Latin America

Zika virus is transmitted by the Aedes aegypti mosquito throughout tropical Latin America. In most healthy adults, infection causes mild or no symptoms. However, Zika infection during pregnancy causes severe fetal brain abnormalities including microcephaly, intrauterine growth restriction, and stillbirth. There is no vaccine and no treatment. Pregnant women must not travel to Zika-risk areas in Latin America. Male partners returning from Zika-risk areas should use condoms for 3 months; female partners for 2 months before attempting conception.

Latin America, especially Brazil, Mexico, Colombia, Peru, and Argentina — accounts for the majority of globally reported dengue cases. The Aedes aegypti mosquito bites during daylight hours. There is no prophylactic medication. DEET must be applied every morning and reapplied throughout the day, not just at dusk. Dengue presents with high fever, severe headache, and intense joint/bone pain ("breakbone fever"). Severe dengue (hemorrhagic) is a medical emergency requiring hospitalisation.

Latin America's Andean destinations include some of the world's highest inhabited cities: La Paz (3,640 m), Cusco (3,400 m), Quito (2,850 m), and trek routes exceeding 5,000 m. Visitors who fly directly to these altitudes without acclimatisation are at significant risk of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), and in severe cases HACE (cerebral edema) or HAPE (pulmonary edema is the the most common cause of altitude death). Acetazolamide (Diamox) prophylaxis and a careful ascent profile are essential. See our full Altitude Sickness guide.

Yellow fever is endemic in the Amazon Basin and tropical lowland forests of South America — including significant parts of Brazil, Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador, Colombia, Venezuela, and the Guianas. Many countries in the region require a valid IHR (yellow fever) certificate for entry, particularly if arriving from another endemic country. The vaccine must be administered at a certified Yellow Fever Vaccination Centre at least 10 days before travel. Protection is considered lifelong under current WHO guidelines.

Typhoid and hepatitis A are significant risks throughout Central America, the Caribbean, and the less-developed areas of South America. Food and water safety standards vary enormously — from tourist resort areas to rural indigenous communities. Typhoid injectable vaccine and hepatitis A vaccine are strongly recommended for virtually all Latin American travel outside of wealthier urban neighbourhoods.

Malaria risk is primarily concentrated in the Amazon Basin and rural lowland areas — not in major tourist cities. P. vivax predominates in most of Latin America, though P. falciparum is present in the Amazon. Chloroquine resistance is widespread in P. falciparum — use atovaquone-proguanil or doxycycline. Chloroquine remains effective for P. vivax in most areas. Malaria-free: Caribbean islands, urban coastal cities, and all Andean altitudes above 2,500 m. See our Malaria Prevention guide.

Chikungunya arrived in the Americas in 2013 and has since spread throughout the Caribbean and tropical Latin America. It causes fever and debilitating joint pain that can persist for months. Transmitted by the same Aedes aegypti mosquito as dengue and Zika — daytime DEET application protects against all three simultaneously. A chikungunya vaccine was approved by the FDA in 2023 (IXCHIQ) for adults aged 18+ — discuss with your travel physician.

Chagas disease (Trypanosoma cruzi) is transmitted by the triatomine "kissing bug" — found in the cracks of adobe walls and thatched roofs in rural areas across Latin America. Risk to tourists in standard accommodation is very low but significant for those sleeping in rural adobe houses, especially in Bolivia, Colombia, Peru, Brazil, and Central America. No vaccine exists — prevention is through not sleeping in endemic rustic accommodation.

Rabies is endemic throughout Latin America — primarily transmitted by domestic dogs in urban and rural areas. Vampire bat rabies is an additional unique risk in Amazon and rural areas — bat bites often go unnoticed during sleep. Pre-exposure prophylaxis is recommended for adventure travelers, rural visitors, those planning Amazon or jungle expeditions, and all travelers where access to post-exposure treatment may be delayed.

Cutaneous leishmaniasis (causing chronic skin ulcers) is present in forested areas throughout Central and South America — transmitted by sandfly bites at dusk and dawn. Leptospirosis risk through freshwater/soil exposure, especially post-flooding. Schistosomiasis is present in parts of Brazil (Northeast and Southeast). Cysticercosis from undercooked pork is a risk in rural areas across the region.

Apply DEET Every Morning

Dengue, Zika, and chikungunya mosquitoes bite during the day — peak activity at dawn and late afternoon. Apply DEET 30–40% or picaridin 20% every morning before leaving accommodation and reapply every 4–6 hours. A single application at dusk is insufficient protection in this region.

