What to do if someone dies in Peru

Peru is one of the most geographically challenging countries in the world for repatriation logistics. The Andes, the Amazon, and the relative distance of Cusco and the sacred valley from Lima mean that where the death occurred determines almost everything about how long the process will take.

Step 1: Notify the British Embassy Lima

The British Embassy in Lima is the primary consular contact. Address: Torre Parque Mar, Piso 22, Avenida Jose Larco 1301, Miraflores, Lima 18. Phone: +51 1 617 3000. FCDO 24-hour emergency line: +44 1908 516666.

An Honorary Consul operates in Cusco. For deaths in the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu area, or anywhere in the Cusco region, ask the Embassy to connect you with the Honorary Consul immediately. They have direct local contacts that will save significant time.

Do not wait until business hours. Notify the Embassy the same day.

Step 2: RENIEC death certificate

Deaths must be registered with RENIEC (Registro Nacional de Identificacion y Estado Civil). The Acta de Defuncion is issued. For deaths in Lima, this is handled at a RENIEC office. For deaths in Cusco or other cities, the local RENIEC branch handles registration. For deaths in remote areas, reaching a RENIEC office may require significant travel by local contacts. Source: RENIEC regulations (2023).

Step 3: Instituto de Medicina Legal post-mortem

For any sudden, violent, or unexplained death, the body is referred to the Instituto de Medicina Legal (IML). In Cusco, the IML office handles altitude deaths and trekking accidents from the Sacred Valley. The body cannot be moved across international borders until the IML examination is complete and the State Prosecutor has authorised release.

IML results typically take 7 to 14 days from the examination date. The examination itself cannot begin until the police have completed their initial investigation. Allow for this sequence when communicating timelines to the family.

Step 4: Altitude deaths specifically

Deaths at Cusco (3,400m), on the Inca Trail, or at Machu Picchu (2,430m) often involve altitude-related cardiac events or acute mountain sickness complications. These are classified as unnatural or unexpected deaths even when the medical explanation is clear, because the death occurred outside a hospital setting. The IML post-mortem is mandatory in these cases. Source: Peruvian Ministry of Justice; IML procedures.

SERNANP (National Service of Natural Protected Areas) clearance is required if the death occurred within a protected area or national park. This adds a separate administrative step.

Step 5: Transfer to Lima

Once documentation is complete, the body must be transferred to Lima for international air cargo. For Cusco deaths, a domestic flight from Alejandro Velasco Astete Airport (CUZ) to Jorge Chavez International Airport (LIM) is the standard route. Domestic flights are multiple times daily. Ground transport is an alternative but significantly slower.

Step 6: Export documentation

The Ministry of Health issues the sanitary clearance and embalming certificate. The Cancilleria (Ministry of Foreign Affairs) issues the laissez-passer. All documents are in Spanish and require certified translation for UK purposes.

Step 7: Routing to the UK

Iberia operates Lima to Madrid with connections to UK airports. Some repatriations route via Miami or Bogota. Your UK specialist manages the multi-leg routing. Human remains travel as air freight in a sealed zinc-lined coffin.

What families can do from the UK

Notify the travel insurer immediately. Peru, particularly Machu Picchu and the Inca Trail, is often covered under adventure travel policies. Check whether the policy includes altitude-related emergencies and body repatriation. Source: Association of British Insurers guidance on adventure travel insurance (2023).