Town in Cusco, Peru
Healthcare in Machu Picchu: hospitals, costs and insurance
Healthcare in Machu Picchu
Only basic care in town. Serious cases leave by medical train car or helicopter to Cusco. Altitude sickness is rarer here than in Cusco. Insurance with evacuation is essential.
Hospitals for foreigners in Machu Picchu
| Hospital | Good to know |
|---|---|
| Centro de Salud Machupicchu (Aguas Calientes) | Basic care and first aid only |
| Clínica Pardo (Cusco) | Private; about 3–4 hours away by train and car |
| Hospital Regional del Cusco | Public referral hospital for serious cases |
Key facts
- Doctor's visit: S/120–250 ($35–73) at a private clinic without insurance.
- In Peru: Good private clinics in Lima and decent ones in Cusco and Arequipa; rural care is basic. Altitude, remote treks and evacuation costs make travel insurance essential.
- Pharmacies: Inkafarma and Mifarma are everywhere; pharmacists often sell medicines without a prescription.
- Health spending: US$446 per person a year (2023); 1.7 doctors per 1,000 people (2023), World Bank.
- Emergency: Police 105 · Ambulance 106 · Fire 116.
Travel and health insurance
Travel insurance isn't required to enter Peru, but treatment for visitors is paid upfront.
| Insurer | Good for |
|---|---|
| SafetyWing Nomad Insurance | Monthly subscription for nomads and long trips; cancel anytime. |
| Genki | Health insurance for nomads, from a European insurer. |
| World Nomads | Trip insurance that covers many adventure activities. |
| Heymondo | Single-trip, annual and long-stay plans with a medical app. |
| IMG Global | Travel medical and long-term international health plans. |
Quick answers
What is the best hospital in Machu Picchu for foreigners?
Centro de Salud Machupicchu (Aguas Calientes): Basic care and first aid only
How much does a doctor's visit cost in Machu Picchu?
About S/120–250 ($35–73) at a private clinic.
Do I need travel insurance for Peru?
It isn't required for entry, but recommended: hospitals in Peru expect visitors to pay or show insurance.
More about Machu Picchu
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Sources
- World Bank: health expenditure per capita
- CDC Travelers' Health: Peru
- Machu Picchu official tickets (Ministry of Culture)
- PeruRail
- Inca Rail
- Servicio Nacional de Áreas Naturales Protegidas (SERNANP)
- PeruRail tickets to Machu Picchu
SoloSquare has no commercial relationship with the insurers listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.