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 cherished my go to right here. It was every thing I assumed it could 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 secure to go to attributable to latest political unrest.

At this time, I wish to reply their questions:

Is it secure to go to Peru? What do you could look out for? What precautions do you could take?

On this submit, I’ll share every thing you could know to soundly go to Peru.

11 Security Suggestions for Peru

Basically, Peru is a secure 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 lots of petty crime.

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

1. Keep away from displaying any costly belongings – Maintain your jewellery out of sight (and even depart it at dwelling). Don’t flaunt valuables. Be particularly conscious of taking out your cellphone, as cellphone theft is rampant (over 4,000 telephones are reported stolen every single day). Don’t even put on AirPods on the road. In brief: at all times keep watch over your stuff. Minimizing the goal in your again that claims, “I’m carrying lots of helpful stuff” is essential.

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

2. Concentrate on thieves or muggers working in pairs or small teams – The trick of distracting you (for instance, somebody “by accident” bumping into you, or a bunch of youngsters taking part in or combating close to you) is usually used in order that an confederate can rob you whilst you’re not listening to your belongings. Don’t fall for distractions and hold your guard up.

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

4. Maintain your valuables separate – While you’re going out for the day, depart some bank cards and money locked in your lodging. That manner, in case you lose your pockets, you’ll nonetheless have money and playing cards again at your hostel. Basically, it’s a good suggestion to make photocopies of your passport to take with you and lock up your passport in your hostel locker. Maintain 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 gadget will get stolen, you’ll be capable of observe it and remotely flip in your digicam to {photograph} the thief (you can even 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, comparable to Tingo María, northwest of Lima, on the entrance to the Tingo María Nationwide Park. Attempt to journey with buddies 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 sizzling mattress for thieves.

7. Select a good bus operator – Typically the most affordable possibility isn’t the very best one. A number of the low-cost bus corporations have essentially the most reckless drivers and plenty of breakdowns, and since Peru has among the world’s worst visitors accident charges, you’re normally safer utilizing a barely pricier bus firm. A number of the most respected bus operators embrace Cruz del Sur, Oltursa, Civa, and Movil Excursions. Moreover, think about PeruHop, which is a hop on/hop off bus tour operator catering to travels (and typically locals) that may be very secure, makes use of unbelievable drivers, and has no theft downside.

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

9. Be taught some Spanish – With the ability to converse some primary Spanish will enable you in lots of conditions, however in case you get in hassle and need assistance, then you definately’ll actually recognize it. Begin with an app like Duolingo to grasp some primary vocabulary. Google Translate app can also be vital 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 anyplace 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 gives peace of thoughts. Don’t journey right here with out it!

I like to recommend SafetyWing for vacationers beneath 70, whereas Insure My Journey is the only option for vacationers over 70.

You need to use 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 secure whilst you go to or backpack round Peru! Moreover, listed here are solutions to some ceaselessly requested questions we get.
 

Is Machu Picchu secure?

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

The extra vital security problem in case you are climbing to Machu Picchu is to care for your well being. Ensure you have loads of water, and use sunscreen and hats to take care of the warmth. For those who’re not acclimatized to the altitude, then altitude illness is usually a downside; you could take it severely in case you begin to really feel sick. Keep away from this by staying in Cusco for at the very least a few days earlier than visiting Machu Picchu.

Lastly, in case you use a information, which is advisable when climbing, ensure that they’re a licensed operator, as you typically hear of unlicensed guides taking you the incorrect route and preserving your climbing allow fee for themselves.
 

Is Peru secure 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 anyplace is safer in a bunch, however generally, solo journey in Peru isn’t any extra harmful than touring with buddies or a accomplice.

Simply bear in mind to keep away from standing out and looking out like a vacationer. Don’t costume in fancy garments, don’t wave your costly devices round, and in case you 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 secure to journey to Peru with children?

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

Watch out with notably babies, although, as a result of they’re extra inclined to getting sick from unfiltered water, for instance. It’s additionally not advisable to take children beneath three to excessive altitudes comparable to Machu Picchu.
 

Is Peru secure for feminine vacationers?

It’s not unsafe to be a solo feminine traveler in Peru, although you is likely to 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 may get some additional consideration. However there’s lots 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’d take anyplace else.

Are you able to drink the faucet water in Peru?

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

Are taxis secure in Peru?

Taxis are comparatively secure, however be sure to solely use licensed taxis and that you realize the speed prematurely. For those who want a taxi, have your hostel or resort name one for you and discover out what the speed is prematurely. Ensure you agree on the fare with the motive force prematurely, as taxis don’t use meters so it’s simple to get overcharged in case you’re not paying consideration. That mentioned, Uber is all over the place within the nation now and you may name an Uber in case you don’t wish to flag a random taxi down.

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

You do should be cautious about your private security, nevertheless. The commonest 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 reduce your danger. Make sure to just remember to’re not carrying valuables in an apparent manner and don’t have giant sums of money in a single place.

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