Is Peru Safe for Travel? (Insider Tips)

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So you want to go to Peru. We’re all for that!

There’s the Andes, the Peruvian coastline where you’ll find the storied capital of Lima, and even the Amazon Rainforest, which covers a whopping 60% of the country!

But safety in Peru is another issue. Petty theft is definitely an issue, the political landscape is almost reaching turmoil levels, and drugs (well, the gangs that traffic them and all the violence that comes with that) are a growing problem in Peru.

Then there’s the rainforest. Chances are you’ll want to visit this amazing place. Whilst it IS incredibly cool, it’s full of dangerous critters and getting lost is dangerous. Even an ayahuasca ceremony can be lethal (more on that later).

But traveling smart is going to increase your chances of staying safe. Not looking like a complete tourist will help you NOT be a target of street crime. Being careful of your surroundings is also going to pay off too – literally.

Peru is definitely a popular stomping ground on the South American backpacking itinerary. Who doesn’t want to see Machu Picchu, right?

Because of all the totally cool things you can see, do and visit here, tourism is big news.  Adventure tourism, beaches, history and a big helping of eco-tourism make it a perfect destination for everybody, from the casual tourist to the intrepid traveler.

That doesn’t mean it’s not without its issues, though. Crime happens, as it does everywhere, but in Peru, you’ll likely be targeted BECAUSE you’re a tourist. Visitors are often seen as wealthy.

Theft, mugging, pickpocketing in crowded places, as well as corruption with many people from the police to even tour agents, make it a potentially scary place to visit. So do drug trafficking gangs – and political demonstrations that turn violent.

Right now Peru seems in the middle of a turning point in its political landscape.

Many of its high ranking politicians, including ex-presidents, are being accused of or jailed for corruption; scandal after scandal after scandal. There are A LOT of demonstrations going on as a result as well, so steer well clear.

But you still might want to pick when you travel wisely. The rainy season in Peru can be devastating. We’re talking floods, power outages, landslides, and all are pretty unsafe if you ask us. Try not to travel between November and April.

Aside from the politics of Peru, it’s pretty much as safe a time as any to visit. Lima, in particular, has become a lot safer in recent years – it used to see a higher proportion of the country’s overall crime rate.

When choosing where you’ll be staying in Peru, a bit of research and caution is essential. You don’t want to end up in a sketchy area and ruin your trip. To help you out, we’ve listed the safest areas to visit in Peru below.

Arequipa

Nicknamed the White City because of its whitewashed buildings, Arequipa is the second most popular destination in Peru. It offers a laid-back alternative to Lima and Cusco, making it a great spot for families. Whilst caution should be taken everywhere in Peru, Arequipa has a safer atmosphere, letting you relax a little bit more.

The City Centre has a good police presence and is home to most of the major attractions. Most hotel receptions and accommodation owners will be happy to advise you on the safest places to visit.

Chiclayo

Up on the Northern Coast of Peru, Chiclayo is growing in popularity among tourists heading to the South American country. Often considered a smaller Lima, Chiclayo benefits from the great nightlife and culinary scene associated with Peru’s metropolitan areas without the stifling crowds. This easily makes it one of the coolest AND safest places to stay in the country!

Chiclayo provides a fascinating insight into colonial culture, with some interesting architecture in the city centre. It is also well known for its bustling markets where you can sample local ingredients.

Chiclayo is on the coast, so there are some great beach towns worth visiting nearby! It is also well connected to Cajamarca, and benefits from daily services to Lima. If you can, aim to spend at least three days here to truly soak up the unique atmosphere.

Huancayo

Peru really is just one big adventure destination – but we love Huancayo for the off-the-beaten-path feel! Surrounded by mountains, Huancayo has plenty of great hiking opportunities. It is also home to some of the best glacier tours in the country, as well as some horse riding opportunities.

Huancayo holds claim as one of the oldest cities in the country. Formerly home to the Wanka Civilisation, the nearby Tunanmarca ruins house over 3000 buildings that are still well preserved to this day. As a relatively unknown destination, Huancayo is also inexpensive and safe – making it a great option for adventurous budget travellers backpacking through Peru.

