First things first: No, you cannot drink tap water in Peru in pretty much any region. While some locals drink it without problems, you’d most probably get traveler’s diarrhea from it. Luckily, you don’t need to rely on disposable plastic bottles: a reliable water purifier can help you stay hydrated throughout your trip.
In the following, we’ll show you the different purification options and their functions, and reveal our personal recommendation.
Different purifier bottle options for Peru
Based on our own experience, feedback from travelers and friends, and additional research, we’ve summarized the main options below. We elaborate on each of them in the following sections.
| Product | Bacteria/protozoa | Viruses | Sediment/particles |
| Water-to-Go | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| GRAYL (GeoPress / UltraPress) | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| LifeStraw Personal / Peak Series | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ |
| SteriPen (UV purifier) | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ |
Water-to-Go
Water-to-Go has been our founder Guido’s personal favorite for many years. It removes bacteria, protozoa, viruses, microplastics, and many chemical contaminants, including heavy metals. The bottles are durable and have proven very reliable over years of travel throughout Peru.
The main drawback is that drinking can require quite a bit of suction, especially as the filter ages or after filtering very muddy water. Fortunately, the filter can usually be cleaned, restoring much of its flow.
GRAYL
Similar to the Water-to-Go, the GRAYL also removes bacteria, protozoa, viruses, microplastics, and many chemical contaminants. Instead of drinking through the filter, you simply press the filter through the water in a few seconds. This makes it very easy to refill additional bottles or hydration reservoirs (camel bags), which is especially useful for hiking and for families.
LifeStraw
The LifeStraw might be the most well-known option for providing clean drinking water. The concept is easy: Water is filtered directly as you drink.
However, most LifeStraw products are solely water filters rather than water purifiers. They remove bacteria and protozoa, but not viruses. Only the dedicated LifeStraw Purifier models also eliminate viruses, such as Hepatitis A, Rotavirus, etc. Since viruses can occasionally be present in water sources in Peru, this is important to keep in mind.
SteriPen (UV purifier)
A UV purifier seems a bit too magical to be true. It inactivates bacteria, protozoa, and viruses using ultraviolet light. You simply place the UV purifier in your water and stir gently for about a minute to disinfect it. It is highly effective, but only when the water is already clear. It does not remove sand, silt, microplastics, or other particles, and it depends on batteries or a rechargeable power source.
Our filter recommendation
To travel in Peru and the rest of South America, we consider Water-to-Go and GRAYL to be the best all-round options. Both protect against viruses, bacteria, and protozoa while reducing plastic waste and providing safe drinking water almost anywhere.
For solo travelers and couples, a Water-to-Go or similar purifier bottle with an integrated filter is usually the simplest and most convenient option. You’ll always have safe drinking water available without carrying additional equipment.
For families or larger groups, a GRAYL or a UV purifier can be more practical. Both make it much easier to produce larger quantities of drinking water and refill multiple bottles or hydration reservoirs.
| Product | Day-hike | Trek | Camping/Family | Solo&Couples |
| GRAYL | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ |
| Water-to-Go | ⭐⭐ | ⭐ | – | ⭐⭐ |
| LifeStraw | ⭐ | ⭐ | – | ⭐ |
| SteriPen | – | ⭐ | ⭐⭐ | – |
Use your filter correctly
A filter bottle can make tap water and many natural water sources safe to drink, but using it correctly is almost as important as choosing the right one. Here are our tips:
- Whenever possible, choose the clearest water available. Although mud, sand, and other particles can be removed, they shorten the product’s lifespan.
- Flowing water, such as a stream or spring, is generally a better choice than stagnant ponds or puddles.
- Avoid water that is visibly contaminated with chemicals, fuel, sewage, or industrial waste. Even high-quality purifier bottles cannot remove every chemical contaminant.
- Keep your hands as clean as possible when handling the filter to avoid contaminating the purified water.
- Replace your filter in time. You won’t have to guess when it’s time for a replacement. The companies provide clear instructions.
- Every water treatment bottle works differently. Read the provided information carefully and stick to it during your journey.
What else to keep in mind to stay safe in Peru?
Now that we’ve covered the drinking water situation in Peru, you might be wondering about other safety aspects to keep in mind. Indeed, due to the various climate zones and altitudes, we highly recommend staying informed before traveling in Peru. Especially the high Andes and the deep jungle are new territory for many travelers.
Suggestion: Now that we’ve covered the drinking water situation in Peru, you might be wondering about other safety aspects to keep in mind. The high Andes, the deep jungle, and the dry coast are new territory for many travelers. Due to these various climate zones and altitudes, we highly recommend staying informed before traveling in Peru.
In our blog post on How to stay safe and healthy when traveling in Peru, we won’t leave any questions unanswered. But if you still have any concerns or need help from an expert to book your Peru trip, feel free to reach out to us.
Frequently asked questions about purifying water in Peru
How do I know when my filter has reached its capacity?
You usually can’t tell by looking at the filter. Instead, the manufacturers specify guidelines with either a maximum number of liters or a recommended period of use. They also explain how you can tell if your filter reaches its limit (for example, when water starts to flow really heavily). If in doubt, replace the filter rather than risk drinking untreated water.
Can I Use Water Purification Tablets Instead?
Purification tablets effectively kill bacteria, viruses, and most protozoa. However, they don’t remove sediment or improve the taste of the water, and you have to wait before drinking. For everyday travel, we find a purifier bottle much more convenient, but you can carry some of these tablets as a backup plan.
Can I get a filter or replacement articles in Peru?
Buying water purifiers in Peru can be very complicated and time-consuming. We recommend buying your complete setup before traveling and making sure it will last for the length of your stay.
Can I Brush My Teeth With Tap Water in Peru?
Although you likely won’t have any issues, we recommend using your filter bottle to brush your teeth as well, especially if you have a rather sensitive stomach. It’s better to be safe than sorry so that you can fully enjoy your journey.
Are ice cubes safe in Peru?
Ice cubes served in reputable restaurants, cafés, and hotels are generally made from purified water and are considered safe. At small street stalls or places with questionable hygiene, it’s best to skip drinks with ice.
