Not Safe
Peru
·
Last reviewed:
Is Tap Water Safe to Drink in Cusco?
No, tap water in Cusco is not safe to drink. SEDACUSCO treats the supply, but infrastructure limitations and the high altitude environment make bottled water essential for all travelers.
Hardness
Moderate
Country
Peru
Rating
Not Safe
Soft
Moderate
Hard
Very Hard
Water Source
SEDACUSCO supplies the city from mountain rivers and reservoirs in the Andes above Cusco. Treatment capacity has improved but remains limited relative to the city’s growing population and tourism demands.
Contaminants & Concerns
Bacterial contamination risk from aging pipes and inconsistent chlorination. The water composition at 3,400 meters altitude differs from lowland water and can aggravate stomach sensitivity in travelers.
Tips
- •Always drink bottled water in Cusco — it is inexpensive and sold everywhere
- •Use bottled water for brushing teeth and rinsing produce
- •High altitude already stresses digestion, so avoiding tap water reduces the risk of compounding stomach problems
Frequently Asked Questions
Sources & References
The safety rating and guidance on this page draw on the following sources. See our full methodology.
- •WHO Guidelines for Drinking-water Quality
- •CDC Travelers' Health destination pages
- •The municipal water utility's published quality data