Places to avoid in Peru

Unfortunately, not all places in Peru are safe. You need to be careful and aware of your surroundings pretty much anywhere you go in the world, and the same goes for visiting Peru. To help you out, we’ve listed a couple of no-go or caution areas below: 

• Sacsayhuaman ruins – this area is known for muggings after dark. Avoid walking outside at night! 
• Huallaga Valley – Cocaine is still being produced here… a real no-brainer to stay away from
• Lima (at least certain parts) – while we personally don’t think that Lima’s safety is as much of a big deal as everyone seems to claim, it does pay off to be more vigilant and careful when visiting the city. Stay away from small side streets and neighborhoods that look like tourists don’t belong there. 
• Poorly lit and deserted areas – another no-brainer. If your gut tells you ‘NO’, just stay away. That goes especially for areas that already look sketchy.

It’s important to know that Peru is definitely not a super safe place, so a bit of caution and research before you start your travels will go a long way. If you want to increase your safety during your stay, read on for our insider travel tips. Stick to those and you won’t have a single issue in Peru.

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So the political situation might not be great in Peru right now, and crime may still be a big problem, but that doesn’t mean you can’t visit Peru and stay safe.

Many tourists visit and have a trouble-free time! It’s all about being aware of your surroundings, we’d say. But to get into more detail here’s a round-up of the best travel tips for staying safe in Peru.

1. Don’t wear flashy clothes or jewelry – looking rich is basically just going to make you a target for thieves.
2. …Or have an SLR dangling round your neck, expensive phone in your hand, etc. – ditto.
3. Try not to look lost – even if you are! Looking like a tourist (i.e. RICH) is also going to make you a target…
4. Wandering around at night is a no-no – ESPECIALLY by yourself, ESPECIALLY in a city, ESPECIALLY in a deserted/sketchy part.
5. Be aware of techniques used by thieves – distraction techniques, like cutting your bag open on a bus, are the most common ways that robbers get ya.
6. Stick to well-trodden routes if you’re near the Ecuadorian border – because of landmines. For real.
7. Learn some local lingo – that’s Spanish, of course, and it will help if you’re lost, need some help, or just wanna talk to locals.
8. Use ATMs during the day… preferably INSIDE a bank – these are hotspots for muggings. Put your money in a special belt as well.
9. Careful where you walk – pedestrians aren’t always safe in cities. In rural areas, there are dangerous insects and snakes as well!
10. Only drink what you buy and watch it when you’re out – drink spiking happens.
11. Don’t overdo it – take steps to avoid hypothermia (too cold) and heat exhaustion (too hot). Stay hydrated. Sit out big treks if you need to.
12. Be careful with ayahuasca ceremonies – proceed with caution. Many do it but don’t feel like you HAVE to. Can lead to a dangerous situation.
13. Do your research when heading out on a trek – there have been reports of people being robbed on certain routes. A trek through a very well reviewed hostel is probably the best bet.
14. Don’t always stay at the cheapest accommodation – good reviews only. If that means more expensive, it’s better that than a horrible experience.
15. If you’re worried about anything, leave it in your home country – valuables are valuable, so why take them backpacking?
16. Also, keep your stuff locked away in hostels/guesthouses – room theft is not uncommon. Not everywhere is trustworthy.
17. Stay away from protests and demonstrations – these can get ugly. So even if you’re interested, we’d say keep clear.
18. Careful what you buy at markets – trinkets are nice, but trinkets can be made of illegal stuff like rare bird feathers and snake skins. Condor poaching, for example, is a huge problem.
19. There may be times when you’re asked to pay a bribe by police – just be aware and judge the situation accordingly.
20. If someone wants your money, give it to them – in the event of a mugging, just hand it over. Better safe than sorry.
21. Public displays of affection could be frowned upon – especially between same-sex couples, unfortunately. It’s legal, but views are conservative. More on that later…
22. Be vigilant in the main coca growing regions – Shining Path insurgents are active. Steer well clear.
23. Make sure all your vaccinations are up to date before traveling – no-brainer. Research and then get your jabs.
24. Don’t trek by yourself – think you can spot every snake? Know if you’ve gone into insurgent territory? Know how to survive in the mountains or rainforest? Even if you still do, having a buddy is 10x better.
25. Pick a good, well-reviewed tour agent – there are plenty of scammers and it’s not worth saving money on bad, potentially unsafe trips.
26. Watch the news – politics can change, an earthquake might happen, a volcano might erupt, floods might be imminent; it’s best to know these things!

