Is Peru Safe to Travel in 2025?

Last Updated: September 23, 2025

Tweet

Key Takeaways

• Peru is generally safe for travelers, but petty crime and social unrest do occur.

• Safety depends on identity, location, and preparedness, particularly in urban and high-altitude areas.

• Solo, LGBTQ+, and student travelers are welcome but should stay alert and exercise cultural awareness.

• Altitude sickness, food hygiene, and transportation quality require careful planning.

• With the right precautions, Peru offers a rich, secure, and unforgettable travel experience.

Travel Advisories for Peru

United States Travel Advisory (May 16, 2025) The U.S. has issued a Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution advisory for Peru due to crime, civil unrest, and the risk of kidnapping. Travelers are urged to avoid specific high-risk areas, including parts of Loreto, VRAEM, and regions within Ayacucho, Cusco, Huancavelica, and Junín. Petty crime is common, and demonstrations can disrupt travel with little warning. The U.S. also strongly warns against participating in Ayahuasca or Kambo rituals due to safety concerns. Enrolling in STEP and having an emergency plan are highly recommended. United Kingdom Travel Advisory (Updated 2025) The UK’s FCDO advises against all but essential travel to two key regions in Peru: areas within 20 km of the Peru-Colombia border (Loreto region) and the Valley of the Apurímac, Ene, and Mantaro Rivers (VRAEM). These advisories are based on safety and security risks, including criminal activity and instability. The rest of Peru, including major tourist areas, remains accessible with caution and awareness. Canada Travel Advisory (2025) Canada advises travelers to exercise a high degree of caution in Peru due to crime, social unrest, and regional conflicts. Several provinces—including parts of San Martín, Huánuco, Junín, Ucayali, Ayacucho, Apurímac, and Huancavelica—are under “avoid non-essential travel” warnings due to terrorism, drug trafficking, and violent crime. Border regions with Colombia and Ecuador are also flagged for safety risks. Travelers are urged to monitor local events and avoid high-risk zones.

As travelers, we often look beyond the postcard-perfect ruins of Machu Picchu or the vibrant murals of Barranco and ask the deeper question, is it safe to go? And if you're anything like me, you don’t take that question lightly. You want to feel the energy of a place, not the fear of it.
In our series of stories about travel safety, we have been providing helpful information. Peru, in all its cultural color and Andean magic, is a destination that rewards the prepared. Yes, it comes with its own set of challenges, but with a little caution and a lot of curiosity, it can be one of the most rewarding places you’ll ever visit.

Understanding Safety in Peru

General Safety Overview

Peru is widely considered safe for international visitors, especially those who stay informed and alert. Petty crime like pickpocketing and scams is the most common issue, particularly in tourist-heavy areas like Lima, Cusco, and Arequipa. Violent crime is rare for tourists, but it can happen in certain districts if you let your guard down.
Stick to well-reviewed neighborhoods like Miraflores and Barranco in Lima or San Blas and San Pedro in Cusco. Keep valuables tucked away and always use reputable services, from taxis to tour operators.

Who Is Safe in Peru?

Women Travelers

Solo travel for women in Peru is common and often deeply enriching. That said, catcalling and street harassment can happen, especially in cities. Dress modestly, stay in well-reviewed accommodations, and share your location with someone you trust. I found Lima’s Miraflores district to be both safe and soul-soothing, especially during early morning walks along the Malecón.

LGBTQ+ Travelers

In urban hubs like Lima and Cusco, LGBTQ+ travelers will find increasing acceptance, particularly in districts like Barranco, which has a growing queer nightlife scene. However, public displays of affection may still draw attention in rural areas. Discretion is advised outside progressive circles, but many LGBTQ+ visitors report positive, even heartwarming, experiences.

Students and Teenagers

If you're a younger traveler, this is a place where curiosity is your passport, but caution is your best friend. Avoid accepting drinks from strangers, stick to groups, and choose youth-friendly hostels with strong reviews. Peru is full of educational and cultural opportunities that can shape how you see the world, but it’s still important to set boundaries and check in with family regularly.

