Is Peru a safe place to visit? (Updated 2025)
Peru is a country that lives up to its hype. Whether you’re visiting Machu Picchu or the Nazca lines, the floating islands on Lake Titicaca, or the vibrant capital of Lima with its thriving food scene, Peru will not disappoint. I loved my trip to Peru. It was exactly what I expected!
However I often read and hear about tourists being mugged or having their belongings stolen. Travelers send me worried emails asking if it is safe to travel to Peru due to the recent political unrest. Today, I will answer their question:
Is Peru safe? What should you be on the lookout for? Safety Tips for Peru
11 In general, Peru is an extremely safe country to visit. Travelers shouldn’t be concerned about violent crimes. You won’t get kidnapped there or murdered. Here are some tips for planning and preparing a safe trip to Peru. Avoid displaying expensive items. Do not flaunt your valuables. Take care when you remove your phone. Phone theft is common (over 4,000 stolen phones per day are reported). AirPods are not to be worn on the streets. Keep an eye on everything. It is important to minimize the target that appears on your back, which says “I am carrying a lot valuable stuff”. This is particularly important in large cities such as Lima and Cusco, where small thefts are more common. It’s safe to walk around during the day if there are people nearby with their phones or other items. However, if you are alone, you should be cautious. On scooters, thieves will take your stuff and then drive away.
2. Watch out for thieves and muggers who work in small groups or pairs. Keep your guard up and don’t be distracted. Always keep an eye on what you’re carrying. You can keep some small bills in your pocket so you don’t have to show off your wallet or purse when paying for items. Keep valuables separated.
When you are going out for the afternoon, lock up your credit cards and money. If you lose your wallet you will still have money and cards at your hostel. It’s generally a good idea, to keep your passport safe in your hostel locker and to photocopy it to bring with you. You should also keep digital copies in your inbox. Prey is available for both your laptop and phone. The monthly fee is only $1.10.
6. Avoid traveling alone after dark. Traveling with other people or friends at night is safer. It’s safer to travel with friends or other travelers at night in cities.
7. Select a reputable operator. Bus companies that are cheap often have reckless drivers or frequent breakdowns. Since Peru has one of the highest rates of traffic accidents in the world, it’s safer to use a more expensive bus company. Cruz del Sur is one of the best bus companies in Peru. Others include Oltursa Civa and Movil Tours. PeruHop is another hop-on/hop-off bus tour operator that caters to travelers (and sometimes even locals). It is safe, has excellent drivers, and does not have a theft problem.
8. Do not use drugs
– Because Peru produces so much cocaine, many tourists (especially backpackers) are tempted to indulge in it. The risk is not worth it, as if you are suspected of drug use by authorities, you could be held for up to fifteen days. It’s not worth the risk to buy drugs in this country. You are supporting organized crime by buying drugs.
9. Learn Spanish. To learn some basic vocabulary, use an app such as Duolingo. Google Translate is another must-have application (download Spanish to your phone for offline translation). Travel insurance is a must. Travel insurance is a must for me. Travel insurance will protect you from theft, injuries and delayed flights. You can get peace of mind for a few dollars a day, or even less. You can use this widget to get a quote for SafetyWing: For more information on travel insurance, check out these posts:
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With these travel tips, you’ll be able to stay safe while you visit or backpack around Peru! Here are some answers to frequently asked questions. You’ll likely be in a group, or with other tourists. Pickpockets and other small thieves will be less likely to be present. The most important thing to do when hiking to Machu Picchu, is to look after your health. Use sunscreen, hats and plenty of water to combat the heat. Staying in Cusco for at least a couple of days before visiting Machu Picchu will help you avoid this. Avoid this by staying in Cusco for at least a couple of days before visiting Machu Picchu.Finally, if you use a guide, which is recommended when hiking, make sure they are a licensed operator, as you sometimes hear of unlicensed guides taking you the wrong route and keeping your hiking permit payment for themselves.
Is Peru safe to travel alone?
Solo travel is pretty common in Peru, and you’ll often find plenty of other solo backpackers to spend time with, so it’s unlikely you’ll be alone that much. It’s safer to travel with a group on buses and after-dark, but solo travel is not more dangerous in Peru than traveling with a friend or partner. Just remember to not stand out or look like a tourist. Avoid wearing fancy clothes and don’t flaunt your expensive gadgets. If you’re lost, avoid staring at the map. Is it safe for kids to travel with you to Peru?
Is Peru a safe place to visit with children?
In general, Peru is a relatively safe destination to bring your kids. Peruvian culture is very family-oriented, and kids and their parents will be welcomed. It’s important to be cautious with small children because they are more likely to get sick from drinking unfiltered water. It’s also not recommended to take kids under three to high altitudes such as Machu Picchu.
- Is Peru safe for female travelers?
- It’s not unsafe to be a solo female traveler in Peru, though you might be the victim of some unwanted attention, mostly in the form of catcalling. If you’re in a group of women only, you may get extra attention. There are many solo female travellers in Peru, so you will find others to hang with. Peru does not require you to take any extra precautions. You should not drink the water from the tap in Peru. It is fine to use it for brushing your teeth. Lifestraws have a built-in water filter that ensures your water will always be safe to drink. They also help you avoid single use plastic. You can ask your hotel or hostel to call a taxi for you. They will also let you know the price in advance. Taxis don’t have meters, so you can easily be overcharged. Uber is available in all parts of the country, so you don’t have to flag down a random cab.
**** - Peru will be a great destination for you, no matter your interests. It has a rich cultural heritage, friendly people, stunning landscapes and historical sites that are fascinating. You should be careful about your own safety. Pickpocketing and petty theft are the most common problems travelers encounter in this country. However, by being extra vigilant and using common sense you can reduce your risk. Make sure you don’t carry valuables or large amounts of cash in a visible way.
- Peru can be a safe place to visit. Don’t let stories about the country scare you away. Your trip will be worth it because of the amazing attractions! Peru is a beautiful country and with a little common sense, you’ll have no problems! I didn’t. Skyscanner can help you find cheap flights. They are my favorite search engine because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned!
Book Your Accommodation
You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the biggest inventory and best deals. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. This is a comprehensive insurance in the event of an emergency. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:
Looking for the Best Companies to Save Money With?
Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. Looking for the Best Companies for Saving Money? Check out my resource page to find the best companies for you to use while traveling. Here’s a list of all the companies I use when I travel to save money. You will also save money by using them. Want More Information about Peru? Visit my comprehensive destination guide for Peru to get even more tips on planning your trip!
