Marjolein Dilven
Planning to tick off a trek to Machu Picchu from your bucket list? Or want to check out Lima? One question must be answered before you prepare your itinerary and bookings: Is Peru safe?
Peru is a popular travel destination known for its diverse geography, including the Andean highlands, dunes, beaches, Amazon jungle, historical Spanish colonial cities, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and rich biodiversity with over 760 endemic animal species and 5,528 endemic plant species.
Peru is also famous for its delicious cuisine, such as ceviche, and breathtaking natural wonders, like the Nazca Lines geoglyphs and the blue waters of Lake Titicaca. According to Forbes, with the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions as of November 1, 2022, tourists worldwide can now visit Peru safely.
Is Peru Safe?
While the crime rate in Peru has decreased by 3.09% from 2017 to 2021, with 7.67 affected people per 100,000, it is still important to take travel precautions and be aware of the security situation in your destinations.
Thefts and scams remain a concern, and travelers should exercise caution in areas with high criminal activity.
However, many cities in Peru are considered safe for tourists, with increased tourist-friendly infrastructure and safety measures. Before traveling, check the latest travel advisories and take basic safety precautions to ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip to Peru.
We will provide important information about traveling safely in Peru, including a list of the safest cities where you can make the most of your trip.
10 Safest Cities in Peru
1. Cusco
Cusco is a magnificent city located southwest of Peru. It is around 11,155 feet (3,400 meters) above sea level, which makes it a great place for tourists to enjoy their holidays. Moreover, the overall safety level is quite impressive. There are a few crimes, but they are far away from the city center.
If you stick to the main tourist spots within the city, you won’t find any security issues. Some places like Plaza de Armas are safe to visit during the daytime but be careful and dangerous at night. It doesn’t mean you can’t visit the area in the dark but just don’t walk alone on the streets.
Cusco is also close home to the breathtaking “Lost City” of Machu Picchu, a complex citadel of cut stone structures built by the ancient Incas in the eastern part of the Andes mountain range during the height of their achievement and power.
Even safer than the city, the Inca ruins and these mountains have now been given special security as they have become one of the most visited places in Peru.
2. Lima
Lima is the capital and one of the most visited areas in the country. The city is safe for tourists, but street crime is still unresolved. The overall crime rate, however, is low enough to make it safe to visit if you know how to stay vigilant.
Street crime includes pickpocketing and purse snatching, but it can be avoided if you try to avoid showing your expensive stuff.
The main tourist attractions, such as Lima Historic Center, Barranco, and Miraflores, are pretty safe and lively, even at night.
3. Pisac
Pisac is a town only a few hours away from Cusco. Spending a few days there is quite safe, but staying cautious in crowded markets is better. The town’s elevation is around 11,483 feet (3,500 meters), so there are more chances of high altitude sickness than crime.
The place is famous for its Sunday market, where you can find exceptional handmade artisan goods of different colors. A festival takes place in July, where you can enjoy horse races, costumes galore, and dance groups.
4. Arequipa
Arequipa is one of the most iconic cities in Peru. For its amazing architecture, it is also known as Ciudad Blanca, the “White City.” It is home to the second-deepest canyon in the world, Colca Canyon. Santa Catalina Monastery and Yanahuara Viewpoint are other famous places in Arequipa.
The crime rate in this area is generally similar to other major cities in Peru. Mugging and thefts are a problem in some areas, but if you keep yourself away from the quiet areas at night, you probably won’t find yourself in dangerous situations.
5. Huacachina
You can reach the small town of Huacachina in a 10-minute ride from the city of Ica. This small town is in the middle of the desert, a perfect destination for people who want to stay away from the crowds of the main cities.
Another major reason to stay here is safety. The town is isolated from any kind of crime, even at night. There are plenty of activities that you can safely enjoy in this area. Two of the most popular ones are dune buggy rides and sandboarding.
6. Huancayo
Although Huancayo is a considerably small city, it is one of Peru’s best cities. We recommend you stick to the ruins and get close to the Tunanmarca area. On the outskirts, you can find many different villages.
