Peru : Safety by CityPeru, a country steeped in ancient history and breathtaking landscapes, is a western South American destination that captivates travelers from around the globe.
Home to the Inca Empire and the iconic Machu Picchu, the Republic of Peru is just as well known for its fashionable cities, like Lima, along with a robust culinary scene.
The country’s geography is as varied as its culture.
Peru is divided into three distinct regions: the coast, the highlands, and the Amazon rainforest.
The coastal strip is home to Lima, the bustling capital and largest city known for its colonial architecture, food scene (ranked as one of the best in the world), and Pacific beaches.
The coastline features both sandy shores and rugged cliffs.
The highlands, or sierra, are dominated by the Andes Mountains, which include Cusco, the former capital of the Inca Empire and gateway to Machu Picchu.
Most visitors to Peru are eyeing the Inca Trail, so stay tuned for more information about that adventure.
The region is also home to Lake Titicaca, the world’s highest boatable lake at 12,507 feet (3,812 meters).
The lake includes islands with a storied Indigenous history behind them.
The Amazon rainforest, covering over 60% of Peru, is an ecological treasure.
Iquitos, the largest city in the Amazon and accessible only by boat or plane, provides a base for exploring lush jungles, river ecosystems, and incredible biodiversity.
Peru boasts 13 UNESCO World Heritage Sites and 14 national parks.
However, we do need to discuss some important safety information before you board the plane.
Warnings & Dangers in Peru
OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM
There's a medium risk in Peru, though some sections come with a high risk. While there are a lot of great things to do, this safety guide will help you prepare for the bigger risks.
TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: MEDIUM
Informal taxis and public transport can be risky due to theft or unsafe driving. Use official taxi services, ridesharing apps, or pre-arranged transport. Avoid flagging taxis on the street, especially at night. A lot of people have said they had great experiences using Uber. Treat it as a medium risk.
PICKPOCKETS RISK: MEDIUM
This is a medium risk as petty theft is quite common. Exceptional personal safety steps are necessary. Don't walk around with valuables like your smartphone in your hand, and keep wallets and purses out of plain sight.
NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: LOW
Peru faces earthquakes, landslides, and flooding, particularly during the rainy season (November to April). Coastal areas have occasional tsunami warnings. The risk is low, but if there's a threat of these incidents, use extra caution.
MUGGING RISK: MEDIUM
Another medium risk here, so don't let your guard down. Use exceptional caution after dark. Keep car doors locked and windows rolled up while driving around.
TERRORISM RISK: MEDIUM
This is a medium risk, especially for those visiting from countries that could be targeted by terrorists. That includes United States and British citizens. Read your country's travel warnings before you decide to take a trip here.
SCAMS RISK: MEDIUM
We have to give this a medium risk, too. Scams target tourists in various forms, including fake tour operators, counterfeit currency, and overpriced goods or services. Verify agencies and prices in advance. Be cautious of overly friendly strangers offering unsolicited help or deals.
WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW
Women travelers face some risks, including catcalling or harassment. However, there have been reports of sexual assaults even in areas popular with tourists. The best advice is to avoid traveling alone and stay off the streets at night. Don't go into unknown neighborhoods, even with a group.
TAP WATER RISK: HIGH
There's a high risk of a traveler getting sick if they are acclimated to the water in Peru. Bottled water should be used for drinking and brushing your teeth. Go as far as to avoid drinking anything with ice cubes that come from the tap. In rural areas, be prepared to filter or clean natural water sources.
Safest Places to Visit in Peru
Peru’s Export and Tourism Promotion Commission runs the official tourism site, www.peru.travel.
Let’s start exploring the options at Machu Picchu.
The Inca Trail is a historic hiking route through the Andes, connecting ancient Inca sites and culminating at the ancient Inca city called Machu Picchu.
Access is available by train or multi-day hike.
Access is limited, and getting there isn’t easy.
However, as one of the Seven Wonders of the World, it’s worth the effort if you’re up for it.
Also, consider an additional trip (or avoid the crowds) to Rainbow Mountain.
The day hike brings visitors to stunning multicolored mineral displays in high-altitude mountains.
Spend some time exploring the history of Cusco, as it’s one of the oldest cities on the continent.
Lake Titicaca is the mythical birthplace of the Inca civilization.
