Emergencies in Cusco

Good to Know

• Assume Spanish-only when calling 105, 106, or 116 — the Tourist Police (POLTUR) and iPerú are your best bet if you need English-language help.
• 911 works in Peru but the country is still rolling out a unified national emergency system, so it's safer to have 105 (police), 106 (medical), and 116 (fire) saved directly for Cusco.
• Cusco is at high altitude and in a seismically active region, so save the Civil Defense number (115) along with the standard ones.
• If you're near the VRAEM area (parts of the Cusco region, away from the city and standard tourist sites like Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley), be aware that official emergency response can be much slower or unavailable — the city of Cusco itself and its usual tourist circuit are not affected.
• Having a hotel staff member, guide, or Spanish-speaking local call on your behalf can significantly speed up getting help.
• Hospital Regional del Cusco (Av. de la Cultura) is the main public referral hospital for serious trauma and complex emergencies in the region, but expect long waits, limited English, and to bring your passport/ID.
• Hospital Antonio Lorena has been operating from a temporary 'contingency' building on Av. Agustín Gamarra while its historic building is rebuilt — don't be surprised if maps or locals give the old Plazoleta Belén address instead.
• For most nomads and travelers, private options like SOS Medical Group are usually the fastest, most English-friendly first stop for altitude sickness, stomach issues, or minor injuries, though serious trauma cases are typically stabilized then transferred to the Hospital Regional.
• By Peruvian law, public emergency rooms must treat and stabilize genuine emergencies regardless of insurance or ability to pay, so EsSalud's ER isn't strictly closed to non-affiliates in a true emergency.
• If you have travel insurance, call your provider or embassy first if possible — they can often direct you to the best-equipped private facility and help with billing/reimbursement.