Last update: August 25, 2023 | August 25, 2023
Peru is the third-largest country in South America and, before the pandemic, had more than 4 million visitors each year.
Millions of people flock to Peru to visit Machu Picchu, the floating islands of Lake Titicaca, the Nazca Lines, the vibrant capital Lima and its blossoming food culture.
It's an amazing country, so it's no surprise.
But I also often hear and read stories of tourists being robbed or having their belongings stolen. I receive concerned emails from travelers wondering if it is safe to visit Peru due to political unrest.
Today I want to answer their questions.
Is it safe to visit Peru? What should I look out for? What precautions should I take?
In this post, I will share everything you need to know to visit Peru safely.
11 Safety Tips for Peru
In general, Peru is a safe place to visit. You won't be kidnapped or murdered there. However, Peru requires a bit more caution than other travel destinations. In particular, many minor crimes occur, such as careless behavior, leaving valuables unattended, and wandering around aimlessly at night.
Here are some tips to help you safely plan and prepare for your visit to Peru.
1. Do not display expensive belongings. – Keep your jewelry out of sight (or you can leave it at home). Don't flaunt your valuables. Be especially careful when removing your mobile phone, as mobile phone theft is rampant (more than 4,000 mobile phones are reported stolen every day). Don't wear AirPods on the street. In other words, always inspect your items carefully. It is very important to keep goals to a minimum, such as “I have a lot of valuable items.”
2. Beware of thieves and robbers operating in pairs or small groups. – Distractions (such as someone “accidentally” bumping into you or a group of children playing or fighting nearby) are often used to allow an accomplice to rob you while you are not paying attention to your belongings . Avoid distractions and stay alert. A common type of theft is two men on motorcycles coming up to you, taking your bag, and driving away. So pay special attention to motorcycles and avoid walking on the sidewalk right next to the road.
3. Always take care of your belongings – Be aware that in crowded places or on public transport, thieves may literally try to pick your pockets or rip your bag. Keep a few small bills in a separate pocket so you don't have to have your entire wallet on display when paying for something.
4. Keep valuables separate. – When going out for a day, keep your credit cards and cash safe at your accommodation. This way, if you lose your wallet, you can get your cash and cards back to the hostel. In general, it is a good idea to make a copy of your passport with you and keep it in your hostel locker. Also keep a digital copy of your passport in your email inbox, just in case.
5. Download the Prey app on your phone and laptop. – If either device is stolen, you can track it and remotely turn on the camera to take pictures of the thief (you can even erase the data and send a message to the thief). It costs just $1.10 per month.
6. Avoid traveling alone at night – There have been incidents of people being robbed while getting out of taxis in the city at night, and there have been repeated reports of thieves being active after dark in some areas, such as at the entrance to Tingo Maria National Park northwest of Lima. . There is safety in numbers, so consider traveling with a friend or other traveler at night.
7. Choose a reputable bus company – Sometimes the cheapest option is not the best option. Some of the cheaper bus companies have the most reckless drivers and the most breakdowns, and Peru's road accident rate is one of the worst in the world, so it's usually safer to go with a slightly more expensive bus company. Some of the most reputable bus operators include Cruz del Sur, Oltursa, Civa and Movil Tours.
8. Don't use drugs – Peru produces a lot of cocaine, so tourists (especially young backpackers) tend to do a lot of it here. But it's not worth the risk. That's because if authorities suspect you've used drugs, you could be detained for up to 15 days. Buying drugs here promotes organized crime, so be smart and skip the drugs.
9. Learn Spanish – Being able to speak basic Spanish will help you in many situations. However, if you run into a problem and need help, I would really appreciate it. Start with an app like Duolingo to learn some basic vocabulary. The Google Translate app is also a must (download Spanish to your phone so you can translate offline).
10. Be careful in coca growing areas – Cocaine is still produced in the Huallaga Valley, north of Tingo María. And in recent years, the Shining Path group (a communist revolutionary organization) has caused some violent incidents in the same region. Tourists are generally not targeted by drug traffickers or Shining Path members, but extra caution is still required in these areas.
11. Sign up for travel insurance – Things can go wrong on the road. So I never go anywhere without travel insurance. From theft to personal injury to flight delays, travel insurance can help you avoid bankruptcy. It only costs a few dollars a day (often less) and provides peace of mind. Don't travel here without it!
I recommend SafetyWing for travelers under 70, and Insure My Trip is the best choice for travelers over 70.
You can use this widget to get a quote for SafetyWing.
For more information about travel insurance, check out these posts:
These travel tips will help you stay safe while visiting or backpacking Peru! Additionally, here are answers to some frequently asked questions:
Is Machu Picchu safe?