To visit, travel to Puno by bus, train, or plane via Juliaca.
The lake features the Uros Islands, which are made of reeds, and Taquile Island, which is known for its traditional weaving and vibrant culture.
To visit the Amazon River in Peru, fly to Iquitos or Puerto Maldonado, which are key gateways for exploring the rainforest.
Book guided tours with reputable operators for safe transport and wildlife experiences.
Stay in eco-lodges or riverboats.
I highly recommend avoiding a visit to the Amazon without a legitimate tour guide.
If you’re sticking to Lima, top attractions include the Historic Center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with stunning architecture like Plaza Mayor and the Cathedral.
Visit the Larco Museum for pre-Columbian artifacts or the Museum of the Nation for a broader stroke of Peru’s cultural and historical timeline, from ancient civilizations to contemporary issues.
Lima’s beaches combine dramatic cliffs with vibrant coastal life.
Popular spots include Costa Verde for surfing and La Punta for calmer waters.
Miraflores’ beaches offer scenic views, fishing, wildlife viewing, and paragliding.
For more unique wildlife, visit the Ballestas Islands for sea lions, penguins, and marine birds, or spot Andean condors in Colca Canyon.
Also, explore Manu National Park or the Tambopata National Reserve in the Amazon for jaguars, giant otters, and colorful macaws.
Places to Avoid in Peru
Looking through the government advisories from the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and the U.S., some areas have a higher risk level.
Some even have a “Do Not Travel” warning.
These warnings repeatedly mention two places. First, there’s the area known as VRAEM, which stands for the Valley of the Apurímac, Ene, and Mantaro Rivers.
The concerns there are drug trafficking, terrorist groups, and lack of law enforcement.
The other region is anywhere in the Loreta region, within 20 kilometers of the Colombian border.
Canadian authorities added the border with Ecuador, noting that crossing anywhere but a designated point could expose visitors to landmines.
All three advise against any activities on the Putumayo River due to drug and cartel activity.
Safety Tips for Traveling to Peru
- Peru has a federal police force called the Policía Nacional del Perú (PNP). The PNP handles law enforcement at the national level, including tourism safety, criminal investigations, and public order. For tourists, the PNP includes a dedicated Tourist Police (Policía de Turismo) in major cities and popular destinations.
- Crime spikes in the summer, which is December, January, and February in Peru. Due to the crowds and escalated criminal activities, the overall risk is higher during these months.
- Don’t accept food or drinks from strangers, as the items could be tainted with drugs. Sometimes, these drugs are used to knock out a tourist, who then becomes a victim of robbery or sexual assault.
- Counterfeit money is a huge problem in Peru. Learn how to spot fake money and the best places to get legit currency. Don’t use street vendors to exchange currency; instead, use ATMs from well-known banks.
- Most Peruvian public restrooms do not provide toilet paper, so you’ll need to carry your own. Do not flush used toilet paper. Dispose of it in the nearby trash bins. Plumbing systems cannot handle waste and paper.
- Several destinations in Peru are high-altitude communities, like Puno and Cusco. If you aren’t used to altitudes above 8,000 feet, give yourself a day or two to acclimate. Also, put 24 hours between any dive and high-altitude adventure, and that goes for flying as well. Decompression sickness can result from not allowing the nitrogen created by diving to flush out of your system.
- Hiking the Inca Trail and seeing Machu Picchu isn’t something you can do on a whim. It requires reservations since only a limited number of trips are allowed each day. Book your trip a month in advance at a minimum. Plan to spend anywhere from $500 – $1500 (USD) on a multi-day guided hike.
- While no vaccinations are required to enter Peru, it’s important to get vaccinated against yellow fever and malaria if you plan to visit the Amazon River. Talk with your doctor or review your country’s vaccine recommendations before visiting.
- Since Peru is relatively close to the equator, sunrise and sunset won’t vary too much throughout the year. Expect the sun to be up no later than 6:15 am and set no later than 6:15 pm.
- Ayahuasca is a traditional Amazonian brew with strong hallucinogenic effects, often used in spiritual ceremonies. While legal in Peru, it can cause intense physical and psychological reactions. Many retreats offer ceremonies with this substance, and you should do plenty of research before deciding to try it. It can have adverse effects.
So... How Safe Is Peru Really?
