Health in the Andes: altitude, vaccines and water in Peru and Bolivia for couples

A trip through the Andes is prepared with the body as much as the map. This guide is not medical advice: it gathers what the UK Foreign Office (FCDO) and the World Health Organization say about health in Peru and Bolivia, and suggests useful questions for a travel doctor. Everyone is different; any pre-existing condition, pregnancy or medication should be discussed with a professional.

Altitude: the most talked-about risk

The FCDO says altitude sickness is a serious risk in some parts of Peru, including Cusco, and is also a risk in parts of Bolivia, including La Paz and the Uyuni salt flats. Both advisories refer to TravelHealthPro for more information. Concrete decisions follow:

• Plan your route with rising altitude: do not jump from the coast to high altitude without slack.
• Keep the first day free of exertion and tight schedules.
• Avoid alcohol and heavy meals on arrival, and drink water often.
• Talk to a travel doctor before leaving about any medication.
• If symptoms worsen, descending and seeking medical care is the classic response.

As a couple, watch each other: discomfort can appear differently in each person, and sometimes the sufferer does not notice.

Vaccines and tropical diseases

For both countries, the FCDO recommends checking vaccination advice on TravelHealthPro at least eight weeks before travel. In Peru it lists yellow fever, malaria, Zika and Oropouche virus as health risks, and notes a major dengue outbreak after flooding. In Bolivia it mentions Zika and Oropouche disease. Yellow fever and malaria depend on the region you visit; consulting a professional is the only way to know what applies to you.

Food and water

The FCDO warns that diarrhoea from contaminated food or water is common in Peru and can be serious. Basic rules: drink bottled or treated water, avoid ice of uncertain origin, eat well-cooked food and wash your hands before eating. If you have persistent diarrhoea, fever or vomiting, do not wait for it to pass: hydrating and consulting is the prudent course.

Travel insurance

The FCDO stresses checking that your insurance covers local medical care and emergency evacuation, especially important with pre-existing conditions or pregnancy. Before buying, check whether it covers high-altitude activities and which hospitals you would be referred to. If referred to a medical facility, contact your insurer promptly.

Sexual health on the trip

Sexually transmitted infections can be prevented and treated: the WHO provides information in its fact sheet. On a couple's trip with an interest in the lifestyle, the sensible approach is to talk before leaving about protection, bring quality condoms (they are not always easy to find at any hour at the destination) and agree how you will communicate limits and testing. Altitude and tiredness do not help decision-making: do not make important decisions while feeling physically unwell.

Other care

• Sunscreen and sunglasses: radiation at altitude is high.
• Constant hydration, layered clothing.
• A small bag of personal medication in carry-on, with prescription.
• Phone numbers and emergency contacts written on paper.

Earthquakes and daily life

Peru lies in an active seismic zone with frequent tremors. Knowing your lodging's exit is part of health and safety preparation.

What we do not know

We found in the sources consulted no precise data on how many days it takes to acclimatise or on the availability of certain health services in every city. We prefer not to invent it: consult a travel doctor.

FAQ

Are Cusco or La Paz dangerous because of altitude? The FCDO calls altitude sickness a serious risk in some areas; with preparation and slack, many travellers manage it.

Do I need vaccines? Check TravelHealthPro at least eight weeks ahead with a professional.

Can I drink tap water? The FCDO warns of diarrhoea from contaminated food or water in Peru; use bottled or treated water.

Does my insurance cover evacuation? Check before leaving.

Before booking

Ask what pace your bodies need. If either of you has a pre-existing condition, talk to a professional before buying tickets. Decide beforehand who carries the first-aid kit, where the insurance details are and what to do if one of you needs a full rest day. The best planning leaves slack: an empty day in the schedule is worth more than any excursion.

Finally, review the official advisories the week before; health and safety recommendations can change, and the more slack, the better.

Handling it as a couple

Altitude affects energy and mood: it is normal to feel slower, sleep worse or have less appetite in the first days. Share what you feel without drama, agree a flexible plan and do not force long excursions on arrival day. If one of you feels unwell, the other can take over the logistics; and if symptoms worsen, seek medical help without waiting.