Pregnancy — Reconsider Tropical Travel

Zika is a category-1 teratogen — the fetal brain damage it causes has no treatment. Pregnant women should not travel to any area of Latin America with active Zika transmission, which includes the vast majority of tropical Central and South America. Consult your OB before any Latin American travel during pregnancy or when planning conception.

Plan Altitude Acclimatisation

Never fly directly to Cusco, La Paz, or Puno from sea level without a plan. Spend 1–2 nights at an intermediate altitude, limit exertion on arrival days, avoid alcohol in the first 48 hours, stay well hydrated, and take acetazolamide if prescribed. If you develop AMS symptoms — stop ascending. Do not push through headache and nausea at altitude.

Yellow Fever Certificate — Carry Always

Many Latin American countries require a yellow fever certificate not just for entry from endemic countries but for re-entry across internal borders. When visiting multiple countries in a trip — for example Brazil → Bolivia → Peru — ensure your certificate is current and carry it at all times. Border crossings in remote areas may lack digital verification options.

Street Food Is Central to Latin America — Navigate It Safely

Latin American street food culture is extraordinary — and navigating it safely is achievable. Eat from busy high-turnover stalls. Choose grilled and cooked-to-order items. Avoid pre-prepared cold dishes, unpeeled raw fruit, and items with unknown water content (agua fresca, fruit juices, blended drinks) unless made with bottled water. See our Food & Water Safety guide.

Venomous Wildlife — Amazon & Rural Areas

Latin America has the world's highest diversity of venomous snakes, including Bothrops (fer-de-lance) and Lachesis (bushmaster). Always wear boots and long trousers in jungle environments. Do not reach into undergrowth or under rocks with bare hands. If bitten, immobilise the limb and seek medical care urgently — antivenom availability varies greatly by country and region.

Never Swim in Amazon Freshwater

Amazon and Pantanal freshwater bodies carry leptospirosis, schistosomiasis (in northeastern Brazil), parasitic infections, and caiman and electric ray hazards. Ocean beaches are generally safe. Lake Titicaca freshwater is also associated with schistosomiasis — avoid contact with water in the Bolivian and Peruvian lake shores.

Healthcare Quality — Know Your Destination

Chile, Argentina, Costa Rica, Uruguay, Brazil (major cities), and Mexico City offer healthcare approaching US standards in private hospitals. Remote Amazon, Andean highlands, Central American rural areas, Haiti, and Venezuela have extremely limited care. Medical evacuation insurance is essential for any Amazon, Andes trekking, or Galápagos itinerary. Research the nearest private hospital for each destination before you need it.

North America / Mesoamerica

🇲🇽 Mexico

America's most visited Latin American destination. Dengue is hyperendemic — major outbreaks in Cancún, Guadalajara, and Mexico City reported in recent years. Zika circulates in tropical coastal and rural areas. Typhoid and hepatitis A strongly recommended. Malaria risk only in rural tropical areas (Chiapas, Oaxaca coast, Sinaloa, Nayarit) — tourist resort areas on Yucatán, Riviera Maya, and Pacific Coast are generally malaria-free. Rabies present. Excellent private hospitals in Mexico City, Monterrey, and Guadalajara. TD is very common — "Montezuma's Revenge" is a real and frequent problem.

Central America

🇧🇿 Belize

Small Central American nation popular for barrier reef diving and jungle eco-tourism. Dengue and Zika present. Malaria risk in rural inland areas — resort islands (Caye Caulker, Ambergris Caye) have low malaria risk. Yellow fever certificate required if arriving from endemic country. Healthcare limited outside Belize City.

Central America

🇨🇷 Costa Rica

One of Latin America's most tourist-friendly and relatively safe destinations. Dengue outbreaks are frequent. Zika is present. Malaria risk very low — limited to remote Pacific coast and border areas. Best healthcare in Central America outside of Mexico — CIMA and Clínica Bíblica in San José have US-trained physicians. Yellow fever certificate required if arriving from endemic country. Rabies present. Popular eco-tourism and adventure destination.

Central America

🇸🇻 El Salvador

Central America's smallest and most densely populated country. High dengue burden. Zika present. Malaria risk very low — limited to remote rural areas. Typhoid and hepatitis A recommended. Security situation has improved significantly in recent years under government crackdowns. Limited healthcare outside San Salvador. Increasingly popular surf destination.