You could have a safe experience in Peru, but you’ll really need to have common sense and good gut instincts.
While it’s not really surprising that robbery and theft are the biggest concerns, the biggest red flag is from the U.S. State Department, which doesn’t allow its employees to travel freely throughout the country because of the risks.
Some of the bigger concerns include violent demonstrations, kidnappings, organized robbery attempts through the use of roadblocks, and sexual assaults.
The risk isn’t just in the big cities.
Some reports of robberies and assaults have been made on the Inca Trail or in other remote areas.
You always want to use registered and legitimate tour guides.
Don’t just look for the lowest price.
Legitimate companies often display certifications, such as registration with Peru’s tourism board (MINCETUR) or associations like APTAE for ecotourism.
With the right precautions and planning, you can poise yourself for a safer trip to Peru.
How Does Peru Compare?
| Country | Safety Index |
|---|---|
| Peru | 50 |
| Morocco | 54 |
| Slovenia | 87 |
| Bulgaria | 80 |
| Vietnam | 73 |
| Portugal | 57 |
| Japan | 83 |
| Ghana | 73 |
| Australia | 86 |
Useful Information
Visas
Most travelers can enter Peru visa-free for tourism for up to 90 days. Free tourism visas are issued upon entry. Double-check that your passport is valid for at least six months after your arrival date.
Currency
Peru uses the Peruvian Sol (PEN). Carry some cash with you but in small denominations. Credit cards are widely accepted, but you should check the exchange rate.
Weather
Peru has diverse climates due to its geography. The coast is dry and mild, the Andes have rainy and dry seasons, and the Amazon is hot and humid year-round. The best time to visit depends on the region and planned activities, but May to September generally has the best weather.
Airports
Peru’s main international gateway is Jorge Chávez International Airport in Lima. Domestic airports connect major cities like Cusco, Arequipa, and Iquitos. Arrive early for flights, as lines can be long.
Travel Insurance
We highly recommend you have travel insurance in Peru. At a minimum, have medical emergency evacuation insurance. Adventure insurance covers higher-risk activities. Always carry proof of coverage. Please note that some insurance policies will be deemed invalid if you travel into designated high-risk areas.
Peru Weather Averages (Temperatures)
Average High/Low Temperature
| Temperature / Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °C | 24 | 24 | 25 | 22 | 20 | 19 | 18 | 18 | 20 | 21 | 23 | 24 |
| Low °C | 19 | 19 | 19 | 17 | 16 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 |
| High °F | 75 | 75 | 77 | 72 | 68 | 66 | 64 | 64 | 68 | 70 | 73 | 75 |
| Low °F | 66 | 66 | 66 | 63 | 61 | 59 | 59 | 59 | 61 | 63 | 64 | 66 |
Peru - Safety by City
| City | Safety Index |
|---|---|
| Arequipa | 32 |
| Ayacucho | 44 |
| Cusco | 52 |
| Iquitos | 71 |
| Lima | 53 |
| Puno | 45 |
SAFE
MIRAFLORES,LIMA -PERU., IS THE MOST SAFE PLACE ALSO BY NIGHT., MORE SAFE THAN EUROPE AT NIGHT….IN ALL THE DISTRICT ARE 24 HOURS POLICE AND PRIVATE POLICE…SHOPS, CASINOS,RESTAURANTS, DISCO ,ETC.. 24 HOURS!..I M FROM ITALY.
Article showing crime is on high rate.. You are saying safest place
PERU WAS WONDERFUL, PEOPLE VERY POLITE AND HELPFUL. I WAS THERE THREE TIMES AND WE ARE PLANNING TO VISIT MACHU PICHU NEXT YEAR. THE FOOD IS DELICIOUSLY AND HAVE MANY POLICE EVERY WHERE.
