Safety in Peru

General Safety & Situational Awareness

Street Smarts & Petty Crime

• Be Aware of Your Surroundings: Always pay attention in crowded areas, particularly in markets, bus terminals, and at popular tourist sites. These are common locations for opportunistic theft.
• Avoid Flashing Valuables: Keep expensive jewelry, high-end cameras, and other electronics out of plain sight. Consider using a simple, less conspicuous daypack to avoid drawing unwanted attention.
• Secure Your Belongings: We recommend using a money belt or secure inner pocket for your cash, credit cards, and passport. Never hang a bag on the back of a chair or leave your phone unattended on a café table.
• Watch for Distraction Techniques: Be cautious of common pickpocketing tactics, such as overly friendly strangers approaching you, staged commotions designed to divert your attention, or someone “accidentally” spilling a substance on you.

Common Scams

• Unlicensed Taxis: For your safety, always use registered taxis or reputable ride-sharing applications. Unmarked or unofficial taxis may overcharge or pose security risks.
• Counterfeit Currency: Take a moment to familiarize yourself with the appearance and feel of Peruvian Soles. When receiving change, check larger bills for security features like watermarks and security threads.
• Fake “Tourist Police” or Officials: Authentic police officers will not ask to inspect your money or demand on-the-spot cash fines without providing official documentation. If approached, always ask to see their formal identification.
• Tour & Ticket Scams: Purchase all tours and entry tickets (such as for Machu Picchu) exclusively through us, your official tour operator, or reputable, well-established agencies. Be wary of street vendors offering deals that seem too good to be true.

Nighttime Safety

• Stick to Well-Lit Areas: We advise against walking alone in poorly lit streets or unfamiliar neighborhoods after dark. Whenever possible, travel with a companion.
• Use Reputable Transport: Do not hail a taxi from the street late at night. Instead, ask your hotel or restaurant to call a trusted service for you, or use a reliable ride-sharing app.
• Inform Someone of Your Plans: If you are heading out for the evening, particularly if you are alone, let a travel partner or a member of the hotel staff know your general itinerary.

Transportation Safety

Taxis & Ride-Sharing

• Pre-Negotiate Fares: Before getting into a taxi, it is essential to agree on the fare to your destination, as most do not use meters. Your hotel can provide a helpful estimate of standard rates.
• Use Official Services: When arriving at airports and bus stations, proceed to the designated official taxi stands to ensure a safe and fairly priced journey.
• Ride-Sharing Apps: Applications such as Uber and Cabify are generally reliable in major cities like Lima and Cusco. They offer the benefit of price certainty and a digital record of your trip, though their availability can be limited outside of these main urban centers.

Long-Distance Buses

• Choose Reputable Companies: For long-distance or overnight travel, select premium bus lines with strong safety records, such as Cruz del Sur or Oltursa.
• Keep Valuables On-Person: Never place your passport, electronics, medication, or significant amounts of money in luggage stored under the bus or in overhead bins. Keep your daypack with these essential items with you at your seat.
• Stay Alert at Terminals: Bus stations can be busy and chaotic. Maintain constant awareness and keep a close watch on all your luggage to prevent opportunistic theft.

Health & Environmental Safety

Altitude Sickness (Soroche)

• Acclimatize Slowly: Upon arriving in high-altitude destinations like Cusco or Puno, it is crucial to take it easy for the first 24 to 48 hours. Avoid strenuous activity, heavy meals, and alcohol to allow your body to adjust.
• Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water. You can also try mate de coca (coca tea), a traditional local remedy used to help alleviate the effects of altitude.
• Recognize the Symptoms: Mild symptoms include headache, nausea, and fatigue. If you experience severe symptoms, such as persistent vomiting or shortness of breath while at rest, you must seek medical attention immediately. We strongly advise you to consult your doctor about preventative medication before your trip.

Food & Water Safety

• Drink Bottled Water: Do not drink tap water in Peru. Use sealed bottled water or properly filtered and purified water for drinking and for brushing your teeth.
• Be Selective with Street Food: If you wish to try street food, choose vendors that are busy with local customers and appear clean. Ensure the food is cooked fresh to order in front of you.
• Exercise Caution with Raw Foods: Be cautious with uncooked items like salads or unpeeled fruit, unless you are dining in a reputable restaurant that caters to tourists.

Sun & Insect Protection

• High-Altitude Sun: The sun’s rays are significantly stronger at high altitudes. Protect yourself by using a high-SPF sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, and quality sunglasses.
• Insect Repellent: In jungle regions, including the Amazon and the area around Machu Picchu, it is important to use a strong insect repellent containing DEET to protect against mosquito-borne illnesses.

Hiking & Trekking Safety

• Go with a Guide: For any serious hikes or multi-day treks, it is essential to be accompanied by a licensed and reputable guide or tour company.
• Stay on the Trail: For your safety and for environmental preservation, do not wander off marked paths.
• Prepare for Weather Changes: The weather in the Andes is notoriously unpredictable. Dress in layers and always carry waterproof gear, even if the day begins with clear, sunny skies.

In Case of Emergency

Key Emergency Numbers

• Police: 105
• Tourist Police (POLTUR): (01) 460-1060 (Lima). Note that other major cities like Cusco have their own local POLTUR numbers, which will be provided in your city-specific documents.
• Ambulance (SAMU): 106
• Fire Department (Bomberos): 116

Reporting a Crime

• Contact the Tourist Police: Their officers are specifically trained to handle issues affecting travelers and often have English-speaking staff available to assist you.
• File a Police Report (“Denuncia”): You will need an official police report to make any claim with your travel insurance. Your guide or hotel staff can help facilitate this process.
• Contact Your Embassy: It is wise to inform your country’s embassy or consulate of any serious incident, especially in the case of a stolen passport.

Lost or Stolen Passport

• Make a Police Report Immediately: This is the essential first step and is required by your embassy.
• Have Copies Ready: Before your trip, ensure you have both digital and physical photocopies of your passport, kept separate from the original document. This will significantly speed up the replacement process.
• Contact Your Embassy/Consulate: They will provide instructions on how to obtain an emergency travel document that will allow you to return home.