Central America

🇬🇹 Guatemala

Guatemala City (1,500 m) and Antigua (1,530 m) are at moderate altitude with lower malaria risk. Malaria risk higher in rural lowland areas (Alta Verapaz, Petén). Dengue and Zika throughout. Typhoid and hepatitis A strongly recommended. Yellow fever certificate required if arriving from endemic country. Lake Atitlán and the highland Maya communities are popular — limited healthcare outside Guatemala City.

Central America

🇭🇳 Honduras

High dengue burden. Malaria risk in rural areas (Gracias a Dios, Colón, Olancho) — Bay Islands (Roatán) have low risk. Zika circulating. Typhoid strongly recommended. Yellow fever recommended. Chagas risk in rural interior. Bay Islands are popular dive destinations. Roatán has reasonable tourist healthcare; mainland rural areas very limited.

Central America

🇳🇮 Nicaragua

Dengue outbreaks are frequent and large. Malaria in rural areas (Caribbean coast, RAAN, RAAS regions) — Managua and Pacific cities lower risk. Zika circulating. Typhoid and hepatitis A recommended. Chagas disease risk in rural interior. Healthcare is limited — Managua has private clinics but capacity is poor. Check State Dept advisories — political situation has been volatile since 2018.

Central America

🇵🇦 Panama

Gateway between Central and South America. Panama City and Canal Zone are low malaria risk. Malaria (including P. falciparum) in Darién province and San Blas islands. Yellow fever risk east of Panama Canal — vaccination recommended for travel to Darién. Dengue and Zika throughout. Good private hospitals in Panama City. Darién Gap is extremely dangerous — do not attempt to cross overland.

Caribbean

🇨🇺 Cuba

Malaria-free. Dengue and Zika present. Typhoid and hepatitis A recommended. Healthcare is technically state-provided but medical supplies are severely limited — US travelers should carry a comprehensive medical kit. US travel regulations apply — verify current Treasury and State Department guidelines before booking. Medication shortages are significant; bring everything you may need.

Caribbean

🇩🇴 Dominican Republic

One of the Caribbean's most visited US destinations. Malaria is present — chloroquine-sensitive P. falciparum in rural and western areas (near Haiti border and in rural provinces). Dengue outbreaks are frequent. Zika circulating. Resort areas (Punta Cana, Puerto Plata) carry lower malaria risk than rural areas but dengue risk remains. Typhoid and hepatitis A recommended. Tourist resort healthcare is reasonable; rural areas very limited.

Caribbean

🇭🇹 Haiti

US State Department Level 4 — Do Not Travel. Haiti has chloroquine-sensitive malaria throughout the country. Ongoing cholera epidemic. Dengue widespread. Typhoid risk very high. Healthcare infrastructure has collapsed following the 2010 earthquake and ongoing political instability. One of the Caribbean's highest overall health risk profiles. Travel is extremely dangerous for US citizens.

Caribbean

🇯🇲 Jamaica

Malaria-free. Dengue and Zika present. Typhoid and hepatitis A recommended. Very popular US tourist destination — resort areas (Montego Bay, Negril, Ocho Rios) have good private healthcare. Be cautious with water outside resorts. Chikungunya has been reported. Check State Dept advisory for security considerations outside resort areas.

Caribbean

🇹🇹 Trinidad & Tobago

Malaria-free. Dengue and Zika present. Yellow fever vaccination recommended if arriving from endemic country. Typhoid and hepatitis A recommended for Tobago's more rural areas. Good private healthcare in Port of Spain. Popular carnival and eco-tourism destination. Rabies has been detected in Trinidad through vampire bats.

South America

🇦🇷 Argentina

Argentina has experienced its largest dengue outbreaks in history in recent years (2023–2024). Buenos Aires and northern provinces are high-risk for dengue. Malaria risk is very low — limited to small areas of northwest (Salta, Jujuy, Misiones). Zika present in northern tropical areas. Good private hospitals in Buenos Aires comparable to US standards. Yellow fever recommended for Iguazú and northern jungle areas. Patagonia is generally safe and low health risk.

South America

🇧🇴 Bolivia

Home to La Paz (3,640 m) and Potosí (3,967 m) — some of the world's highest inhabited cities. AMS affects the majority of visitors who arrive by air. Malaria in tropical lowlands (Beni, Santa Cruz, Pando departments). Yellow fever required for jungle/lowland areas. Dengue in tropical lowlands. Chagas disease risk in rural areas. Limited healthcare — La Paz has private clinics but rural areas have almost nothing. Medical evacuation insurance essential.

