Visiting Machu Picchu Comes With Health Warning

The Ministry of Health of Peru (MINSA) recently declared a national epidemiological alert in direct response to the significant increase in international travel and large gatherings associated with year-end festivities.

For example, local media reports that about 1.5 million visitors have already visited the historic site of Machu Picchu during the first 10 months of 2025. Machu Picchu is Peru's most visited tourist destination.

Announced on December 12, 2025, this proactive measure focused on the health risk associated with influenza A (H3N2) subclade K and measles.

A MINSA official clarified that the Influenza A H3N2 virus does not present any significant warning signs or severity. Minsa began influenza vaccinations in April 2025 for vulnerable groups.

In the United States and Europe, they use the same flu shot we use, which has a 70% effectiveness rate," explained Luis Quiroz.

Additionally, the spreading of measles in Peru was highlighted in a U.S. CDC Travel Health Notice. 

Furthermore, the CDC recommends vaccinations, including Chikungunya, Typhoid, and Yellow Fever, for many visitors to Peru in 2025.

These travel vaccines are available from various clinics in the United States.