All it takes to be secure is a little bit of good judgment, some research, some caution and general attention paid to what’s going on around you. Case closed.

Traveling solo is definitely a different experience. Being alone means you can travel at your own pace, see things differently, meet a whole load of interesting people, and challenge yourself all at the same time.

You’ll be pleased to know that Peru is safe to travel alone and this way is actually quite popular. First of all, it’s super easy to meet other backpackers, especially if you’re traveling along the well-trodden routes on the ol’ Gringo Trail. So don’t worry, as long as you travel smart you’re going to love Peru!

• Meeting other backpackers is a definite plus! Lima, Pisco, Arequipa, Cusco – you’ll find ample opportunities at these places in the local hostels and meet some awesome people to travel with. Not only will this help you stay happy (solo traveling blues is real), but there’s genuine safety in numbers and it’ll be fun!
• Hitting up tourist hotspots might not be what you’re into (because you’re backpacking, right), but for meeting people, this is a pretty surefire way to go about it.
• Plan, plan, plan, and plan some more. If you’re worried about traveling by yourself, or the safety of anywhere you’re going, the best way to stay safe is to PLAN. Keep informed of other peoples’ trips through Peru, read blogs about backpacking Peru, read reviews of hostels, tour operators, bus companies – everything.
• Being open-minded is a good way to travel solo, albeit with an air of caution, of course. But being closed up and keeping yourself to yourself isn’t what solo travel is about. People are friendly in Peru, backpackers are friendly in Peru.
• That said, knowing some Spanish will open up the country to you. Definitely good if you’re lost, asking for directions, ordering food, or just saying hola to a friendly local. It goes down well.
• But be aware that if someone comes up to you out of the blue crazy friendly then they’re probably crazy for your dollar. Politely decline their invitations and say you gotta go somewhere.
• It’s important also to just be alert to what’s going on around you. Like, someone could suddenly fall over in front of you, or drop something, or try to give you something – chances are these sorts of things will involve a scam. 

Being open to meeting new people but listening to your gut is probably going to make your trip not only safe but also one you’ll likely never forget!

Traveling solo is one thing, but traveling solo as a FEMALE is a whole other ball game. Unfortunately, there’s always going to be more to consider when you’re traveling alone as a woman.

However, Peru is pretty much safe for solo female travelers, as long as you keep these safety tips in mind.

• Don’t walk around by yourself at night, especially in Lima. Around the world, women by themselves are targets – particularly at night. Just don’t do it.
• If you feel like someone’s following you, don’t stop walking. This will allow potential attackers to surround you. Keep walking until you can see tourist police or somebody that looks like they might be able to help.
• Seriously, get yourself a data plan sim. You’ll get maps, so you can plan your routes around town. You’ll be able to make regular calls to home, taxi services, and your accommodation. You will have access to Uber, Facebook, Twitter, Google Translate whatever. It’s always a good thing to let people know where you are in the world. 
• On that note, if you’re heading out on a trek, or a long bus ride, or out for the night, put that data to good use and tell your family where you are. Tell your hostel too. Don’t go off the grid.
• Stay at well-reviewed hostels in Peru. Make sure reviews mention it’s good for solo travelers and check to see if they have female-only dorms at that rate. Remember that a hostel is basically just a genuinely great place to meet new people.
• Machismo is part of Peruvian culture. Street harassment in Peru does happen. Usually in the form of catcalling. Also, women in Peru don’t usually go out to bars, so just bear in mind that because you’re breaking the norms of Peruvian society you’ll get some attention from locals.
• When catcalling does happen, ignore it. Stare ahead, keep walking, let it bounce off you. Difficult, but reacting won’t do a thing.
• There are no set ‘rules’ on what to wear to not get attention, but generally the less revealing, the better.
• Think up ways to curb sexual advances. You’re “married,” for example.
• Be careful about giving out your information. Your number, where you’re staying, where you’re going… No matter how friendly they might seem, the risk is real.
• Stock up on sanitary products. Guess what? You won’t be able to find those out in the sticks. Condoms too, if you feel the need.
• Men wanting to marry ‘rich Westerners’ is a thing. Be aware that friendly advances for marriage might not be as honest as they seem (we’re serious)!

