City, Peru
Is Puno safe?
Fine on the tourist circuit by day, but bag theft, taxis at night and altitude are real concerns.
Is Puno safe?
Fine on the tourist circuit by day, but bag theft, taxis at night and altitude are real concerns. Avoid dark streets away from the plaza.
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 Puno at a glance
| What to expect | |
|---|---|
| Overall | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Crime | Bag snatching around the Plaza de Armas, market theft, and robberies on dark streets and from street taxis at night. |
| At night | Calle Lima is lively until about midnight. Avoid walking outside the center after dark, and take hotel-arranged taxis. |
| Solo women | Solo women travel here, though catcalling occurs. Use registered taxis and book lake trips with reputable operators. |
| Other risks | Altitude sickness at 3,800 m; acclimatize in Cusco or Arequipa first; Extreme cold at night in Jun–Aug; Strong UV and wind on the lake |
Scams, areas and local laws
Common scams
- Boat touts pushing Uros tours with extra unexpected fees
- Unofficial taxis quoting inflated fares from the bus station
- Fake guides at the train and bus terminals
Take care
- Streets near the market and bus terminals after dark
- Lake boats in rough weather: choose registered operators
- Protests or road blockades; check news before traveling
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 Puno 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 Puno safe for solo female travelers?
Solo women travel here, though catcalling occurs. Use registered taxis and book lake trips with reputable operators.
Is Puno safe at night?
Calle Lima is lively until about midnight. Avoid walking outside the center after dark, and take hotel-arranged taxis.
What is the crime rate in Puno?
Bag snatching around the Plaza de Armas, market theft, and robberies on dark streets and from street taxis at night. Nationally, Peru records 8.6 homicides per 100,000 people a year (2021).
What number do I call in an emergency in Puno?
Police 105 · Ambulance 106 · Fire 116.
More about Puno
Going to Puno solo?
SoloSquare is where travelers, nomads and locals in Puno meet up for small plans: coffee, dinners, walks and day trips. Join one, or start your own in a minute.
Sources
- US State Department travel advisory
- PROMPERÚ (Peru Travel)
- PeruRail (Andean Explorer)
- Cruz del Sur
- 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.