Is Peru Safe to Travel? Tips & Info for Tourists

Is Peru safe to travel? It’s a common concern for those planning a trip to this diverse and adventurous country. With its mix of big cities, remote trekking routes, and cultural hotspots, safety is something every traveler should consider.

The truth is, Peru can be both safe and challenging depending on how prepared you are. From petty theft in busy areas to altitude sickness in the mountains, there are a few things to look out for before your trip.

In this guide, we’re covering everything you need to know about staying safe in Peru. Whether you're traveling solo, visiting cities like Lima and Cusco, or exploring off-the-beaten-path destinations, we’ve got you covered.

Is Peru Safe to Travel? a Brief Intro

Is Peru safe to travel? Before diving into safety tips, let's take a look at just how safe Peru it is to visit Peru, depending on your ethnicity, gender, and sexual orientation. Because let's be honest, traveling in Peru as a Peruvian man can be quite different than traveling as a foreign-looking girl.

How Safe is Peru for Tourists?

Peru is generally a safe tourist destination compared to many other places in South America. However, it's no Scandinavia either. Is Peru safe to travel for tourists? Typically, yes. However, it's important to realize that petty crime occurs, and it's usually happening to people who look out of place aka the very touristy-looking visitors.

Each area of Peru varies in safety. For example, if you're visiting the center of Cusco at the different ruins, you'll likely be in a very safe and comfortable environment - but if you're walking around an under-developed neighborhood in Lima by yourself when it's dark out, then you're definitely asking for trouble.

Is Peru a Good Place for Tourists?

Peru is an excellent place for tourists! You'll just need to keep your wits about you. For South America, we found Peru to feel on the safer side compared to Brazil and Colombia for example. 

Peru offers some outstanding tourist experiences with a wide variety of stunning landscapes. If you know how to travel wisely, then you'll be able to have an incredible and safe trip. (Don't worry - we have tips for you a little later into the article).

Is Peru Safe for Female Tourists?

We met plenty of solo female travelers in Peru! The key to traveling safely as a woman in Peru is to not wear anything that looks super valuable, walk confidently, use Spanish as much as you can, and to join group activities, especially at night time.

Peru has a lot of hostels, which are great for meeting other like-minded travelers. Even if you want your privacy, you can get a private room and then use the common areas to meet other travelers to share your experiences with.

 Is Peru Safe for LGBT Travellers?

Like most of South America, Peru is quite open-minded when it comes to sexuality. We have plenty of friends in the LGBT community that we know who live or have traveled to Peru and felt completely safe to be themselves without judgement or safety concerns.

Are Peruvians Friendly to Foreigners?

Peruvians are super friendly to foreigners! They are really warm and welcoming, and we had some incredible experiences with the locals, whether it was in big cities or small towns.

We do recommend learning some Spanish though - being able to speak the language will not only get you brownie points for friendliness, but will prevent you from being ripped off (at least a bit).

Is it Safe to Go to Machu Picchu?

Machu Picchu has been closed on and off in the past few years due to Covid, but also due to concerns about the structure. The world wonder is in danger of being destroyed from the amount of visitors it has each year.

There is a new ticketing system in 2025 for Machu Picchu, which limits visitors to doing one controlled circuit, rather than being able to roam freely. Even with this in place, it looks like it hasn't been enough, and is in danger of being closed completely.

Visiting Machu Picchu itself is completely safe, and can be done by doing the hike to Machu Picchu, by train, or driving to Hidroelectrica and walking to Aguas Calientes. All of these methods are tourist0friendly and safe. Just make sure that if you are driving to Hidroelectrica that you leave your car in the lot for safety purposes.

Is Peru Safe to Visit in 2025?

Peru is perfectly safe to visit in 2025! The previous years there were moments that the country wasn't advised to visit. However, it's back to normal, and only the typical precautions of traveling in general need to be taken.

Is Peru Safe to Travel? How to Stay Safe & Healthy

Now we've answered "Is Peru safe to travel" for different types of people and situations. But if you do plan on visiting Peru and want to stay safe and healthy, we have some more information and tips for you.

 Staying Safe in Peru

When visiting Peru you'll want to make sure you're cautious and aware. Never leave your belongings unattended, and avoid wearing flashy attire that can attract unwanted attention. Stay in well-lit areas, move around with friends (particularly at night), and trust your gut.

 Exploration Safety in Peru

When it comes to adventure, keep in mind that there are a lot of incredible hikes and unique adventures to go on! We recommend training beforehand, as the altitude makes everything more intense.

