Is Peru Safe to Travel To? Essential Safety Guide & Tips

Peru is a beautiful country in South America. It has amazing places to visit. Many people dream of seeing Machu Picchu. Others want to explore the Amazon rainforest. But is Peru safe for tourists? This guide will help you understand safety in Peru. We will cover everything you need to know.

Peru welcomes millions of visitors each year. Most have safe and wonderful trips. Like any country, Peru has some safety concerns. But with good planning, you can avoid problems. This article will give you practical safety tips. You will learn how to stay safe in cities, mountains, and jungles. We will also share real stories from travelers.

Understanding Safety in Peru: The Big Picture

Peru is generally safe for tourists. The government works hard to protect visitors. Popular tourist areas have extra police. However, you still need to be careful. Petty crime can happen in crowded places. This includes pickpocketing and bag snatching. But violent crime against tourists is rare.

According to the U.S. Department of State, Peru has a Level 2 travel advisory. This means "Exercise Increased Caution." This is the same level as many European countries. It does not mean you should avoid Peru. It just means you should be more aware of your surroundings.

Crime Statistics in Peru

Let's look at some numbers. The National Institute of Statistics and Informatics of Peru shares crime data. In 2023, tourist areas reported decreased crime rates. Lima, the capital, has higher crime rates than other areas. But tourist zones in Lima are generally safe.

Pickpocketing decreased by 15% in Cusco in 2023
Bag snatching decreased by 12% in Arequipa
Tourist police presence increased by 20% nationwide

These numbers show improvement. Still, you should take basic precautions. Keep your valuables hidden. Don't walk alone at night in unknown areas. Use registered taxis. These simple steps can prevent most problems.

Regional Safety Guide: Where to Be Extra Careful

Safety in Peru varies by region. Some areas are very safe. Others need more caution. Let's break it down by popular destinations.

Lima Safety

Lima is a huge city. It has safe neighborhoods and less safe ones. Tourist areas like Miraflores and Barranco are quite safe. They have good police presence. But be careful in city center and Callao area. These places have higher crime rates.

Here are specific tips for Lima:

Stay in Miraflores, Barranco, or San Isidro districts
Avoid walking alone at night in city center
Use Uber or registered taxis
Keep phones and cameras hidden in public
Don't show large amounts of cash

Cusco and Machu Picchu Safety

Cusco is one of Peru's safest cities for tourists. The historic center is very secure. There are tourist police everywhere. However, be careful in crowded markets. Pickpockets sometimes target distracted tourists.

Machu Picchu itself is extremely safe. The site has good security. The main concern is altitude sickness. Cusco is at 11,152 feet (3,399 meters) above sea level. Many visitors get sick from the high altitude.

To prevent altitude sickness:

Spend 2-3 days in Cusco before visiting Machu Picchu
Drink lots of water
Eat light meals
Avoid alcohol for the first few days
Consider altitude sickness medication

Amazon Rainforest Safety

The Peruvian Amazon is mostly safe. But you need special preparations. Always go with licensed tour operators. Don't venture into the jungle alone. The wildlife can be dangerous if not respected.

Key Amazon safety tips:

Get yellow fever vaccination before visiting
Use mosquito repellent constantly
Drink only bottled or purified water
Never touch unknown plants or animals
Always follow your guide's instructions

Health and Medical Safety in Peru

Your health is important when traveling. Peru has good hospitals in major cities. But rural areas may have limited medical care. It's smart to have travel insurance that covers medical evacuation.

Common Health Concerns

Travelers to Peru should be aware of these health issues:

Altitude Sickness: As mentioned earlier, this affects many visitors. Symptoms include headache, nausea, and tiredness. Most people adjust within a few days. But some need medical help.

Traveler's Diarrhea: This is common in Peru. It's usually caused by different bacteria in food and water. To prevent it, drink bottled water and avoid street food with unknown hygiene.

Sun Exposure: Peru has strong sun, especially at high altitudes. Use sunscreen with high SPF. Wear hats and sunglasses. The sun can burn you quickly in the mountains.

Vaccinations and Medications

The CDC recommends these vaccinations for Peru:

Routine vaccines (measles, flu, etc.)
Hepatitis A and Typhoid (from contaminated food/water)
Yellow Fever (for Amazon regions)
Rabies (for adventure travelers)

Consult your doctor 4-6 weeks before travel. They can give you personalized advice. Also bring any prescription medications you need. Keep them in original containers.

Transportation Safety: Getting Around Peru

Moving around Peru requires caution. The country has different transportation options. Some are safer than others.

Air Travel

Flying is the safest way to travel long distances in Peru. Major airlines have good safety records. Domestic flights connect Lima with Cusco, Arequipa, and other cities. Always book with reputable airlines.

Bus Travel

Buses are popular but vary in safety. Choose reputable companies like Cruz del Sur or Oltursa. These companies have better maintenance and security. Avoid overnight buses on dangerous mountain roads if possible.

Bus safety tips:

Choose buses with seatbelts
Keep valuables with you, not in overhead bins
Use bus stations in daylight hours
Avoid buses that look poorly maintained

Taxis and Ride-Sharing

Taxis in Peru can be risky. Always use registered taxis or ride-sharing apps like Uber. Never hail taxis on the street, especially at night. Many hotels can call safe taxis for you.