If you are looking for some activities, there is nothing better than hiking in this area. The place is inexpensive compared to other cities, and safety and security are not much of an issue.
7. Chiclayo
Chiclayo, also known as mini-Lima, is located on the northern coast of Peru. The place is quite safe if you stick to the main streets. It is a coastal area with some amazing beaches nearby.
Although the city is pretty safe, keeping valuable items in a locker in your hotel room is better. Street crimes are still an issue that needs some attention, but apart from that, Chiclayo is completely safe.
8. Trujillo
Trujillo is also known as the “City of Everlasting Spring.” The area has some of the oldest and most attractive cultural and historical heritage.
Pickpockets and robberies can occur if you show your valuable items in the open. Keep your stuff hidden in your pocket, or don’t bring it from the hotel.
Aside from the relative safety, don’t miss visiting Plaza de Armas of Trujillo, Chan Chan, and Trujillo Cathedral for an awesome overall experience.
9. Mancora
Mancora has warm beaches. The white sand and turquoise waters make the whole experience special. People visit here mainly because of beach activities and views, with kitesurfing and surfing being the most loved activities in this area.
Even at night, you will be able to roam freely. You will find the area very well-lit and full of tourists. The local police walk around the whole beach area all the time.
The best beaches in Mancora include Las Pocitas Beach, Playa Mancora, and Playa Los Organos.
10. Paracas
Paracas is divided into two main areas. One is the tourist area, where hotels, restaurants, and bars are located. This area is safe, as many tourists and locals roam the streets.
The other area is Paracas Pueblo, where local people live. We recommend not to visit the second area as it has no great activities or sites.
Areas To Avoid in Peru
The Colombian-Peruvian Border (Loreto Region)
The first area we highly recommend you not to visit is the Colombian-Peruvian border. Drug trafficking and criminal activity in this area make it one of the most dangerous places for tourists in Peru.
The Valley of Apurimac, Ene, and Mantaro Rivers (VRAEM)
Terrorist groups in the area of VRAEM have been the main reason for its unpopularity among tourists. In these places, you can easily be targeted by criminals.
Certain Parts of Lima
Some parts of Lima are extremely dangerous, especially at night. Lima’s most dangerous districts include Callao, Ate Vitarte, and San Juan Lurigancho.
If you are visiting Lima, do not make the mistake of visiting the districts mentioned above. Even in daylight, it is better to keep your valuables in your pocket is better.
Night-Time Safety in Peru
When most robbers look for potential targets, Peru can become a little more dangerous at night.
Traveling alone is not recommended at all. Even the safe area of the cities is not protected from crime in the middle of the night. These are the times when criminals are most active.
To enjoy the nightlife well, try to keep yourself in a crowd to avoid unwanted situations. Always make sure that you’re sober enough to find the way home.
Important Tips To Stay Safe in Peru
Here are a few tips to keep yourself safe in Peru:
- Do not walk alone on the streets at night, regardless of how safe the city is.
- Keep your valuables in the hotel room in a safe locker.
- Beware of non-registered taxis, especially those you hail from the streets. It is best to ride licensed taxis found via telephone or at your hotel.
- Make sure that you stay with crowds and in well-lit areas.
Additionally, consider protecting yourself with travel insurance such as SafetyWing, which can cover medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and other unforeseen incidents during your stay.
Use the widget below to snag the perfect policy for your needs. Travel with peace of mind knowing you’ve got your back covered, no matter what adventures come your way!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Is Peru Safe?
What Should I Avoid in Peru?
No matter how adventurous, you should not visit the Colombian-Peruvian border. The place is not worth the money, and, most importantly, the safety situation is risky because of the drug trade.
How Safe Is Peru for Tourists?
A trip to Peru is pretty safe for tourists if they remain cautious of their surroundings, mindful of danger signs, and proactive in protecting themselves and their valuables.
What Is the Safest City in Peru?
