prevent it, apply safety measures: long clothing, mosquito repellents

Malaria: A parasitic disease transmitted by mosquito bites that requires individual protection measures: spray, creams, electric diffusers)

Chikungunya: A viral disease transmitted to humans by infected mosquitoes. It is characterized by flu-like symptoms (fever, muscle and joint pain). Prevention: Long clothing, mosquito repellents, electric diffusers)

At-Risk Regions in Peru Requiring Vaccination

If you plan to visit certain high-risk areas, such as the regions of Amazonas, Ucayali, Loreto, northern Apurímac, northeastern Ayacucho, Pasco, Huánuco, northern Puno, Madre de Dios, San Martin, northeastern Ancash, northeastern Cajamarca, northern Cusco, northern Huancavelica, northeastern Junín, and eastern La Libertad, you should be vaccinated against yellow fever. Below 2,400 meters altitude and depending on the rainy season, mosquitoes proliferate in the Amazon and can transmit the disease. In the rest of Peru, there is virtually no risk of contracting malaria, dengue, or yellow fever.

In particular cases involving pregnant women, young children, or people with heart conditions, consult with your physician who will verify your vaccinations and provide valuable advice to help you avoid any medical issues during your stay in Peru. Should you unfortunately need hospital care during your trip to Peru, rest assured that Peruvian doctors are exceptionally well-trained and hospitals are very well-equipped.

Some Clinics for Vaccinations in Peru in Case of Oversight

Here are some useful addresses in Lima:

• Clinica Santa Isabel, Av. Guardia Civil 135; San Borja: Tel 475.77.77.
• Clinica Peruana-Japonesa, Av. Paso de los Andes 675 Pueblo Libre: Tel 218 10 17
• Clinica Tezza, Av. El Polo 570: Tel 610.50.50
• Clinicas Maison de Santé (Chorrillos, Lima Center, San Isidro, Surco): Tel 619 60 00
• Clinica Anglo-Americana, Alfredo Salazar 350, San Isidro: Tel 712.30.00
• Clinica Ricardo Palma, Av. Javier Prado Este 1066, San Isidro: Tel 224.22.24 / 224.22.26
• Clinica San Borja, Av. Guardia Civil 337, San Borja: Tel 475.40.00

Beyond vaccinations, since most infectious diseases are carried and spread by mosquitoes, a good way to protect yourself further is to avoid contact with these insects as much as possible. There are sprays to protect your skin or clothing with mosquito repellent, and don't hesitate to equip yourself with a net that will protect you at night when you sleep, and of course avoid humid areas.