Is It Safe To Travel To Peru?
What you can do to keep safe when travelling to Peru
Aside from keeping updated on Peru‘s news, your best safety bet is to book and travel with a reputable travel agent (like us!) working with an array of local reps. The benefits of travelling on an organized tour of Peru are that it comes with a virtual safety net – up-to-date news on the ground, 24/7 support should you ever need it, and peace of mind knowing that we have your back.
This doesn’t just help during political unrest or ‘big’ troubles. Having our local guides and support team on the ground in Peru means you don’t have to figure everything out alone. Like almost every country on earth, Peru has its share of not-so-safe regions and city neighbourhoods you should avoid – a local guide will ensure you do precisely that.
- Don’t display valuables (like expensive phones and cameras) in public
- Keep an eye out for pickpockets on public transport and crowded tourist sites
- Avoid travelling alone after dark (Peru is generally safe for lone travellers, even females. Yet moving about cities, taking taxis or buses late at night alone is not recommended)
- Only travel with 100% comprehensive travel insurance (that ‘random’ inconvenience does not need to cost you dearly!)
- Keep away from major coca-growing regions in the north
- Whenever you arrive in a new city, find out which neighbourhoods/areas/streets you should avoid
- Travel with a reputable tour/bus/travel operator
Peru Tourist Police
If you experience theft or fraud, you can contact the special tourist police. Regular police officers at stations often don’t speak English, but the tourist police are more trained in that aspect. Moreover, some Westerners volunteer as tourist police.
You can dial 105, the number for the tourist police, free of charge from any phone.
Nightlife in Peru
Peru isn’t just about history, tradition, and Incan heritage; it’s also a place known for its vibrant daily life and bustling nightlife. Being one of the most sought-after tourist destinations in South America, Peru offers a diverse mix of locals and foreigners, making it a great opportunity to meet travel companions or even find love. However, taking precautions during nighttime adventures is crucial. Assessing the safety and nightlife scenes in Peru is an important step before heading there.
Despite numerous police officers and street security cameras along the most touristic streets in Peru’s city centers (which include some of the best discos, bars, and clubs), being cautious during late-night hours is essential. Safety should be a priority for those looking to enjoy the nightlife scene.
- After enjoying the night, opt for taking a taxi back to your hotel, Airbnb, or guesthouse. always call a taxi or use a Taxi app to get to your hotel, Airbnb, hostel, or lodge. Don’t take a taxi from the street (TaxiPeru-App)
- Peru, one of the safest countries in South America, boasts low crime rates such as theft or pickpocketing, allowing women to comfortably stroll the streets at night with confidence. Nevertheless, it’s advisable to avoid carrying excessive cash in crowded tourist spots and entertainment venues, and to remain vigilant about your personal belongings.
- Particularly during Peru’s summer season, accommodation and car rental prices tend to surge. In a country where bicycle rentals are prevalent, touring the tourist spots in cities via bike is quite feasible.