While there’s the very real issue of chauvinism, which can be intimidating at times, all-in-all Peru is still safe for solo female travelers. Peruvian society, in general, will be protective of females traveling by themselves. Plenty of women backpack through Peru without issue.

We’ve covered the main safety concerns already, but there are a few more things to know. Read on for more detailed information on how to have a safe trip to Peru.

Is Peru safe to travel for families?

Peru is an amazing place to travel with children. That doesn’t mean it’s always going to be safe, but plenty of families DO make the trip to this fascinating country and love it.

That said, it’s probably a better place to visit with older children who can appreciate the historical sights. Trekking around in the mountains is going to be HARD on little legs, and even harder on you if you plan on carrying them. Take the Machu Picchu hike for example – it’s definitely worth the visit, however, it’ll require quite a bit of fitness.

To help limit stress and keep the whole family happy, consider the following tips, which are catered specifically for managing children.

• Peru can get hot! Exposure to the heat is going to be something you’ll have to consider.
• Altitude sickness can be a mortal problem and it’s really NOT recommended to take children under 3 years of age to higher elevations. You need to treat altitude sickness seriously and make sure everybody is acclimatizing well.
• In the Peruvian jungle, yellow fever is a risk. Really small children, we’re talking under 9 months, shouldn’t travel here at all (since the yellow fever vaccine isn’t given until children are over this age).
• Malaria is also a danger, but you can take precautions against this.
• And as always: DON’T let your children pet any street dogs, or go near them, for that matter. This is NOT safe!
• Staying at an upmarket resort is usually safer and helps to limit a lot of the aforementioned problems.

If you’re here for adventure and you want your children to share it, then we’d say Peru is safe to travel for families. Ultimately, it’ll be safer and LESS stressful the older they are, maybe 7 years and upwards.

In Peruvian culture, family, and especially children, is very important. Needless to say, this is going to help you get to know locals all that much easier and make your time even more enjoyable in Peru.

Is it safe to drive in Peru?

Driving in Peru is not really what we’d call “safe.”

Road conditions are often poor. Most are unpaved and signage can be nonexistent. Whilst you CAN hire a car and use it in the main cities, the congestion can be pretty bad. The drivers can be EVEN WORSE.

Don’t even think about driving at night. Robberies, animals in the road, sheer drops – all reasons to never, ever drive after dark in Peru.

When the weather is bad in Peru, it’s really bad. The rainy season can cause landslides and flooding making roads completely inaccessible.

Don’t underestimate the size of this country either – Peru is pretty big. Distances between places are utterly massive.

Oh, and did we mention corrupt police stops? They happen, a lot.

So unless you’re literally hellbent on driving (the Pan-American Highway is pretty desirable) and you have some serious driving credentials, the short answer is: no. Driving in Peru is not safe. It’s just not worth it.

Is Uber safe in Peru?

Uber’s available in Lima. That’s it.

Uber in Peru is also very annoying. Drivers are known to search for the ‘highest bidder’ so even if you confirm the ride, you can be left waiting for a driver that won’t turn up. That isn’t exactly safe, especially at night.

They’re often more expensive than taxis and the cars they use are pretty shabby too. The air-con probably “doesn’t work” but the driver probably just doesn’t want to waste the extra gas. Better choices would be alternative rideshares apps like Cabify.

Plenty of Peruvians do use Uber, but there is a whole army of taxis waiting for your business.

