Is Peru Secure to Go to? (Up to date 2025)

Peru, the third-largest nation in South America, and earlier than the pandemic, was receiving over 4 million guests annually.

Whether or not it’s to go to Machu Picchu, the floating islands of Lake Titicaca, the Nazca Strains, or the colourful capital metropolis of Lima and its blossoming meals scene, Peru lives as much as the hype. I completely beloved my go to right here. It was every thing I assumed it might be!

Nonetheless, I additionally usually hear and examine vacationers getting mugged or their issues being stolen. I get nervous emails from vacationers questioning if Peru is protected to go to attributable to latest political unrest.

At this time, I need to reply their questions:

Is it protected to go to Peru? What do it’s worthwhile to look out for? What precautions do it’s worthwhile to take?

On this submit, I’ll share every thing it’s worthwhile to know to soundly go to Peru.

11 Security Ideas for Peru

On the whole, Peru is a protected place to go to. You’re not going to get kidnapped or murdered there so don’t fear about any violent crime as a traveler. However Peru does require you to be a bit extra vigilant than different locations as a result of there may be a variety of petty crime.

Listed here are some ideas that can assist you plan and put together for a protected go to to Peru:

1. Keep away from displaying any costly belongings – Preserve your jewellery out of sight (and even depart it at house). Don’t flaunt valuables. Be particularly conscious of taking out your cellphone, as cellphone theft is rampant (over 4,000 telephones are reported stolen daily). Don’t even put on AirPods on the road. Briefly: at all times control your stuff. Minimizing the goal in your again that claims, “I’m carrying a variety of beneficial stuff” is essential.

That is particularly attempt in main cities like Lima and Cusco the place petty theft is extra widespread. When you’re out within the day and also you see individuals with telephones and such out, it’s in all probability protected however for those who’re alone, watch out. Thieves will come by on scooters and take stuff out of your arms and drive off.

2. Pay attention to thieves or muggers working in pairs or small teams – The trick of distracting you (for instance, somebody “unintentionally” bumping into you, or a bunch of children taking part in or preventing close to you) is usually used in order that an confederate can rob you when you’re not listening to your belongings. Don’t fall for distractions and maintain your guard up.

3. Control your belongings always – In crowded locations or on public transit, remember that thieves may very well be seeking to actually choose your pocket or slash your bag. Preserve some small payments in a separate pocket, in order that whenever you’re paying for issues, you don’t have to put your entire pockets or purse on show.

4. Preserve your valuables separate – Once you’re going out for the day, depart some bank cards and money locked in your lodging. That means, for those who lose your pockets, you’ll nonetheless have money and playing cards again at your hostel. On the whole, it’s a good suggestion to make photocopies of your passport to take with you and lock up your passport in your hostel locker. Preserve digital copies of your passport in your e-mail inbox too simply in case.

5. Obtain the Prey app to your cellphone and laptop computer – If both system will get stolen, you’ll be capable of observe it and remotely flip in your digital camera to {photograph} the thief (you may as well wipe the info and message the thief too). It prices simply $1.10/month.

6. Keep away from touring alone at night time – There have been incidents of individuals being mugged as they depart a taxi at night time within the cities, and repeated stories of bandit exercise after darkish in some areas, corresponding to Tingo María, northwest of Lima, on the entrance to the Tingo María Nationwide Park. Attempt to journey with associates or different vacationers at night time as there may be security in numbers.

And that is very true in cities at night time too. In some areas of Lima like Miraflores and Barranco, there’s lots of people out at night time so it’s much less of an issue however this additionally the 2 nicest and most touristy areas of Lima so it’s a scorching mattress for thieves.

7. Select a good bus operator – Typically the most cost effective choice isn’t one of the best one. A few of the low-cost bus firms have essentially the most reckless drivers and many breakdowns, and since Peru has a few of the world’s worst site visitors accident charges, you’re often safer utilizing a barely pricier bus firm. A few of the most respected bus operators embrace Cruz del Sur, Oltursa, Civa, and Movil Excursions. Moreover, contemplate PeruHop, which is a hop on/hop off bus tour operator catering to travels (and generally locals) that may be very protected, makes use of unbelievable drivers, and has no theft drawback.

8. Don’t use medication – Since Peru produces a variety of cocaine, vacationers (particularly younger backpackers) are likely to do a variety of it right here. It’s not well worth the danger, nevertheless, since if authorities even suspect you of utilizing medication, you will be detained for as much as 15 days. Shopping for medication right here helps organized crime, so be good and skip the medication.

9. Study some Spanish – With the ability to communicate some fundamental Spanish will aid you in lots of conditions, however for those who get in hassle and need assistance, you then’ll actually recognize it. Begin with an app like Duolingo to grasp some fundamental vocabulary. Google Translate app can also be a must have app (obtain the Spanish language to your cellphone so you’ll be able to translate offline).