Peru is safe
I have been to Peru and I have to say this article is bull. It says Peru is not safe but when I went there the locals were such nice people and greeted me warmly. The only thing I will say is true is pickpockets, you need to look out for those. I highly recommend going to Peru as it is beautiful
Agreed
so true
naw, maybe it’s bc u don’t visit peru too often, as someone who has lived there for most of my life i’d say this article is a little too soft lmao
no place is safe honey <3 maybe if you like…went to the most common places Peruvian people visited you'd know
I moved to Peru and lived here for 3 years in 2007 to 2010 and returned to live in Peru in 2018 and am here still in June 2021 with no intention to leave. Peru is safe but the one point I is the use of taxis in Lima. I was robbed at gun point by the driver and 2 assistants he had hidden in the trunk. I was clobbered with the gun,,,they took my wallet my money my glasses my watch stuck hands where hands should not go in case i was hiding anything and there me out on a high way miles from home. I had used street taxis always there are many of them …but I learned when they quote a deal of a price for the prospective ride “get ready to be robbed”
Sounds pretty safe…lol
The concept of safety from this article is from 20 years ago, nowdays Peru has improved tremendously public security, there are surveillance cameras
everywhere and tourism feels safer when walking streets, overall Peru is a great destination to visit.
Crime exist everywhere including the so called developed countries. There is no paradise on earth.A great number of people have bias and make parrots comments.One professor of mine said “IGNORANCE IS VERY DARING”,what a wonderful dictum.
“There is no paradise on earth.”
He said nothing like this. He said that crime levels had improved and it was a great place to visit.
Come to certain countries in Europe and you would see what a really nice and peaceful country looks like. Peru is probably great compared to the Congo and South Sudan, but that’s hardly an accomplishment.
@evilwhiteman
Get off your high and mighty horse there. Have you ever even been to Peru? Also, if you don’t like it so much, why are you reading and commenting on this article? I’ve been to many countries in Europe (Germany, Switzerland, Greece, Montenegro, Italy, and Spain), but Peru feels more personal and like a home to me.
Same Peru is where my family is from it’s my culture and it hurts when people judge it without ever going to Peru!!!!
I lived in Peru for 20 years and while living there was attacked and almost killed by Tupac Amarus. It was an attack on our mining community in 1971, and those Maoist terrorists took hostages. When you’re 11 years old and having to fight with a sawed off shotgun it makes you wonder! I’d go back and live in Peru in a heartbeat. Love the people, the food, the pachamancas, the culture, but most of all, the high Andes where I lived. Insurrection and violence are the spice of life! My brothers were born there, all of my childhood memories are of Peru!
I live in Europe and it is boring, Peru has great culture and a wonder of the world, Machuu Pichuu so shuush
LOL This man lives in fantasy land, crime is common in any big city. Peru is a lovely and tranquil place. Whoever wrote about terrorism being a risk must have no idea about Peru. First, the country is huge and terrorism was eradicated in the late 90s. I am looking at tours to go visit again friends. Culturally, Police in the streets is for people’s peace of mind not a sign of terror.
Beautiful country
This article is pretty biased. American friends were atonished to find so much security , policemen everywhere. We have nothing like that in the UK! The country relies on tourism and they are well aware of this, so you do feel safe. I am British and felt pretty safe but I am also street savvy and like I would do in any big city , did not wear or carry anything that would provoke people to mug me. That was it ! We had a wonderful time. Enjoy Peru!
Horrid experience
A couple friends went there in August this year, they took a taxi from airport to hotel. Two thugs jumped into the taxi demanded the driver took them to remote area where they were mugged. 5 hours driven around from ATM to ATM afterward, the thugs let them go but without physical serious punched and slapped. The couple was dropped off in remote area at night, in the dark. They later went to police station, nothing the police could do to help.
That wasn’t really your experience though, was it.
what difference does it make. this is the second poster saying such a thing. being kidnapped for hours in UK or US is unheard of. if you stay out of the bad neighborhoods there is no problem. and stay out our schools too… you might get shot up there.
Unheard in the US? You may have never come to the US. You cannot buy a guy in Peru.
Unless is a toy one.
That could easily happen anywhere, not just Peru and Peru is much better than visiting England
IT’S THE SAME WITH TAXES IN THE USA .. BUT WITHOUT THE SLAPPING AND PUNCHING…
Great information, very helpful!
It’s a wonderful and safe place to visit in a group.
Lima is a wonderful city to visit. Miraflores is very safe to stay and walk around. Other places are safer to go accompanied and not be out alone at night. Pick pocketing is present, so be aware. The food is delicious. People in general are friendly. Only take a taxi that is recommended by your hotel concierge. Do not take a random taxi, especially at night from the airport to your hotel. It’s safest to travel in a group or reliable tour guide.