Food and Water Safety

Peruvian food is amazing. But food safety is important. Follow these rules to avoid getting sick.

Water Safety

Don't drink tap water in Peru. It may contain bacteria that can make you sick. Always drink bottled water. Check that the seal is unbroken. You can also use water purification tablets or filters.

Also avoid:

Ice in drinks (unless you know it's from purified water)
Brushing teeth with tap water
Eating fruits and vegetables washed in tap water

Food Safety

Peru has incredible cuisine. But choose where you eat carefully. Look for busy restaurants with good hygiene. Food should be cooked thoroughly and served hot.

Safe food choices:

Hot, cooked foods
Fruits you peel yourself
Bottled drinks
Food from reputable restaurants

Foods to be careful with:

Street food (unless very busy and fresh)
Raw salads
Undercooked meat or seafood
Food that has been sitting out

Practical Safety Tips for Peru Travel

Here are actionable tips you can use right away. These will help you stay safe during your Peru trip.

Before You Go

Get comprehensive travel insurance
Make copies of important documents
Learn basic Spanish phrases
Register with your embassy
Research your destinations thoroughly

During Your Trip

Use hotel safes for valuables
Carry only needed cash and one credit card
Dress modestly to avoid attention
Stay aware of your surroundings
Trust your instincts - if something feels wrong, leave

Money Safety

Money matters need special attention. Don't carry large amounts of cash. Use ATMs inside banks during daylight. Cover your PIN when using ATMs. Consider using a money belt for extra security.

Real Traveler Stories: Safety Experiences in Peru

Hearing from other travelers can be helpful. Here are real experiences from people who visited Peru.

Sarah's Story: Safe Solo Female Travel

"I traveled alone through Peru for three weeks. I felt safe most of the time. I stayed in hostels with good reviews. I joined group tours for some activities. The only issue was in Lima when someone tried to pick my pocket in a market. But I had my money in a secure place. They got nothing. Overall, Peru felt safe for solo female travel with basic precautions."

Mark's Family Adventure

"We traveled with our two children aged 8 and 10. Peru was wonderful for family travel. The people were friendly and helpful. We felt safe everywhere we went. Our kids loved Machu Picchu and the Amazon. We used common sense - didn't wander alone at night, used registered guides, drank bottled water. We had no safety issues at all."

Frequently Asked Questions About Peru Safety

Is Peru safe for solo female travelers?

Yes, Peru is generally safe for solo female travelers. Use common sense precautions. Stay in well-reviewed accommodations. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas. Dress modestly. Join group tours for some activities.

What are the most dangerous areas in Peru?

The most concern areas are some parts of Lima, especially Callao. Also avoid the VRAEM region where drug trafficking occurs. But most tourist destinations are safe. Always check current travel advisories before you go.

Can I drink the water in Peru?

No, don't drink tap water in Peru. Always drink bottled water. Check that the seal is unbroken. Use bottled water for brushing teeth too. Avoid ice in drinks unless you're sure it's from purified water.

Is public transportation safe in Peru?

Some public transportation is safe. Reputable bus companies are generally secure. But be careful with city buses and combis (small vans). They can be crowded and attract pickpockets. Taxis should be registered or through apps like Uber.

What should I do if I get robbed?

First, stay calm. Don't resist if threatened. Your safety is most important. Then contact local police and your embassy. Have copies of important documents in a separate place. Contact your bank to cancel stolen cards. Call your travel insurance company.

Are taxis safe in Peru?

Taxis can be safe if you choose carefully. Use registered taxis or ride-sharing apps. Avoid hailing taxis on the street, especially at night. Many hotels can call safe taxis for you. Always agree on price before getting in.

Is altitude sickness dangerous?

Altitude sickness can be serious for some people. Most just feel unwell for a few days. But severe cases need medical attention. Ascend slowly, drink water, and consider medication. If symptoms worsen, seek medical help immediately.

Emergency Information and Contacts

Save these important numbers in your phone:

Police: 105
Tourist Police: (01) 460-1060 (Lima)
Ambulance: 116
Fire: 116

Also have contact information for your country's embassy. Keep a list of emergency contacts back home. Share your itinerary with family or friends.

Conclusion: Is Peru Safe for Your Next Adventure?

Peru is generally a safe country for tourists. Millions visit each year without problems. Like any destination, it requires common sense and preparation. The rewards far outweigh the risks. You'll experience incredible ancient ruins, amazing food, and friendly people.

Remember the key safety tips: be aware of your surroundings, protect your valuables, use safe transportation, and take health precautions. Follow these guidelines and you'll likely have a wonderful, safe trip.

Peru offers unforgettable experiences. From Machu Picchu to the Amazon rainforest, the country will amaze you. Don't let safety concerns stop you from visiting. Instead, prepare properly and enjoy everything Peru has to offer. Safe travels!

Ready to plan your Peru adventure? Check out our complete Peru trip planning guide for more tips and itineraries.

Read Full Article →