Peru Northern Amazon Mini

The Need

Peru is situated in a seismically active region, where major earthquakes occur frequently. In addition, the country faces a range of environmental challenges—heavy rainfall, flooding, droughts, forest fires, frost, snowfall, and the periodic El Niño phenomenon—making communities more vulnerable and susceptible to disease. Whereas in 2011 the fertility rate was 7.7 children per woman, the current total fertility rate is around 2.0 children per woman, the crude death rate today is about 4.4 per 1,000, and the infant mortality rate stands at 10.8 per 1,000 live births—a dramatic shift from past figures. Many deaths continue to be caused by preventable infectious diseases such as tuberculosis, pneumonia, malaria, and yellow fever.

Peru’s healthcare system, like those in many Latin American countries, often lacks the infrastructure to serve remote populations. A 2009 study by the World Bank and WHO identified indigenous communities as being in critical need of comprehensive health support. In response, IMR is working in collaboration with local partners to provide medical and dental care, as well as health education, to these often-overlooked populations. Your team will encounter patients with untreated infections, wounds, and common ailments, as well as individuals suffering from severe dental issues—often relying only on home remedies for relief.

Annual flooding in the Amazon River basin presents additional challenges—including skin infections and emotional trauma linked to displaced families and destroyed homes. Dengue fever is also a growing concern: Peru was among the countries hit by a major dengue outbreak in 2024–2025 with nearly 223,000 reported cases. Public health education and supportive care for mosquito-borne diseases will be a key part of our mission.

This trip offers a powerful opportunity to provide compassionate, hands-on care to those who truly need it. We will bring indigenous patients from isolated areas into our clinic and collaborate closely with local medical students. If you have a passion for teaching and serving vulnerable communities, this experience is especially rewarding.

Our Work

International Medical Relief began relief efforts in Peru in 2012. Since then, more than 300 volunteers and staff have served over 9,000 patients. IMR continues to strengthen their relationship with the community and provide community health training, medical treatments, medical supplies and equipment, and clinic operations.

With diligent planning and preparation, IMR is dedicated to ensuring that specific goals are met on our missions, each in correlation to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 3, 6, and 17.

IMR works to elevate vulnerable populations through shoulder-to-shoulder care with our local partners, creating workforce density, and a cadre of future healthcare and public health leaders in association to UNSDG 3: Good Health & Wellbeing.

Our medical mission teams also work toward UNSDG 6: Clean Water & Sanitation by supporting and strengthening the participation of local communities in improving their water quality and installing water filtration systems that supply communities with clean drinking water and providing education on hydration and hygiene.

In correlation with UNSDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, our organization works in collaboration and at the request of local hosts where we are under their direct influence and affluence. IMR never goes into a country without a formal invitation where there is a great community need for medical or dental care, and health education.

This Mission

This unforgettable journey begins and ends in Iquitos, Peru, a lively and remote city nestled deep within the Amazon rainforest. Accessible only by river or air, Iquitos is the largest city in the world unreachable by road, offering a unique blend of urban energy and untamed nature. Situated along the banks of the Amazon River, the city serves as a vital hub for exploring the surrounding jungle, including the renowned Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve, home to extraordinary wildlife and pristine tropical landscapes.

Lodging/Transportation

You will be staying in a lovely hotel on this trip, traveling each day to the small villages and towns that are in need of medical and dental care. Bring your bathing suit and don’t forget your camera!

Highlights

Working with the indigenous communities surrounding Iquitos is a truly unique and immersive experience. You will have the opportunity to engage with Amazonian cultures and learn about traditional healing practices that have been passed down for generations. Local artisans often share their handcrafted creations, including intricately woven textiles, beaded jewelry, hand-carved wooden items, natural-dye ceramics, and clothing that reflects their vibrant heritage and connection to the rainforest.

A highlight of this trip is your final day in Iquitos, where you can choose to relax, explore the surrounding Amazon rainforest, or shop for locally made goods and souvenirs. Alternatively, you may opt to travel to Lima, Peru’s capital city. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Lima is celebrated for its rich history, world-class museums, pre-Columbian archaeological sites, stunning coastline, dynamic culinary scene, and energetic nightlife. Your decision will depend on your return flight schedule and personal preferences—either way, it’s a chance to add something special to your journey.

If you’re considering extending your trip, visiting Machu Picchu is an unforgettable option. From Lima, you can fly to Cusco and then travel by train and bus through the Sacred Valley to reach this iconic Incan citadel, another UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Contact our partner, Worldwide Navigators, to learn more about adding this incredible experience to your itinerary.

Extend Your Stay

You’re journeying halfway across the globe, have you considered extending your stay to visit some of Peru’s top spots? Join International Medical Relief on an exclusive trip extension provided by our partner, Worldwide Navigators!

• Experience the wonder of a sunrise on Machu Picchu 
• Enjoy a train ride through the Peruvian jungle 
• Journey to the vibrant & colorful Rainbow Mountain

Click here to view the itinerary!

Ready for the adventure? Connect with Worldwide Navigators today!