Are taxis safe in Peru?

Usual taxi shenanigans are par for the course in Peru.

Firstly. What does a real taxi look like? All real taxis in Peru have a taxi sign on top of the car. To be on the safe side, look at the license plate too. It should be all white with a yellow bar on the top. This means it’s been recently registered.

If the driver looks sketchy, we’d recommend listening to your gut. It might feel BAD to be so judgemental, but this might literally save you from a BAD situation. The driver should also have an ID that’s clearly visible.

Before you even get in the taxi, agree on a price. Haggling is ok, so if you feel like you can save money (or you’ve done research on what the price should be), go for it. Whatever you do, make sure you both agree.

Check what route the driver is taking. It’s well known for the driver to go round the houses in order to hike the meter up.

Sit behind the driver. This means that, if the driver for whatever reason has bad intentions, will find it harder to grab you.

When you get in, always lock the doors. Would-be thieves sometimes walk up and down traffic testing door handles. Once they find one that’s open – bingo. They surprise you, grab your stuff and scarper.

If you want to be extra safe, get your hotel or hostel to order you a taxi. This is more expensive, but less hassle than hailing one yourself.

In conclusion, taxis in Peru are safe so long as you take the necessary precautions. While you’ll certainly be safer than just walking on the road, you still need to be wary.

Is public transportation in Peru safe?

City buses are the main mode of public transport for most urban locals. These are cheap and usually good quality, but they can also get crowded, not to mention delayed thanks to things like floods.

There are also many long-distance buses and a huge selection of bus companies to choose from. Make sure to do your research on these – seriously – as accidents happen often. 

We wouldn’t say that buses in Peru are safe, exactly, as some statistics may prove otherwise. Sometimes, however, bus travel is unavoidable if you want to get where you’re going.

When it comes to your luggage, don’t use the overhead compartments. Always put them in the proper storage under the bus.

There are also trains in Peru. These follow high altitude tracks and are pretty cool.

The main routes are Cusco to Machu Picchu, Cusco to Puno, and in the north, Lima to Huancayo. The scenery on these train trips is AMAZING. If you like your trains, then you’re going to want to do these trips. There are loads of train companies to choose from.

Is the food in Peru safe?

A colorful array of ingredients, especially in the markets, makes Peruvian food a wonder to behold. But it doesn’t just LOOK good, it TASTES good! Corn, chicken, potatoes, avocados, sugarcane and whole a whole lot of garlic and chili. Vibrant and flavourful, food in Peru is amazing.

It’s the result of a true melting pot of cultures, from indigenous Inca and Creole to European (German, Italian and Spanish) cuisines – even Chinese and Japanese tradition make an appearance. But you’ll need to be careful if you don’t want to get ill.

• Basically, eating street food puts you at greater risk of getting sick. You will be missing out if you don’t try it, of course, so we’d recommend going where a lot of people seem to be eating. Popular = tasty and safe.
• Make sure you don’t eat things that look like they’ve been sitting around in the sun all day. Probably old, probably not tasty, probably will make you ill.
• If you do opt for street food, make sure what you’re eating is hot and cooked through. Pretty much a no-brainer, but having food cooked properly is going to better for you than stuff that hasn’t been. Freshly cooked, always.
• Don’t eat things that have been washed in water. Water is another issue (see below), but basically, it’s not clean. Peel the fruit yourself, boil any vegetables. Case closed.
• Because of that water issue – avoid ice cubes in drinks. 
• If you want to try ceviche, a classic Peruvian dish, be aware that it’s got uncooked fish in it. Best to eat this one at a hotel, or at a restaurant, and preferably one of those that are by the sea. Fresh is best.
• If you REALLY must try that poor roasted guinea pig (cuy), pay more money for it. Cuy requires extra love and can be easily ruined.
• Oh and wash your hands. Seriously! These could be harboring all sorts of germs.
• Traveling with an allergy? Research ahead of time how to explain your allergy. Keep in mind that store owners and restaurant staff might not know all the foods that contain allergens, so it’s helpful to know the names of some of these too. If you’re gluten-free, pick up a handy Gluten-Free Translation Card with descriptions of Celiac disease, cross-contamination risk, and local Peruvian ingredients in Latin American Spanish.

