City, Peru
Is Cusco safe?
Safe on the tourist circuit by day, but bag theft, taxi robberies and drink spiking around nightlife are common.
Is Cusco safe?
Safe on the tourist circuit by day, but bag theft, taxi robberies and drink spiking around nightlife are common. Altitude is the bigger health issue.
Key facts
- SoloSquare safety rating: 3/5, take real precautions.
- US travel advisory: Level 2: Exercise increased caution, updated 2025-05-15.
- Homicide rate in Peru: 8.6 per 100,000 people (2021, UNODC via World Bank).
- Road deaths in Peru: 13.6 per 100,000 people a year (2019, WHO).
- Emergency numbers: Police 105 · Ambulance 106 · Fire 116.
Safety in Cusco at a glance
| What to expect | |
|---|---|
| Overall | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Crime | Pickpocketing in markets and on buses, bag snatching near the Plaza de Armas, and night-time robberies by street taxis or after bar crawls. |
| At night | The center is busy until late but taxis are risky. Use hotel-arranged taxis or Uber/inDrive, and avoid the quiet hills alone. |
| Solo women | Solo women travel here widely. Catcalling and unwanted attention happen; use app taxis at night and book tours with registered operators. |
| Other risks | Altitude sickness at 3,400 m; rest on day one; Landslides and floods in the Nov–Mar rainy season; Strong sun and cold nights; dress in layers |
Scams, areas and local laws
Common scams
- Touts offering fake Machu Picchu tickets or cheap treks
- Unlicensed street taxis robbing tourists at night
- Spiked drinks on the Plaza de Armas bar strip
- Fake 'police' asking to inspect your wallet
Take care
- Plaza de Armas bars after midnight: spiked drinks, robbery
- Steep hill paths in San Cristóbal and Santa Ana after dark
- Street taxis late at night: use apps or hotel taxis
Calmer areas to stay
Laws visitors break by accident
- Touching, climbing or removing anything at archaeological sites brings fines or arrest.
- Flying a drone at Machu Picchu and other archaeological sites needs a permit.
- Carry your passport or a copy; police ID checks happen.
How Cusco compares in Peru
| Place | Safety |
|---|---|
| Machu Picchu | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Sacred Valley | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Huacachina | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Huaraz | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Paracas | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Lima | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Cusco | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Arequipa | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Máncora | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Puno | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Iquitos | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Nazca | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Puerto Maldonado | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
Quick answers
Is Cusco safe for solo female travelers?
Solo women travel here widely. Catcalling and unwanted attention happen; use app taxis at night and book tours with registered operators.
Is Cusco safe at night?
The center is busy until late but taxis are risky. Use hotel-arranged taxis or Uber/inDrive, and avoid the quiet hills alone.
What is the crime rate in Cusco?
Pickpocketing in markets and on buses, bag snatching near the Plaza de Armas, and night-time robberies by street taxis or after bar crawls. Nationally, Peru records 8.6 homicides per 100,000 people a year (2021).
What number do I call in an emergency in Cusco?
Police 105 · Ambulance 106 · Fire 116.
More about Cusco
Going to Cusco solo?
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Sources
- US State Department travel advisory
- Machu Picchu official tickets
- PeruRail
- Inca Rail
- PROMPERÚ (Peru Travel)
- World Bank: intentional homicides (UNODC)
- World Bank: road traffic deaths (WHO)
Safety ratings are SoloSquare's editorial judgment from official advisories, crime data and local reporting. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.