Unlike other countries, trails don't usually have ropes or barriers, so be cautious, and never get too close to the edge! Some of our pictures may seem like we are hanging next to the edge, but we are actually very careful.

If you're not a big hiker or aren't acclimated to the altitude, then we'd recommend joining a tour or hiring a professional guide. You should also invest in travel insurance, just in case you get hurt.

Staying Healthy in Peru

Is Peru safe to travel when it comes to health? While there aren't a ton of health concerns to worry about, there certainly are a few you want to keep in mind:

• Yellow Fever
• Altitude Sickness
• Food Poisoning

 Yellow Fever in Peru

Yellow Fever is prevalent in the Amazon, so if you aren't visiting the Amazon, you won't need the vaccine. But if you are visiting the Amazon or have plans to visit Bolivia after (or another area they require the vaccine) then this will be part of your entry requirements for Peru, and a necessary protocol to keep you safe.

 Altitude Sickness in Peru

Altitude sickness is the number one health concern for tourists, and it's the one that continues to truly kick my a** every time. Adjusting to the high altitudes is key to enjoying certain areas of Peru, which is why we've written an entire guide dedicated to it.

Food Poisoning in Peru

Generally speaking, restaurants and street vendors are alike are pretty hygienic. One thing you should watch out for is the water, as it's not suitable for drinking. 

It's not a massive thing to worry about since restaurants will always offer bottled water, but we'd recommend bringing a Steripen in case you find yourself needing water from a fountain, tap, or out in nature.

PS: If your stomach is feeling funny, it can also be because of the altitude. Try to eat cleaner and lighter, and stay extra hydrated so that you're feeling your best.

Don't have time to read the whole article and want to save it for later? Just pin it!

Is Peru Safe to Travel? Final Thoughts & Tips

Now you have all of the information for safety in Peru! But before you go, here is a quick recap, as well as some helpful tips for staying safe and healthy during your trip.

• Use Spanish so you avoid getting scammed and get better rates.
• Avoid walking alone at night in big cities.
• Be aware of favelas or specific neighborhoods known for being unsafe - you can always ask your hotel to be sure.
• Traveling alone is totally fine, but we recommend doing group activities or staying in hostels.
• Keep an eye on your belongings at all times.
• Avoid travel scams by using official ticketing platforms.
• Use Airtags on your belongings to be able to track your bags in case something happens.
• Use locks on your luggage to secure them.
• We recommend bringing a travel safe - you can also hook it onto all of your belongings to keep them from being stolen.
• On buses make sure to keep your belongings on you and secure.
• Don't forget to get a yellow fever vaccine if you are going to the Amazon, or visiting Bolivia after.
• We recommend investing in travel insurance.
• Avoid drinking tap water, and stick to big bottles of water to refill a reusable one.
• Read our guide on preventing altitude sickness if you are visiting Cusco or any other places with high altitudes.
• Download offline maps for getting around, especially if you are alone.
• Don't get too close to edges while hiking.
• Park your car in a lot if you're leaving it overnight.
  

What's Next?

Now that you know all about staying safe in Peru, you'll probably want to learn more about visiting this amazing country! Here are some of our other guides that we recommend reading to help you getting better acquainted with this beautiful destination:

 How to Get to Peru: Flights, Borders, & Entry Tips
🤢 Preventing Altitude Sickness in Peru: Tips for a Healthy Adventure

📍 The Top 10 Best Places to Visit in Peru

🪂 12 Unbelievably Unique Experiences in Peru

🚌 How to Get Around Peru

🚗 Is it Worth Renting a Car in Peru? A Complete Guide to Driving in Peru

🍴 Must-Try Peruvian Dishes for Travelers: A Complete Food Guide for Peru

🎉 Celebrating New Year's Eve in Cusco: Traditions, Events, & Tips

🎫 A Guide to Machu Picchu's New Ticketing System

💁🏻‍♀️ 35 Essential Peru Travel Tips: Everything You Need to Know Before You Go

...and more coming each week!

So what do you think? Is Peru safe to travel? We hope our article has inspired you to take the leap of faith - because it can certainly be a perfectly safe and fun place to explore, especially if you take our tips into consideration and prepare yourself properly.

Want to learn more about traveling in Peru? We have a ton of other Peru travel guides, as well as new articles coming up each week. Make sure to subscribe to our newsletter for all of our updates, as well as exclusive content we send out just for our readers.

Ready to start planning the most insane trip around Peru? Well, we're here to help! Scratch Your Mapa offers customized travel planning services, finding you affordable flights, unique hotels, and comfortable transportation for the most amazing getaway. Want to learn more? Simply send us an email for a free consultation!

Here are some other articles you'll find helpful: