The leishmaniases are a collection of vector-borne parasitic diseases caused by a number of different species that are distributed worldwide. Clinical and laboratory research have together revealed several important immune components that control infection and indicate the potential of immunization to prevent leishmaniasis. In this review we introduce previous and ongoing experimental research efforts to develop vaccines against species. First, second and third generation vaccine strategies that have been proposed to counter cutaneous and visceral leishmaniasis (CL and VL, respectively) are summarized. One of the major bottlenecks in development is the transition from results in animal model studies to humans, and we highlight that although American tegumentary leishmaniasis (ATL; New World CL) can progress to destructive and disfiguring mucosal lesions, most research has been conducted using mouse models and Old World species. We conclude that assessment of vaccine candidates in ATL settings therefore appears merited.