South America
Is Peru safe?
L2Exercise increased caution
Is Peru safe?
Fine for most travelers on the main circuit, though extortion-driven crime has risen in Lima. Theft, unofficial taxis and altitude are the risks visitors actually face.
Key facts
- US travel advisory: Level 2: Exercise increased caution, updated 2025-05-15.
- Homicide rate: 8.6 per 100,000 people (2021, UNODC via World Bank).
- Road deaths: 13.6 per 100,000 people a year (2019, WHO).
- Emergency numbers: Police 105 · Ambulance 106 · Fire 116.
- Solo women: Solo women travel the Gringo Trail widely; catcalling is common. Use app taxis at night and book reputable tour operators.
Risks, scams and laws
Main risks
- Pickpocketing and bag theft on buses and in markets
- Robbery in unofficial street taxis, especially at night
- Altitude sickness in Cusco, Puno and on treks
- Road accidents on mountain routes; choose reputable bus companies
Common scams
- Unofficial taxis and 'guides' at airports and bus terminals
- Counterfeit soles and US dollars in change
- Fake agencies selling Machu Picchu tickets or tours
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.
Safety by place 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 Peru safe for tourists?
Fine for most travelers on the main circuit, though extortion-driven crime has risen in Lima. Theft, unofficial taxis and altitude are the risks visitors actually face.
Is Peru safe for solo female travelers?
Solo women travel the Gringo Trail widely; catcalling is common. Use app taxis at night and book reputable tour operators.
What is the emergency number in Peru?
Police 105 · Ambulance 106 · Fire 116.
Safety by place
Sources
- World Bank: intentional homicides
- US State Department travel advisory
- Superintendencia Nacional de Migraciones
- iPerú tourist information (PromPerú)
- PeruRail
- Speedtest Global Index: Peru
- World Bank open data
Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.