Whilst food in Peru isn’t 100% safe, following our sanitation tips will greatly reduce the chances of becoming ill yourself.

Seriously though, the food here is so good and it would be a shame to miss out. So eat your way (sensibly) around the culinary treats of Peru and be mindful of how your stomach is doing.

Can you drink the water in Peru?

Nope. Don’t drink it. No ice cubes, no nothing. The safest bet is always to get bottled water. 

However, you can boil water to purify it – a couple of minutes will suffice. Take note that, due to atmospheric pressure, water takes longer to boil at higher altitudes. If you need to save fuel while trekking in the wilderness, try investing in a Grayl Geopress – these little tools are very effective and are even used in hospitals.

There are more handy little items that you should have on your Peru packing list. The following is one of them.

While hiking, you’ll definitely need a good, rugged water bottle as well (hydration is key in the mountains).

Is Peru safe to live?

Yes, it’s safe to live in Peru, and indeed, loads of backpackers and budding professionals teach English in Peru. If you love the landscapes, the food, the people, then it’s probably going to be a dreamy destination for you.

However…

Pollution in the cities is really bad. Politicians are corrupt. Jobs are not well paid. There are high levels of petty crime (mainly theft).

It’s important to be aware that you’ll often be seen as a gringo, that is, rich. Being targeted for scams and being lightly extorted on a daily basis might become the norm for you.

Learning Spanish is really going to help. Not doing so puts you at a disadvantage.

Then there’s the weather, which, depending on where you live, is often extreme. Lima is generally ok, but anywhere in the mountains or the Amazon Basin is going to suffer when heavy rainfalls. That means landslides and flooding. 

Being aware that you’re in an earthquake zone and knowing what to do in a disaster situation will at least give you peace of mind, too. Obviously will help to keep you safe as well!

Before moving to the country, you’ll want to do some hefty research, join some expat Facebook groups, ask questions, and book a trip to Peru if you haven’t actually been. Do these and you should have a better idea on where/what you’ll want to do. At the end of the day, it’s safe to live in Peru but it won’t be easy.

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Is it safe to rent an Airbnb in Peru?

Renting an Airbnb in Peru is a great idea. And it’s perfectly safe, as long as you read the reviews. Staying at an Airbnb during your trip will also open up new possibilities and options to experience the country. The local hosts are known to take great care of their guests and give the absolute best recommendations of what to do and what to see. Local knowledge always goes a long way, so be sure to reach out to your hosts if you’re unsure about how to fill up your Peru itinerary!

On top of that, you’ll stay safe with the reliable Airbnb booking system. Both hosts and guests can rate each other which creates a very respectful and trustworthy interaction. 

Is Peru LGBTQ+ friendly? 

Peru is a strongly conservative, Catholic country BUT we think that it’s on the right path of improvement. With a new, more open-minded generation growing up, same-sex relationships seem to become more accepted. While homosexuality in Peru is legal, you’ll still see quite a few closed-minded individuals. 

Therefore we’d advise keeping the public affection at an absolute minimum. That being said, there are a few gay bars and clubs, especially in the major cities where you and your partner can display the relationship safely.

Here are some quick answers to common questions about safety in Peru.

Yes, we’d say Peru can be very safe – IF you’ve done your research and keep our travel safety tips in mind. If you go out looking for trouble in Peru, you’ll definitely find it. However, it can also be avoided very easily.

The best way to stay safe in Peru is to simply travel smart. If you listened to us, then you will be able to dodge the shay taxi drivers, the thieves, the gang violence, the political unrest, all of it.

By covering your own back and having the proper security nets in place, you will be able to enjoy backpacking in Peru even more enjoyable. Just keep hydrated, don’t push yourself, meet good people, and have fun.

Disclaimer: Safety conditions change all over the world on a daily basis. We do our best to advise but this info may already be out of date. Do your own research. Enjoy your travels!

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links. That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!