Peruana
I am from Peru. I left 21 yrs ago, I thank God everyday for that.
For locals, its a daily nightmare. I went back. But at this point you can offer me a million dollars, I will never go back. Yes, they try to protect tourists. And still is even more dangerous dirty smelly and high in crime and scam than ever. Is a very expensive place, no reason for that…because most people are very poor there. Just ask about the presidents of the last 30 yrs… who were them, where they are and what they did… start there…
One more corrupt and criminal than the other. Some in jail, runaways, searched by interpol, and goes on and on and on…
As a Peruvian, I would recomend, go to The Netherlands, go to Israel, go to Switzerland. So many places where you dont have to walk in fear every step
Ur ignorant to think of peru like that peru is a beplace to visit u just have to go to the right places we are happy we dont have people like you any more
But you didn’t experience what she did, did you….
I think you are not Peruvian, I have lived there and it is VERY cheap and I think you are also stupid as Israel is a very dangerous place and Peru is a great place, Israel is basically a war zone
Lol You are right. “She” isn’t Peruvian. She just said she is so It looks worse for Peru.
okay bestie, then go to peru and live in a common area where common peruvian people live in <3 i want you to tell me the same thing once something bad happens to you 🙂
yall can't say nothing if u haven't at least spend 4+ years there
why r yall getting mad lmfao, different people have different experiences + with all that’s going on now? i’d say she is right, peru is not safe and even tho i can’t agree that the other places she said are safe *because i wasn’t born there nor visited* i can for sure say that peru is not as “safe”. We’re talking about ALL of Peru, not some rich places foreigners go to when they occasionally visit, maybe if u had to spend all ur childhood being warned of rapists and robbers u would AT LEAST try to understand her.
Peru is still a beautiful place to visit.
I am Peruvian, have lived in so many places in the world. 4 years ago, after 16 years, my husband and I went to Peru. My husband had never been in Peru. Yes I can not deny that there has been lots of changes, a bit surprised with the traffic, drivers do not respect the driving regulations. We arrived to Lima, I had family waiting for us, so it was safe to take a taxi with them. We decided to visit Cuzco, we invited a cousin to come along with us. Cuzco was beautiful, wonderful weather, great food, good hotels, until we got to Aguas Calientes , our hotel was cheap, not so clean place, we tried to get a better hotel, but they were all full, so we stayed one night in the hotel. We visited Machu Pichu, it was the greatest adventure to all of us, we came back down to Aguas Calients and took the train back to Ollantaytambo, we stayed in a bed and breakfast “La Casa de La Chola”, we had first class meals and bed to rest, it was beautiful, great service. From there we took a taxi for $30US dollars back to Cuzco, the taxi driver was very good and knowledgeable that he took us to lovely places to enjoy, We arrived at 12:30 direct to the airport, back to Lima, as we waited for our flight for almost two hours, the flight was canceled, no one had information for us, people got upset, did not make sense, at the end we realize the plane to Lima was waiting for more passengers to fill their plane, but did not communicate, we arrived Lima at 8:30 PM, the following day we were going to the central part of Peru for 5 days to visit with family. One thing I can say is that when you go to Peru, do not take anything expensive, always have change, always go in group or with someone, do not adventure alone. I was glad I had family and friends in Lima. Many talks about Miraflores, if you have enough money, it is the best place to stay, otherwise you can stay in central Lima, or other places for cheaper, just use common sense, and you can still have great places to visit and foods to eat, and have fun, besides there are other beautiful places to visit in the North, south, or Central Peru, you will find that people welcomes tourists with gladness, also as tourists lets be kind, give a good tip, talk with them, learn few Quechua, or Spanish words, and you will see how people responds to you.
thanks for the help! me and my 20 year old kids are planning on going next month
CUZCO, LIMA AND MACHU PICHU
HAD A GREAT TIME VISITING LIMA, CUZCO AND MACHU PICHO ENJOING THE TOUR WITH GREAT LEISURE. NO PROBLEMS WITH OUR GUIDE WHO KNEW EVERYTHING WE NEEDED TO SEE. PEOPLE WERE GREAT, PRICES REASONABLE AND CHEAP, GOOD, ART. HAD A GREL
Could you recommend your guide? If so contact information please. Want to go but would rather have someone that is local and can do translation. Just want to do the ancient archeological sites.
