Preparing for a Peruvian Vacation

When you’re visiting exotic locales like Peru, it may be necessary to get  vaccinated, but it is not mandatory.  For instance, if you’re just traveling to the main cities of Lima, Cusco, or even more well-traveled ecotourist areas like Machu, Picchu, it is not necessary to be vaccinated against yellow fever.  If you’re coming from an infected area, then you need a yellow fever certificate, but if you’re traveling from the United States or other developed country, a vaccination certificate is not required unless you’re going to obscure jungle regions.

Just because it is not required does not mean it is not advisable, however.  This is especially true if you are visiting the jungle areas.  Vaccination against typhus and malaria are recommended. This is purely a precaution, but it is better to be safe than sorry.  As a disease like malaria is transmitted through mosquito bites, protection against mosquitoes is important as well.

Not to worry you, but there have been reports of rabies transmitted from vampire bats!  This has happened in the Madre de Dios and Puno provinces, but it is rare.  Aside from these major dangers, which are avoidable, the main issues affecting tourists are altitude sickness and sickness from drinking tainted water.  “Don’t drink the water” is a popular refrain when traveling below the border of the U.S. and this applies to Peru.  All told, it only takes a bit of preparation in order to have a safe trip through Peru, and if you never leave the major cities, even these precautions will not always be necessary.

About Venture Peru:

Venture Peru is the leading online retailer of Peru tour packages and Peru travel tours. If you are interested in exploring Peru, please visit our book a trip page or contact us at 877.852.7378.