10. Purchase journey insurance coverage – Issues can go incorrect on the street. That’s why I by no means go wherever with out journey insurance coverage. From theft to accidents to delayed flights, journey insurance coverage is there to make sure you don’t go broke. It’s only a couple bucks a day (usually much less) and offers peace of thoughts. Don’t journey right here with out it!

I like to recommend SafetyWing for vacationers underneath 70, whereas Insure My Journey is your best option for vacationers over 70.

You should utilize this widget to get a quote for SafetyWing:

For extra info on journey insurance coverage, take a look at these posts:

With these journey ideas, you’ll be capable of keep protected when you go to or backpack round Peru! Moreover, listed below are solutions to some regularly requested questions we get.
 

Is Machu Picchu protected?

Machu Picchu is such a typical vacationer vacation spot that you just’ll almost definitely be safer right here than some other a part of Peru. Likelihood is you’ll be mountain climbing with a bunch or in a crowd, so pickpockets and different petty thieves are unlikely to be round. It’s way more necessary to be vigilant in cities like Lima or Cusco.

The extra necessary security subject in case you are mountain climbing to Machu Picchu is to deal with your well being. Be sure to have loads of water, and use sunscreen and hats to take care of the warmth. When you’re not acclimatized to the altitude, then altitude illness generally is a drawback; it’s worthwhile to take it critically for those who begin to really feel sick. Keep away from this by staying in Cusco for a minimum of a few days earlier than visiting Machu Picchu.

Lastly, for those who use a information, which is beneficial when mountain climbing, ensure they’re a licensed operator, as you generally hear of unlicensed guides taking you the incorrect route and preserving your mountain climbing allow fee for themselves.
 

Is Peru protected to journey alone?

Solo journey is fairly widespread in Peru, and also you’ll usually discover loads of different solo backpackers to spend time with, so it’s unlikely you’ll be alone that a lot.

Bus journey and being out after darkish wherever is safer in a bunch, however on the whole, solo journey in Peru is not any extra harmful than touring with associates or a accomplice.

Simply keep in mind to keep away from standing out and looking out like a vacationer. Don’t gown in fancy garments, don’t wave your costly devices round, and for those who get misplaced, don’t stand there watching a map. Mainly, keep away from protruding like a sore thumb, and also you’ll cut back the possibility of a petty thief deciding you’re their subsequent sufferer.
 

Is it protected to journey to Peru with children?

On the entire, it’s not particularly unsafe to take your children to Peru. Household and kids are essential within the Peruvian tradition, so that you and your children will probably be made to really feel very welcome.

Watch out with significantly young children, although, as a result of they’re extra prone to getting sick from unfiltered water, for instance. It’s additionally not beneficial to take children underneath three to excessive altitudes corresponding to Machu Picchu.
 

Is Peru protected for feminine vacationers?

It’s not unsafe to be a solo feminine traveler in Peru, although you may be the sufferer of some undesirable consideration, largely within the type of catcalling. Native ladies in Peru hardly ever exit to bars with out males, so in case you are a women-only group in a bar, you would possibly get some further consideration. However there’s a variety of solo feminine vacationers within the nation so that you’ll meet others to hang around with. Peru doesn’t require any extra precautions than you’ll take wherever else.

Are you able to drink the faucet water in Peru?

No, don’t drink the faucet water in Peru (although it’s high quality to brush your tooth with). Use a Lifestraw, which not solely ensures that your water is at all times protected to drink because it has a in-built water filter within the bottle however helps you keep away from single-use plastic.
 

Are taxis protected in Peru?

Taxis are comparatively protected, however be sure you solely use licensed taxis and that you already know the speed upfront. When you want a taxi, have your hostel or lodge name one for you and discover out what the speed is upfront. Be sure to agree on the fare with the driving force upfront, as taxis don’t use meters so it’s simple to get overcharged for those who’re not paying consideration. That stated, Uber is in every single place within the nation now and you may name an Uber for those who don’t need to flag a random taxi down.

Peru is an incredible vacation spot it doesn’t matter what your pursuits, with a wealthy tradition, welcoming individuals, lovely landscapes, and engaging historic sights.

You do have to be cautious about your private security, nevertheless. The most typical points vacationers face there are petty theft and pickpocketing, however by exercising a bit of additional vigilance and customary sense, you’ll be able to decrease your danger. You’ll want to just remember to’re not carrying valuables in an apparent means and don’t have massive sums of money in a single place.

Peru is a comparatively protected nation to go to, so don’t let the tales put you off. The wonderful points of interest will certainly make your journey worthwhile! Peru is an incredible place and with some widespread sense you gained’t have any points! I didn’t.