Warnings & Dangers in Peru
OVERALL RISK : MEDIUM
You can safely travel to Peru if you take precautions. Do not walk late at night through the streets of the city, do not get involved in drunken showdowns, avoid suspicious people. Take a taxi or car if you return late at night to the hotel.
TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK : MEDIUM
Public transport is not very safe in Peru. Pickpockets often work in it, and the traffic schedule is not always strictly followed. Use a taxi or a rented car to travel around the country.
PICKPOCKETS RISK : HIGH
Pickpockets are most common in Peru. There are a lot of them in any part of the country, and often they hunt specifically for tourists. Be vigilant, do not leave personal things unattended, always watch your surroundings, do not wear too expensive jewelry and devices. In Peru, it is better to look more straightforward.
NATURAL DISASTERS RISK : MEDIUM
Peru has a high seismic hazard; it represents the most significant disaster risk in the country. Peru is also exposed to repeated risks associated with tsunamis in coastal areas, volcanic eruptions from 15 active volcanoes in the country, and landslides in valleys and mountainous regions.
MUGGING RISK : HIGH
Armed attacks and robberies, as well as even kidnappings, are not uncommon in Peru. Tourists should be especially careful not to walk the streets late at night and not to shine with expensive things and devices. Also, do not carry large amounts of cash with you.
TERRORISM RISK : LOW
No cases of terrorism are known in Peru, and the country as a whole is not exposed to this risk. Nevertheless, study the political situation in the country before your visit here and avoid any demonstrations and rallies.
SCAMS RISK : HIGH
Fraud is the second most common crime in Peru. Tourists will try to deceive at every step. You may be asked to pay triple a taxi, offer to buy tours on non-existent excursions, or sell fake lottery tickets. Also, be careful when withdrawing money from an ATM. There may be people who are ready to rob you.
WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK : LOW
Women traveling alone to Peru can feel quite safe if they follow specific measures. Do not walk around the city at night. Do not draw attention to yourself with your clothes or expensive items. Return to the hotel by taxi if it is too late.
How Safe Is Peru for Tourists?
Peruvian crime rates range from low to high.
The main problems are related to the theft of things, robbery attacks, vandalism, drug trafficking, and corruption.
Traveling to Peru is quite safe if you take certain precautions.
Be aware of your surroundings, and try to avoid unlit or uninhabited areas, especially at night.
Avoid groups of young men, as many small gangs are trying to rob passers-by.
If you witness a robbery, be very careful before intervening, as robbers can be armed and very prone to shooting if they feel threatened.
It is best to carry your things in inconspicuous bags and backpacks and not to shine with expensive items.
This attracts criminals.
A good idea in Peru is to look more straightforward, not luxurious.
There are also many pickpockets in Peru, so it is better to carry money, not in your wallet, but in your breast pocket.
Credit cards are best kept in the hotel safe as they are often stolen.
Pay special attention to your environment, often those who offer help – for example, bring your bags – turn out to be scammers and can steal them.
For a trip to Peru, it is better to vaccinate against tetanus, diphtheria, typhoid fever, hepatitis A and B, yellow fever.
Do I Need a Visa to Visit Peru?
Visitors to Peru must obtain a visa from one of the Peruvian diplomatic missions unless they come from one of the visa-exempt countries. A valid passport is a must.
Which Currency Is Used in Peru?
The sol is the currency of Peru; it is subdivided into 100 céntimos (“cents”). The ISO 4217 currency code is PEN.
How's the Weather like in Peru?
From May to September is the driest season and, therefore, the best time of year to travel, especially if you’re planning to visit Cusco or trek to Machu Picchu. From December to March is warmer, of course, but is also the wettest season, with frequent heavy showers.
What Do I Need to Know about Airports in Peru?
There are many airports in Peru, and the central and busiest is in Lima, the capital of the country. Jorge Chávez International Airport is Peru’s main international and domestic airport. It is located in Callao, 11 kilometers from Lima, and 17 km from Miraflores.
Should I Get Travel Insurance for My Travels?
Just like anywhere else, the travel insurance policy is a must when visiting a foreign country. Make sure you got it before starting your journey, the customs officer may ask for it.
What Are Some Things to Do in Peru?
Peru is a country in South America with Amazonian rainforests and Machu Picchu, the ancient Inca city on top of a mountain range in the Andes. The area around Machu Picchu, where the Urubamba Valley (another name is the Sacred Valley of the Incas), the Inca Trail and the colonial city of Cuzco, is famous for its archaeological sites. On the arid Pacific coast lies the capital of Lima, where you should visit the beautifully preserved colonial center and museums with collections of pre-Columbian art.
Is the Water in Peru Safe to Drink?
Water quality in Peru is a significant problem. Most Peruvians don’t have access to clean water. Tap water in Peru must be boiled for at least one minute or purified using other methods to be safe for drinking.
Is Uber Safe in Peru?
There is an Uber taxi in Peru. You can call it from the application on your smartphone. The price of the trip will depend on the distance and time of day.