Peru is always a good time!
As a Spaniard, I was very surprised with Peru’s measures to ensure safety to both tourists and locals! But even overall being a much, much safer county than many others in Latin America, there are some places where you don’t want to be!
Lima and Callao: thankfully the most beautiful and historic places are highly safe to visit; however, some slums surrounding Lima and in downtown Callao are as dangerous as Detroit or Chicago. Also, while being in Lima Metro area, you might consider not to put your windows down while in the taxi. Pickpocketing might occur when your window’s down. And if you’re a female solo traveler, please don’t go alone in the middle of the night and always call a reliable taxi company (Satelital and Taxi Verde are the best!), for obvious reasons.
The North (Chiclayo, Trujillo, Piura, Máncora): This is my fav region in Peru so far, you really must give it a try! The best food in whole Peru, amazing beaches, warm weather, friendly people, incredibly archeological sites, eco-friendly tourism. And it’s pretty safe too! For what I’ve learned from female solo travelers there, it is the safest region in Peru for being female (take all the precautions, but you can feel way less paranoic). Beware of the scams in Máncora concerning crossing the border to Ecuador; if you wanna go up north, always buy directly from the bus company (CIFA), not “agencies”.
The Andean South (Cuzco, Puno, Arequipa): The most touristy region of Peru. It’s also the safest (ladies, beware of your cocktails while dancing in a disco down there, for obvious reasons!) because of all the police in the area. Pickpocketing in Cuzco is a thing, so be careful of your belongings. There’s a city nearby Puno called Juliaca very famous for its high crime rates, so avoid it. Apply common sense, and you are ready to go!
The Jungle/Eastern Peru (Tarapoto, Iquitos, Pucallpa): if you love nature and partying, this is your place! Imagine if they put the American South and Thailand in a blender: that’s the Peruvian jungle. Hot, humid, breath-taking landscape, the cheapest place to drink a cold beer and enjoy those little things in life, and lots of party! But you wanna take your precautions. Pickpocketing is common, also major crimes like kidnapping may occur if you expose yourself too much (these cities are not the right place to be drunk by yourself at 4 AM). In Iquitos and Tarapoto a lot of drugs are commercialized in the clubs, please avoid interacting with those people. Finally, be careful when riding mototaxis: if the unit is too old you might be involved in a traffic accident. Bonus: the Peruvian Jungle, unlike the American South or Thailand, is very LGBTQ+ friendly. If you belong to that community, you can feel at home, as locals are very open-minded and lots of LGBTQ+ discos and bars exist in the area. In both Tarapoto and Iquitos I saw same-sex couples holding hands and nobody seemed to care; that’s not common in Latin America, and I’m sure a lot of travelers may appreciate this.
Peru is always a good time!
Amazing time!
I’m from Africa,but are love Peru so much and also the football team.I hope to vist Peru in the future.
Homicide rate in Peru is about 7-8/100000, compare to Europe about 1/100000 or USA 5/100000. Of course, few travelers are targeted.
Noise level – I’m from Finland originally and now living in Peru. I find the noise in Peru at times unbearable. High volume music played everywhere, traffic, cars honking their horns, car alarms going off all over the place through the night. Houses are built for the tropics so no isolation because of the climate, often no window panes, so no sound proofing either. Pray to god you aren’t staying near a church (non-catholic) because their services can be extremely noisy.
No heating and no warm water. Low quality building standards – I could always flush the toilet at home with confidence, in Peru when nature calls i have to bring a stick to make sure everything is sufficiently smashed up before flushing to not clog the toilet. Patience with the electric wall sockets – you have to adjust the plugs to find the spot where they connect, you don’t just plug them in, and them tread carefully not to dislodge them.
Food – in theory very varied, but in practice the typical peruvian food is chicken, rice and potatoes. Few vegetables, it’s a carnivorous country. A lot of salt, a lot of sugar. As a traveller with funds you can of course go after the variety that most peruvians can’t.
Towns are ugly outside the colonial center. The shabby look is partly a result of people not finishing their houses. They want a 2-storey house but really have funds for 1 only, so they build the first floor and hope to complete the house sometime later…Rich people live behind walls and electric fences – unimaginable in Northern Europe.