Cusco can be considered the safest city in Peru. The historic city is a UNESCO Heritage Site and has been declared the Tourism Capital of Peru. It has a good police presence and tourist-friendly infrastructure, making it the safest destination.
The ubiquitous travel crowd in the city or guided tours provide you safety in numbers.
However, being the seventh largest city in Peru and the capital of both the Cusco region and province, urban crimes also happen here, like in other big cities, so basic precautions should be given to travelers.
Is Peru Safe for Female Travelers?
If you follow preventive crime measures and travel with common sense, particularly in the safest places in Peru, it is as safe as other destinations for female travelers.
Popular sites such as Machu Picchu, with their presence of tour groups and crowds, are great for female travelers to safely enjoy their visit to Peru.
Conclusion – Is Peru Safe?
Is Peru safe to travel? This article concludes that Peru is indeed a safe destination for travelers, considering the decreasing crime rate in recent years and the government’s tourist-friendly infrastructure.
Peru is one of the favorite destinations among tourists and backpackers, so it definitely deserves a place in your itinerary. Travel safely!
Peru Travel Guide – Best Booking Resources
I use a couple of favorite companies every time I travel. They have the best prices, great value, and customer service you can wish for. They’re much better than the competition, and I use them a lot. Every time I travel, these are the companies I go for:
Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my go-to platform for booking flights. It’s so easy to use. Skyscanner also searches the smaller websites and airlines that are often skipped, which means more savings in your pocket. They are hands down the number one place I book my flights.
Booking.com – Looking for the cheapest and lowest rates? Booking.com is the best platform out there. They have the widest selection and availability worldwide, ideal for travelers on a budget. I book 90% of my travels through Booking.com because they always have the lowest rates.
Hostelworld – If you’re into hostels, Hostelworld is the best site to compare hostel accommodation. It’s easy to use, has many options, and has the best availability.
Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is an online marketplace where you can book tours and excursions. They have tour options worldwide, with any experience you wish for. This includes walking tours, cooking classes, street art lessons, and more unique experiences.
12Go Asia – This platform is my ultimate travel companion in Asia, offering the best budget service platform for seamless booking of trains, buses, ferries, and flights. The platform is easy to use and I have used it extensively when I traveled through Southeast Asia.
Rome2Rio – Rome2Rio is a convenient website where you can see how to get to your destination the quickest and cheapest. It gives you options for train, bus, plane, or even boat routes and tells you exactly how often they operate and how expensive they are.
SafetyWing – If you’re looking for affordable travel insurance, Safety Wing has you covered. It’s ideal if you’re traveling often or for the long term. I never travel anywhere without travel insurance, and I’ve used it often while on the road. So, I can recommend you look into Safety Wing. They have good monthly prices, the best customer service, and a convenient, easy-to-use process to make claims on the road.
LifeStraw – I love LifeStraw, and it’s been my go-to reusable water bottle with built-in filters for 10 years now. With their bottles, you make sure your drinking water is always clean and safe. I’ve used it everywhere, from South America to Southeast Asia, and I’ve always been perfectly safe drinking the local tap water.
Related reads:
- Is Colombia Safe for Tourists? 10 Safest Cities To Travel
- Is Quito Ecuador Safe? 10 Best Neighborhoods & Hotels To Stay
Founder of Spark Nomad, Radical FIRE, Copywriter
Expertise: Personal finance and travel content. I’m a full-time traveler, and I’ve been to 49 countries and 5 continents.
Education: Bachelor of Economics at Radboud University, Master in Finance at Radboud University, Minor in Economics at Chapman University.
Over 200 articles, essays, and short stories published across the web.
Marjolein Dilven is a journalist and founder of Spark Nomad, a travel platform, and Radical FIRE, a personal finance platform. Marjolein has a finance and economics background with a master’s in Finance. She has quit her job to travel the world, documenting her travels on Spark Nomad to help people plan their travels. Marjolein Dilven has written for publications like MSN, Associated Press, CNBC, Town News syndicate, and more.