South America

🇧🇷 Brazil

World's largest country and Latin America's most visited. Brazil reports the world's highest absolute dengue case count annually. Zika is endemic — Zika was first identified as causing microcephaly in Recife, Brazil in 2015. Yellow fever recommended for most of Brazil outside major coastal cities (Rio, São Paulo are low risk for YF). Amazon malaria risk high. Schistosomiasis in northeastern and southeastern Brazil. World-class private hospitals in São Paulo and Rio. Rabies through vampire bats in Amazon.

South America

🇨🇱 Chile

South America's safest and most developed country for travelers. Malaria-free. No yellow fever risk. Dengue and Zika risk extremely low. Typhoid and hepatitis A precautions recommended for central and northern rural areas. Altitude sickness relevant for Atacama Desert (San Pedro de Atacama at 2,400 m). Excellent private hospitals in Santiago comparable to US standards. Patagonia (Torres del Paine) is remote but generally safe — weather is the main hazard.

South America

🇨🇴 Colombia

Rapidly growing tourist destination. Dengue throughout tropical regions. Zika endemic. Malaria in Pacific coast (Chocó), Amazon, and Orinoco departments. Yellow fever recommended for jungle and rural travel. Bogotá (2,625 m) presents mild altitude risk for some visitors. Medellín (1,500 m) and Cartagena (sea level) have different risk profiles. Good private hospitals in Bogotá and Medellín. Rabies and leishmaniasis risk in rural areas.

South America

🇪🇨 Ecuador & Galápagos

Quito (2,850 m) requires acclimatisation — altitude headache is common for arriving visitors. Dengue in coastal and lowland areas. Malaria in Amazonian provinces and coastal lowlands (not Quito, highlands, or Galápagos). Yellow fever recommended for Amazon and tropical areas (not Quito or Galápagos). The Galápagos Islands are low risk overall — no malaria, dengue very rare. Good private hospitals in Quito. Chimborazo and volcano trekking requires serious altitude medicine preparation.

South America

🇬🇾 Guyana

High malaria risk — P. falciparum and P. vivax throughout interior and forest regions. Yellow fever required. Dengue in urban areas. Typhoid risk high. Rabies present. Healthcare limited to Georgetown — interior regions have virtually no medical infrastructure. Medical evacuation insurance essential for eco-tourism and interior travel. Emerging nature tourism destination.

South America

🇵🇾 Paraguay

Landlocked South American nation with high dengue burden. Zika present. Malaria risk very low. Yellow fever recommended for Chaco region. Typhoid and hepatitis A recommended. Chagas disease risk in rural interior. Limited healthcare outside Asunción. Yellow fever certificate required if arriving from endemic country.

South America

🇵🇪 Peru

One of Latin America's most visited destinations — Machu Picchu, Cusco (3,400 m), Lake Titicaca (3,820 m), and Amazon jungle all in one country. Altitude sickness is a major risk for Andean itineraries. Dengue in coastal and Amazonian lowlands. Malaria in Amazonian departments. Yellow fever recommended for Amazon and jungle travel. Typhoid throughout. Good private hospitals in Lima — Cusco has acceptable private clinics. Leishmaniasis in cloud forest areas.

South America

🇸🇷 Suriname

High malaria risk in interior jungle regions. Yellow fever required. Dengue in coastal and urban areas. Typhoid risk high. Rabies present. Healthcare limited to Paramaribo — interior regions have no medical infrastructure. Eco-tourism destination with very limited facilities outside the capital.

South America

🇺🇾 Uruguay

One of South America's safest and most developed countries. Malaria-free. Yellow fever risk very low. Dengue outbreaks have occurred in Montevideo and border areas with Brazil and Argentina in recent years. Typhoid and hepatitis A precautions recommended outside major hotels. Good private hospitals in Montevideo. Popular beach destination (Punta del Este) with relatively low health risks.

South America

🇻🇪 Venezuela

US State Department Level 4 — Do Not Travel. Venezuela is experiencing the Western Hemisphere's largest malaria resurgence — cases have increased dramatically since 2016 due to economic collapse and healthcare disintegration. Dengue and Zika widespread. Polio re-emergence has been reported. Healthcare has catastrophically collapsed — medication shortages are severe nationwide. Medical evacuation insurance is essential if travel proceeds.