Men Travelers

Men are less likely to face harassment, but no one is immune to theft or tourist-targeted scams. Overconfidence can lead to risky decisions, especially in nightlife settings. Be polite, but maintain healthy skepticism when approached by overly friendly strangers.

|| You might be also interested: Is Puerto Rico Safe?

Health, Altitude & Hygiene

Vaccinations and Food Safety

Before your trip, consult a travel clinic about routine vaccinations (MMR, tetanus, etc.) and ones like Hepatitis A, Typhoid, and Yellow Fever, especially if you're heading to the Amazon. Tap water is a no-go; stick to bottled or purified water, and be selective with street food. If it smells iffy, skip it.

Altitude Awareness

High-altitude cities like Cusco (3,400m) and Puno (3,800m) can trigger soroche (altitude sickness). When I first arrived in Cusco, even a short walk left me winded. Take a day or two to acclimate, sip coca tea, stay hydrated, and avoid alcohol until you’ve adjusted. It makes all the difference.

Transportation & Getting Around

Buses and Taxis

Peru’s long-distance buses are convenient but vary in quality. Choose reputable companies like Cruz del Sur or Peru Hop. Keep valuables on your person during overnight trips.
In cities, ride-sharing apps like Uber and Cabify are your safest bet. Avoid hailing taxis on the street, especially late at night.

Driving and Flights

Driving in Peru is best left to locals, roads can be chaotic, signage is inconsistent, and mountain routes are not for the faint-hearted. Domestic flights are reliable and worth the splurge for long distances. If you’re heading to remote regions like Puerto Maldonado or Iquitos, go with a trusted tour operator.

Social Unrest and Protests

Peru has had a rocky political history, and while things have calmed down since the major protests of 2022-2023, demonstrations can still erupt, especially in southern regions. Protests are rarely aimed at tourists, but they can block roads or shut down public transport.
Always monitor local news or embassy alerts, and avoid joining or observing demonstrations, even out of curiosity. What feels like a local spectacle can shift quickly into something tense.

Regional Safety Insights

Lima

Lima is a city of contrasts. Districts like Miraflores, San Isidro, and Barranco are safe, artistic, and perfect for solo walks or cultural exploration. Avoid venturing into Callao or downtown Lima at night unless you’re with someone who knows the area well.

Cusco and Sacred Valley

These regions are well-trafficked and generally safe, but petty theft can still happen in markets or on crowded buses. Choose licensed Inca Trail guides, and give yourself time to adjust to the altitude before starting any treks.

Machu Picchu

Once you're on the trail, or the train, to Machu Picchu, safety concerns drop significantly. The biggest risks here are physical, slippery steps, steep climbs, and dehydration. Go slow, bring snacks and water, and enjoy the spiritual stillness of the journey.

Arequipa and Colca Canyon

Known for its colonial charm and condor sightings, Arequipa is a laid-back destination. Just keep an eye on your belongings in the city center. If you plan to visit Colca Canyon, use reputable guides and be prepared for altitude changes.

Amazon and Border Regions

The Amazon region is beautiful but logistically complex. Go with expert guides and avoid isolated travel. The Colombia and Ecuador border areas are advised against by most embassies due to drug trafficking and remnants of the Shining Path group.

Safety Tips for Every Traveler

• Use a money belt or inner pouch for valuables

• Drink only bottled or filtered water

• Book tours and buses with licensed providers

• Stay in districts with good reviews

• Learn a few Spanish phrases

• Register with your embassy’s traveler program

• Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas

• Respect local customs and dress modestly, especially outside of tourist hubs

So, Is Peru Safe in 2025?

In a word, yes, with care.
Peru is a place of contrasts: ancient and modern, calm and chaotic, deeply traditional yet vibrantly evolving. And like many meaningful journeys, it asks something of you: attention, respect, and intention. But it gives back in ways few places can, with wonder, warmth, and stories you'll carry for a lifetime.

Final Thoughts

Peru is generally safe for travelers of all backgrounds, whether you're trekking solo to Machu Picchu, exploring the Amazon, or simply watching the sunset over Lima’s coastline. The key is to stay present, plan ahead, and trust your instincts.
If you’re seeking a destination that blends nature, culture, history, and spirituality, Peru doesn’t just welcome you, it invites you into something sacred.

To share this link:

Copy Link >>