🇵🇪 Peru Healthcare Guide
Lima's Clinica Ricardo Palma and Clinica Anglo Americana provide strong private care and are well accustomed to treating international patients. Outside Lima, the picture changes significantly — Cusco has reasonable facilities for a tourist city, but the Amazon basin around Iquitos and the highland regions above 3,500 metres have only basic health posts, so carrying your Yellow Fever certificate and a complete medication supply before heading into either area saves you from depending on resources that may not be there.
Quick facts
- Emergency number: 117
- Healthcare system: mixed
- Average GP visit: $20 USD
- EHIC/GHIC accepted: No
- Language barrier: medium
Healthcare overview
Lima has strong private hospitals (Clínica Ricardo Palma, Clínica Anglo Americana, Clínica Delgado) with specialist departments comparable to mid-tier European facilities. Cusco has tourist-oriented clinics, but capabilities are limited; serious cases transfer to Lima. The Peruvian Amazon (Iquitos, Puerto Maldonado) has basic hospitals only. Altitude affects Cusco (3,400m), Puno (3,830m), and Huaraz (3,050m) visitors.
Cusco altitude and clinics
Cusco sits at 3,400m. Tourist clinics handle altitude sickness and minor issues, but serious cases require transfer to Lima.
Amazon remoteness
Iquitos and Puerto Maldonado have basic hospitals. Specialist care requires flying to Lima.
Vaccinations
Recommended
- Hepatitis A
- Hepatitis B
- Typhoid
- Yellow Fever
- Malaria prophylaxis
Prescriptions and pharmacies
Peruvian pharmacies (botica or farmacia) are widespread in cities, with chains like Inkafarma open extended hours. Many medications are affordable and available without prescription. Carry your full supply for Inca Trail, Amazon, or highland travel, where pharmacy access is sparse.
Highland and trail pharmacy access
There are no pharmacies on the Inca Trail, Colca Canyon, or in most highland villages. Bring everything you need before leaving a major town.
Tips for travellers
Lima’s private hospitals provide comprehensive specialist care, with Clínica Anglo Americana offering an English-speaking international department. Arequipa has decent private options for southern Peru. Having your treatment history saved and accessible in Spanish helps Peruvian specialists continue your care. For Cusco and Puno visitors, altitude-related complications can affect existing chronic conditions unpredictably.
Clínica Anglo Americana
Clínica Anglo Americana in Lima has an English-speaking international department and accepts direct specialist bookings from non-residents.