Peru is a lot nicer to visit than to actually live in. Some commenters say “use common sense”. Common sense may look very different for one who comes from a country where the police don’t carry firearms to one who comes from a place where they carry assault rifles.
Lock down
You are right on PTS. And with the country being locked down for 7 months thing are not very pretty. My wife is peruviana and she fears going out even in daytime. Decent housing is the same as you would pay in the States. Produce is less but most meats are more costly. I don’t go out very often so it doesn’t matter but I’m still not allowed on the street because of my age. I fear things will be very dangerous if the country doesn’t open soon.
LIES
Bruh Peru is safe but avoid the dangerous areas.
Being aware in Lima
People who believe everything is safe probably are only visiting Miraflores, San Borja, La Punta, Surco in Lima. I had the opportunity to live three months in San Juan Lurigancho in 2019. I observed pick pocketing, a car chase down a person running and kidnap an individual, fights between others. I had someone try and take my wallet on the train. I know another Peruvian/American couple that was completely robbed from their taxi and all their luggage and money taken after leaving the airport in Callao and stopped inside the tunnel. My wife tells me Peru hasn’t been this bad but now you have all the Venezuelans moving into the country and that is changing everything. You really have to be aware of your surroundings people.
Dodgy
Peru is NOT a safe country. They are reckless drivers, accidents abound – you cannot be transported stress-free anywhere. The police is corrupt. Sanitation is terrible – you cant drink tap water, its common to find large mounds of rubbish in the streets, cholera is common and you cant throw toilet paper into the toilet. Slums are everywhere. If you go to tourist locations you should be OK, and people are very nice. But dont stray from the beaten path or take a cab or you are liable to get robbed or kidnapped.
A long way from the UK?
Ive been drinking tap water for months and never had issues. Not throwing paper in the toilet is normal anywhere in Latin America. Theres mounds of trash in every city unless you’re in Europe. Don’t pull out your phone or dress expensively and you’ll be fine even in poor areas
A down to earth view
Been here for months. Touristy areas like Miraflores and San isidro in Lima are safe as kittens. Areas like Chorillos, San juan de Miraflores, SJ de lurigancho aren’t safe. Use common sense and you’ll most likely be fine in both. Been living with a Peruvian family so I’ve been everywhere in the city. If you can’t speak spainish you should probably stick to more touristy areas
The Streets
As My Wife and I prepare to go to Peru soon. We will be diligent and STREET SMART. It’s rough there like other countries but you CAN NOT LET YOUR GUARD DOWN. We walk the streets at night. Criminals sense your Fear. Be Strong and Sure
Peru is worth it!
Peru is relatively safe,
I am from northern Europe and ofc northern Europe is safer.
Peru reminds me a lot of the US in terms of safety, large pockets are completely safe at all hours of the day, but if you venture into the wrong district of Lima you will quickly realize it’s time to turn back.
I have spent approximately 2 months in Peru and travelled around and i have not experienced any crime towards me, so you can safely go to Peru on vacation. I have gone to small towns around Peru, and to the worst neighborhoods of Lima, still i have not been targeted.
Dress modestly (dont show off you brand new Rolex), be relaxed and dont worry.
Favorite Vacation
Just returned from Peru and Ecuador. Vacationed for three weeks. Lima, Cusco and Machu Picchu , Quito and Galápagos Islands. Both Countries are very safe. We never felt uneasy. The people are very friendly. We travel Internationally often. I would highly recommend traveling to Peru or Ecuador. Both are beautiful countries. Great food and amazing history and beauty.
I took my daughters 16 &18 for a month trip on the Amazon. Arrived three days early and stayed at the Marriott in Lima. We had a blast walking around the public everyday. Still don’t think we saw everything. Also saw a large ancient excavation near the downtown area, sure it’s finished by now. Never had or saw a problem except around the presidential palace. First time I ever saw tanks on a civilian road.
It was a great visit. And the casino in the hotel lobby was a special treat, as was the local purchased Cuban cigars.
Peru is Incredible!
I had an excellent experience in Peru on my Inca Trail trip. I stuck to Miraflores in Lima, then I spent free time in Cusco Sacred Valley and went to Puno after. I never had a single issue on my travels, even as a single traveler! I suppose everyone’s experience is different…..Hope this helps!
Claire