Machu Picchu is a very common tourist destination, so it's probably safer than anywhere else in Peru. You'll likely be hiking in groups or in crowds, so pickpockets or other thieves aren't likely to be around. In cities like Lima or Cusco, being alert is even more important.
A more important safety issue when hiking Machu Picchu is health care. Drink plenty of water, use sunscreen and a hat to combat the heat. If you are not acclimatized to the altitude, altitude sickness can be a problem. If you start feeling sick, you should take it seriously. Avoid this if you stay in Cusco for at least a few days before visiting Machu Picchu.
Lastly, if you use a recommended guide when hiking, make sure he or she is a licensed driver, as we sometimes hear of unlicensed guides leading the wrong way and paying for their own hiking permits.
Is it safe to travel alone to Peru?
Traveling alone is very common in Peru and you'll find plenty of other solo backpackers to spend time with, so it's unlikely you'll be alone.
Although bus travel and going anywhere after dark is safer in a group, solo travel in Peru is generally no more dangerous than traveling with a friend or partner.
Be careful not to stand out or look like a tourist. Don't wear flashy clothes, don't rock expensive gear, and don't stand there looking at a map when you're lost. Basically, if you avoid sticking out like a sore thumb, you'll be less likely to have a petty thief decide on you as their next victim.
Is it safe to travel to Peru with children?
Overall, taking your children to Peru isn't particularly risky. Family and children are very important in Peruvian culture, so you and your children will feel very welcome.
However, be careful, especially young children, as they are prone to getting sick from unfiltered water. It is also not recommended to take children to places below 3 degrees altitude, such as Machu Picchu.
Is Peru safe for female travelers?
Being a female traveler in Peru isn't particularly dangerous, but you can become a victim of unwanted attention, mostly in the form of heckling. Local Peruvian women rarely go out to bars without men, so if your bar has a women-only group, you might get more attention.
Avoid being alone if possible. This is because shoplifters may see you as an easy target, especially after dark. That said, if you are a solo female traveler and need help, most locals are very understanding and will do their best to help you.
Can you drink Peruvian tap water?
Although tap water is abundant in Peru and indoor plumbing is common, it is recommended that you drink bottled water or boil all drinking water while in Peru. Boil the water for at least one minute to remove contaminants. Plus, using Lifestraw not only ensures that your water is always safe to drink, it also helps you avoid single-use plastic.
Are taxis safe in Peru?
Taxis are relatively safe, but it's a good idea to only use approved taxis and make sure you know the fare in advance. If you need a taxi, call your hostel or hotel in advance to find out how much it will cost. Taxis don't use meters, so if you're not careful you could end up overcharged, so agree the fare with the driver in advance.
Avoid riding alone at night, especially if you are a woman traveling alone.
How safe is Lima?
Peru's capital and largest city naturally has a higher crime rate than anywhere else in the country. Protests and riots are more likely here too. But that doesn't mean you shouldn't visit this vibrant city, it just means you should be extra careful here.
Don't wander alone at night unless you're in a safe neighborhood like Miraflores or Barranco (of course, it's always best not to wander alone after dark). Avoid civil uprisings (which usually occur in historic centers near capital buildings) to avoid getting caught in the middle.
Although petty theft is a risk, most violent crimes occur in neighborhoods less frequented by tourists and between people who know each other. Follow the instructions above and have fun in Lima!
Peru is an amazing destination, whatever your interests, with its rich culture, friendly people, beautiful landscapes, and fascinating historical attractions.
However, care must be taken regarding personal safety. The most common problems travelers face are petty theft and pickpocketing. However, by practicing a little caution and common sense, you can minimize the risks. Avoid carrying valuables in plain sight and avoid storing large amounts of cash in one place.
Peru is a relatively safe country to visit, so don't let the stories put you off. Amazing attractions will make your trip more worthwhile!
Book a Trip to Peru: Logistics Tips and Tricks
flight reservation
Find cheap flights with Skyscanner. It's my favorite search engine. We search websites and airlines around the world so you always know everything!
Accommodation Reservation
You can book hostels through Hostelworld, which offers the largest inventory and best deals. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, try Booking.com. We consistently offer the lowest rates on guesthouses and budget hotels. Some of my favorite places to stay are:
Don't forget travel insurance
Travel insurance protects you against illness, injury, theft and cancellation. Comprehensive protection in case something goes wrong. I can't go on a trip without it, as I've had to use it several times in the past. Here are some of my favorite companies that offer the best service and value:
Are you looking for the best company to help you save money?
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Want more information about Peru?
Be sure to visit our powerful destination guide to Peru for more planning tips!