Is Lima safe?
Fine in Miraflores, Barranco and San Isidro with normal care. Extortion and violent crime have risen in some districts, and theft is common in the historic center.
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 Lima at a glance
| What to expect | |
|---|---|
| Overall | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Crime | Phone snatching, bag theft in buses and the historic center, express kidnappings from unofficial taxis, and armed robberies in outer districts. |
| At night | Miraflores and Barranco are busy and mostly fine until late. Take Uber, inDrive or Cabify rather than street taxis, and keep your phone away from curbs. |
| Solo women | Catcalling is common. Solo women travel here widely; use app taxis at night and stay in Miraflores or Barranco. |
| Other risks | Earthquake risk; know building exits; Chaotic traffic and few pedestrian crossings; Strong sun and rip currents at the beaches |
Scams, areas and local laws
Common scams
- Unofficial street taxis and fake drivers at the airport
- Counterfeit soles or dollars given in change
- Distraction thefts on the Metropolitano and in markets
Take care
- Historic center after dark: snatchings and robberies
- La Victoria, El Agustino and Callao: avoid as a visitor
- Beaches and parks in Miraflores after midnight
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 Lima 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 Lima safe for solo female travelers?
Catcalling is common. Solo women travel here widely; use app taxis at night and stay in Miraflores or Barranco.
Is Lima safe at night?
Miraflores and Barranco are busy and mostly fine until late. Take Uber, inDrive or Cabify rather than street taxis, and keep your phone away from curbs.
What is the crime rate in Lima?
Phone snatching, bag theft in buses and the historic center, express kidnappings from unofficial taxis, and armed robberies in outer districts. Nationally, Peru records 8.6 homicides per 100,000 people a year (2021).
What number do I call in an emergency in Lima?
Police 105 · Ambulance 106 · Fire 116.
More about Lima
Going to Lima solo?
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Sources
- US State Department travel advisory
- Lima Airport Partners
- Autoridad de Transporte Urbano (ATU)
- 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.