Peru's Healthcare Bypasses Local Turbulence

The U.S. Embassy in Lima announced today that the Alfredo Rodriguez Ballón International Airport in Arequipa and the Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport in Cusco had suspended operations for December 13, 2022. 

And a state of emergency has been declared in some provinces of Apurimac.

Furthermore, train service to and from Cusco. Therefore, many services in the Cusco area may be affected indefinitely.

And Machu Picchu has also suspended rail services, which impacts about 2,000 visitors per day.

Additional locations throughout Peru may also be affected without notice, says the U.S. Department of State's recent Alert.

Separately, the U.K. Foreign travel advice updated on December 13, 2022, stated following a recent change of government in Peru, travel has been disrupted.

Before traveling, check the 'Entry requirements' section for the latest restrictions and monitor this advice as the local situation may change.

From a health perspective, the U.K. says if you have a health condition or are pregnant, you may need specialist healthcare while abroad. 

Medical treatment is less readily available and can be more difficult to access outside Lima.

Therefore, ensure you have accessible funds to cover the cost of any local medical treatment.

For example, NPR reported yesterday the director of a hospital in Lima told a radio station that at least 26 people had been reported injured and received care at the facility.

The Saint Bartolome National Hospital, located in the Lima District, has the highest Google Local ranking and offers various services as of December 13, 2022.

Moreover, the U.S. CDC recently issued a Watch-Level 1, Practice Usual Precautions travel advisory regarding dengue outbreaks in many parts of Central and South America, including Peru.

Travelers to areas where dengue is a risk should protect themselves by preventing mosquito bites.

In addition to dengue, the CDC suggests visitors to Peru protect themselves from disease by vaccination.

These vaccine suggestions include yellow fever, measles, and COVID-19, which are available at certified clinics and pharmacies in the U.S.

Peru is currently experiencing a fifth pandemic wave. Therefore, proof of COVID-19 vaccination may be an entry requirement.

Vax-Before-Travel publishes fact-checked, research-based travel vaccine information manually curated for mobile readers.

Updated Dec. 15, 2022 - The U.S. State Dept issued a revised travel alert - Do not travel to the Colombian-Peruvian border area in the Loreto Region, the Valley of the Apurímac, Ene, and Mantaro Rivers, including areas within the Departments of Ayacucho, Cusco, Huancavelica, and Junin.

Updated Dec. 14, 2022 - Flights to and from Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport in Cusco, Alfredo Rodriguez Ballón International Airport in Arequipa, Juliaca Inca Manco Cápac Airport near Puno, and Andahuaylas Airport are temporarily suspended. And rail service to and from Aguas Calientes/Machu Picchu Village remains suspended. Furthermore, travelers in Cusco, the Sacred Valley, and Aguas Calientes/Machu Picchu Village are advised to shelter in place until safe transportation options become available.