Your Complete Guide to Travelling in South America: Health, Vaccines, and Expert Advice
South America’s rich landscapes—from the Amazon rainforest to Andean peaks and vibrant cities—offer unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re hiking the Inca Trail, exploring Patagonia, or soaking up culture in Buenos Aires, health preparation is as vital as booking flights. At Cambridge Travel Clinic at Petersfield Pharmacy, we specialise in travel medicine, ensuring you have the vaccines, medications and guidance you need before you depart.
In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to know about health risks, essential vaccines, malaria prevention, kit essentials and more for your South America trip.
Contents
Why Visit South America? Highlights & Experiences
Health Risks in South America: What to Watch For
Malaria Prevention Strategies
Travel Health Kit Essentials
Local Medical Care & Emergency Services
Further Resources
Why Visit South America? Highlights & Experiences
South America offers a wealth of adventures:
Rainforest Expeditions: Cruise the Amazon, spot wildlife in Manu or Yasuni.
High-Altitude Treks: Hike to Machu Picchu, climb Cotopaxi or trek the Torres del Paine.
Coastal Escapes: Surf in Brazil, relax on Uruguay’s beaches, explore Colombia’s Caribbean coast.
Cultural Immersion: Dance the tango in Buenos Aires, visit colonial towns in Ecuador or Peru.
Natural Wonders: Witness Iguazú Falls, the Atacama Desert’s moonscape, Patagonia’s glaciers.
Before you go, ensure your health preparations match your itinerary: urban, jungle, highland or coastal.
Health Risks in South America: What to Watch For
Travelling in South America presents several region-specific health risks:
Mosquito-borne diseases: Malaria (Amazon basin), Dengue, Zika, Yellow Fever
Water- and food-borne illnesses: Typhoid, Traveller’s diarrhoea, Hepatitis A
Animal exposures: Rabies from bats, dogs or wildlife
Altitude-related illness: Acute mountain sickness above 2,500 m
Environmental hazards: Sunburn, dehydration, tropical infections
A tailored consultation will assess your full itinerary and recommend measures.
Essential Vaccines for South America
Yellow Fever:
Mandatory for entry to certain countries and recommended for Amazon or jungle travel.
See Yellow Fever vaccine.
Typhoid:
Protects against typhoid fever from contaminated food or water—injectable or oral options.
See Typhoid vaccine.
Hepatitis A & B:
Hepatitis A via food/water; B via blood and bodily fluids. Combined dose simplifies schedule.
Rabies:
Pre-exposure vaccination advised for jungle lodges, bat caves or animal-rich areas.
See Rabies vaccine.
Tetanus Booster:
10-year booster (often combined with diphtheria & polio) essential if you haven’t had one recently.
Japanese Encephalitis:
Consider for rural, long-term stays in areas with rice paddies or pig farming.
Malaria Prevention Strategies
Malaria risk exists in the Amazon basin and some border regions:
Chemoprophylaxis
Options include Malarone®, Doxycycline or Atovaquone-Proguanil, chosen by your health profile.
Mosquito Avoidance
Wear long sleeves, use DEET or Picaridin repellent.
Sleep under insecticide-treated nets.
Stay in screened or air-conditioned lodging.
Early Diagnosis
Seek urgent medical attention if fever or flu-like illness occurs after travel.
Discuss prophylaxis when you book your travel health appointment.
Travel Health Kit Essentials
Pack a kit suited to South America:
Prescription medicines: anti-malarials, antibiotics for traveller's diarrhoea (e.g. azithromycin), altitude sickness tablets (acetazolamide)
Rehydration & digestion: oral rehydration salts, probiotics, anti-nausea remedies
First aid: plasters, antiseptic wipes, wound-care dressings
Sun & insect protection: high-SPF sunscreen, after-sun gel, insect repellent
Altitude gear: pulse oximeter, acetazolamide for high-altitude treks
Health documents: printed vaccination record and Yellow Fever certificate (ICVP)
Our clinic can recommend brands and assemble bespoke kits.
Local Medical Care & Emergency Services
Medical care varies widely:
Brazil: Major hospitals in São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro (e.g. Hospital Sírio-Libanês)
Peru: Good care in Lima; basic clinics in Cusco and jungle lodges
Ecuador: Modern facilities in Quito and Guayaquil; limited in Amazon
Argentina & Chile: High-standard hospitals in Buenos Aires and Santiago
Rural: Basic health outposts; consider evacuation plans for remote treks
Keep travel insurance, local emergency numbers and our clinic’s contact details handy.
Why Choose Cambridge Travel Clinic at Petersfield Pharmacy
Trust our experts when preparing for South America:
GPhC-registered travel health specialists with tropical medicine expertise
Same-day and next-day appointments for urgent travellers
Comprehensive service: personalised vaccines, malaria prophylaxis, altitude advice
Family-friendly environment: experienced in paediatric and adult vaccinations
Transparent pricing: view fees on Pricing with no hidden charges
Central location: 56 Mill Rd, Petersfield, Cambridge CB1 2AS—minutes from the city centre
Learn more on About Us.
How to Book Your Consultation
Visit Booking to select your slot
Call 01223 354383 for same-day or urgent bookings
Prepare your travel details, medical history and itinerary
Attend your appointment for expert planning and vaccination
Further Resources
TravelHealthPro (UK travel health guidance)
Fit for Travel (NHS)
NHS Travel Vaccination Advice
Embark on your South America adventure fully prepared. Book your travel health consultation today at Cambridge Travel Clinic at Petersfield Pharmacy via Booking or call 01223 354383.
More information check out the following resources where we source information from:
Fit for Travel
Travel Health Pro
NHS Travel Advice