VACCINES

Based on the itinerary, travelers may be required to be vaccinated for yellow fever.

For travelers who plan to visit Peru's jungle regions, recommended vaccinations include many mosquito-borne infections, including: malaria, cholera, typhoid, and dengue fever.

The CDC and WHO also recommends travelers be vaccinated with: Routine Vaccinations, Hepatits A & B, and Rabies. For more information, visit the CDC's website. 

Before You Go

Plan to visit a physician 4-8 weeks before your planned eparture. Ask your doctor for an International Certificate of Vaccination which lists your received vaccinations.

ALTITUDE SICKNESS

Peru is a mountainous land and you have to handle heights if you’re going to Cusco, Machu Picchu, and other landmarks of Incan culture. The easiest way to prepare is to drink lots of water and get plenty of sleep. You can also consume stimulating coca leafs in tea or by chewing them.

Altitude sickness can strike anyone regardless of age or fitness level. The best way to avoid this is to acclimatize gently. Give your body time to adjust gradually.

BATHROOMS

The plumbing requires some TLC. Expect to see trashcans next to the toilet. Peruvian plumbing doesn’t handle toilet paper.

TRAIL DIFFICULTY

The Inca Trail is genuinely difficult. It consists of stone stairs that feel quite high for average people. Depending on what guide service you have on the trail, there are some companies that will offer porters to carry your tent, sleeping bag, food, etc. Porters race ahead to the night’s camp and assemble everything before parties arrive.