Navigation
Select Country
Map Layers
Peru
- Peru’s travel risk profile is characterized by high crime rates, including theft and robbery, especially in urban areas, along with civil unrest and natural disasters.
- Peru is prone to natural disasters such as earthquakes, floods, and landslides, particularly during the rainy season from December to April; these risks are elevated in the Valley of the Apurímac, Ene, and Mantaro Rivers (VRAEM) region.
- Frequent protests and strikes can be disruptive and impact transportation and local services, particularly in major cities like Lima and Cusco.
Risk Factors
- High rates of petty and opportunistic crime are the primary concern in Lima and other urban areas.
- Avoid walking alone at night in urban areas like Lima, Callao, and Cusco to reduce the risk of violent crimes such as assaults, armed robberies, and express kidnappings (al-Paso).
- Express kidnappings, where victims are abducted for a short period and forced to withdraw money from ATMs, are a known risk in Peru, particularly in urban areas such as Lima and Cusco. These incidents typically target both locals and tourists, with perpetrators often operating in unlicensed taxis or near ATMs. Withdraw money from inside banks or near high-traffic ATMs.
- Thieves frequently break car windows to steal visible valuables. Unattended vehicles, especially 4WDs, are also targeted. Do not leave valuables visible in your vehicle and avoid parking in isolated areas.
- In Amazonian regions, travel in groups and avoid remote areas where drug trafficking and associated criminal activities occur more frequently. Tourist buses on routes to or near Machu Picchu and other tourist sites have been targeted for hold-ups and robberies.
- Steer clear of the VRAEM area near Cusco due to the heightened risk of violence and kidnapping from narco-traffickers and remnants of terrorist groups.
- If traveling to rural areas, hiring a reputable driver familiar with the local environment is encouraged.
- Trains have a satisfactory safety record in Peru. The use of buses is generally discouraged due to frequent accidents and past incidents involving armed banditry in tourist areas such as Machu Picchu. Avoid using informal minibuses ("combis") to reduce the risk of accidents and crime.
- Arrange taxi services through a local hotel or use reputable taxi companies like Taxi Satelital or Taxi Seguro. These taxis are usually marked with company logos and have identifiable contact information on the doors.
- Ride-hailing apps like Uber and Cabify are also safe and reliable options. Ensure the vehicle’s license plate matches the information in the app before getting in.
- Peru is located in a seismically active zone, experiencing frequent earthquakes. Cities such as Lima and Arequipa have experienced significant quakes in the past. Choose reputable hotels or accommodations which are likely to adhere to local building codes and earthquake-resistant standards.
- Seasonal rains can cause severe flooding and landslides, particularly in the Andes and Amazon regions from November to April, disrupting travel and posing risks to personal safety. Monitor alerts to stay abreast of conditions.
- Protests and rallies regularly take place, especially in Lima and southern regions, as the risk of unrest affecting foreign nationals is high. Plan for potential travel disruptions due to protests and strikes, and stay informed about local developments.
- Significant unrest occurred in recent years. Widespread protest activity can be expected to continue due to long-standing anti-government sentiments. Lima and the southern regions, including Apurimac, Arequipa, Ayacucho, and Cusco, have particularly been affected by recent unrest.