Ecuador
Risk: ModerateGalápagos diving a thousand kilometres from the mainland, volcanoes above 5,000 metres.
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Destination Guide
Peru
Risk level
Moderate
High altitude
Yes — Cusco 3,400 m, treks higher
Nearest capable trauma care
Lima
Evacuation mode
Road/rotary to Cusco, fixed-wing to Lima
Risk Overview
Peru's core traveller risk is altitude that begins on arrival: Cusco sits at 3,400 metres and many visitors fly in directly from sea level. The Inca Trail and Ausangate routes go higher. Beyond altitude, road travel in the mountains, periodic civil unrest that can close rail and road links to Machu Picchu, and petty crime in urban centres round out the picture. Political disruption has repeatedly stranded travellers in the Sacred Valley in recent years; itineraries should carry slack.
Medical Infrastructure
Lima holds the country's serious medical capability, with several private facilities of good standard. Cusco has clinics experienced in altitude illness and stabilisation, but complex cases transfer to Lima. In the trekking regions and the Amazon, capability drops to health-post level immediately. Oxygen availability in Cusco hotels and clinics is good by regional standards, reflecting the volume of altitude cases.
Entry Requirements
Most Western nationalities receive visa-free entry for tourism with a stamp on arrival. The Inca Trail requires permits booked months ahead through licensed operators. Verify current requirements before travel, particularly during periods of political disruption when states of emergency can alter movement rules.
Altitude and Dive Notes
Spend at least two nights in Cusco or the (lower) Sacred Valley before trekking, and treat any symptoms that worsen overnight as a descent decision. Rail disruption between Cusco and Machu Picchu is the most common non-medical incident type; when it happens, the fix is patience and rebooking rather than improvised road travel at night.