No, you should avoid drinking tap water in Peru, unless it’s been filtered or boiled first. Water throughout Peru fails to meet good hygiene standards and can cause sickness – especially for travellers not used to the local germs and bacteria. Peruvian water is often sourced from rivers which are polluted with runoff from agriculture and mining.
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Contents
Water in Peru
Can I Brush My Teeth With Tap Water in Peru?
While drinking tap water in Peru isn’t considered safe, it’s okay to brush your teeth with as long as you don’t swallow any. Brushing your teeth with tap water is a good way to introduce the local germs and bacteria to your body slowly – reducing your chances of getting ill further down the line!
Can I Wash My Face With Tap Water in Peru?
Yes, you can wash your face with tap water in Peru.
Do Locals in Peru Drink Tap Water?
Peruvians who drink tap water only do so after it’s been boiled or filtered. It’s common practice in Peru for people to have a water filter at home, or have a supply of boiled water ready to go. This saves money on buying bottled water.
Keep an eye out in your accommodation as they may have boiled or filtered water available. Use this to top up your water bottle to reduce your plastic footprint while travelling!
Is Ice in Peru Safe?
Ice in Peru is only safe if it’s been made from purified or boiled water. In very touristy areas, the ice is likely to be safe but if in doubt, avoid it.
How to Ask for No Ice:
Bottled Water in Peru
Bottled water is everywhere in Peru. Expect to pay around 2-3PEN ($0.50-0.80USD) per litre. The price per litre drops if you buy larger bottles. If you’re staying in one place for a few days, this is the best way to save money on bottled water.
Can I Use a Filtered Water Bottle in Peru?
Yes, you can use a filtered water bottle in Peru. We recommend using a purifier like the Grayl UltraPress or one of the Grayl alternatives to ensure tap water is as safe as it can be!
Tap Water in Peru – Is It Drinkable?
You should avoid drinking tap water in Peru. Instead, stick to bottled, filtered or boiled water for drinking. Peruvian water sources are known to be contaminated and the purification process used by many municipalities fails to remove them all.