Maniti Expeditions does not require vaccinations for participating in any of our tours. We suggest you consult your primary care physician for a professional medical opinion.
Before traveling to Peru, you may need specific vaccinations and preventive medications to protect against vaccine-preventable and region-specific diseases. The exact recommendations will depend on several factors, including your medical history, prior immunizations, the areas of Peru you plan to visit, and your planned activities (such as travel to the Amazon or rural regions). A licensed health-care provider or travel-medicine specialist will determine what is appropriate for you.
For maximum protection, schedule a visit with a health-care provider 4–6 weeks before your trip. This allows enough time for vaccines to become effective and for preventive medications—such as malaria prophylaxis, if recommended—to be started. If your departure is less than four weeks away, you should still seek medical guidance, as many vaccines and medications can still provide benefit on shorter notice.
The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) recommends consulting a provider who specializes in Travel Medicine, as they are best equipped to assess destination-specific health risks and prevention strategies. Travelers with existing medical conditions should also discuss their travel plans with any physicians they are currently seeing to ensure continuity of care while abroad.
If your itinerary includes multiple countries, be sure to inform your health-care provider so they can recommend the appropriate vaccinations and health guidance for all destinations on your trip. Travelers planning extended stays—such as those working, studying, or volunteering abroad—may require additional vaccines based on employer, school, or visa requirements.
It’s also essential to ensure that your routine vaccinations are up to date before traveling. These standard immunizations are recommended for adults and children at various stages of life and commonly include protection against influenza, chickenpox (varicella), polio, measles/mumps/rubella (MMR), and diphtheria/pertussis/tetanus (DPT/Tdap). Refer to the recommended childhood, adolescent, and adult immunization schedules to confirm current coverage.
Routine vaccines are advised even if you are not traveling. While some childhood illnesses—such as measles—are now uncommon in the United States, they remain widespread in many parts of the world. Travelers who are not fully vaccinated may face a significantly higher risk of infection when visiting international destinations.
According to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), yellow fever vaccination is recommended for travelers 9 months of age and older who are visiting areas of Peru below 2,300 meters (7,546 feet) in elevation.
This recommendation applies to travel within the entire regions of Amazonas, Loreto, Madre de Dios, San Martín, and Ucayali, as well as designated low-elevation areas of the following regions:
Ancash (far northeastern areas)
Apurímac (northern areas)
Ayacucho (northern and northeastern areas)
Cajamarca (northern and eastern areas)
Cusco (northwestern, northern, and northeastern areas)
Huancavelica (far northern areas)
Huánuco (northern, central, and eastern areas)
Junín (northern and eastern areas)
La Libertad (eastern areas)
Pasco (central and eastern areas)
Piura (eastern areas)
Puno (northern areas)
The vaccine should be administered at least 10 days before travel to allow protective immunity to develop. For travelers with ongoing or repeated exposure risk, booster doses may be recommended at 10-year intervals, based on current health guidance and individual risk factors.
Yellow fever is present in regions below 2,300 m (7,546 ft) in Peru, including parts of the Amazon Basin. While the risk is minimal with proper precautions, we recommend consulting your doctor about vaccination and mosquito bite prevention before your trip. Enjoy your adventure safely by staying informed and prepared.
Rabies is extremely rare in Peru but may occur in certain rural areas or through contact with wild or domestic animals. While the risk is low, it’s always a good idea to take basic precautions, such as avoiding contact with animals you don’t know. If your travel plans involve activities like hiking or exploring remote regions, consult your doctor about whether a rabies vaccination is recommended. By staying informed and prepared, you can focus on enjoying your adventure safely.
Malaria is found in areas of Peru below 2,000 m (6,561 ft), including the cities of Iquitos and Puerto Maldonado, but it is not present in coastal cities such as Lima, Ica, and Nazca. If you are traveling to an area with malaria, consult your doctor about preventative measures, including medication and mosquito bite protection. With proper preparation, you can safely enjoy your visit to these incredible destinations.
When preparing for travel to Peru, be sure to pack all necessary medications carefully and responsibly:
Prescription medications you take daily
Bring enough to last your entire trip, plus a few extra days in case of delays. Keep all prescriptions in their original labeled containers and carry them in your carry-on luggage at all times. If any medications are liquids, be sure they comply with current airline and security regulations.
Antimalarial medication, if prescribed
Travelers visiting malaria-risk areas of Peru may be prescribed preventive medication by a health-care provider. Take these medications exactly as directed.
Medication for traveler’s diarrhea
Over-the-counter remedies are commonly recommended for short-term treatment and symptom relief.
Some medications that are legal or commonly prescribed in the United States may be restricted or illegal in other countries. Before traveling, review the U.S. Department of State Consular Information for each country on your itinerary or contact the relevant embassy or consulate for confirmation.
If a medication you require is restricted at your destination, ask your health-care provider to prepare a signed letter on official letterhead stating that the medication has been prescribed for your personal medical use. Carry this documentation with your medications while traveling.
If you are not feeling well, you should see your doctor and mention that you have recently traveled. Also tell your doctor if you were bitten or scratched by an animal while traveling. If you have visited a malaria-risk area, continue taking your antimalarial drug for 4 weeks (doxycycline or mefloquine) or seven days (atovaquone/proguanil) after leaving the risk area.
Malaria is always a serious disease and may be a deadly illness. If you become ill with a fever or flu-like illness either while traveling in a malaria-risk area or after you return home (for up to 1 year), you should seek immediate medical attention and should tell the physician your travel history.
