Generally, Peru is a safe place to visit. Locals provides a starting point for learning about Peru's safety. 

When will Peru be safe for travel? (COVID update)

Peru is open for travelers! And things are operating similarly to how they were before the pandemic. 

Here's the latest: 

• Proof of vaccination is not required to enter the country. 
• Negative COVID test results are not required to enter the country. 
• KN95 masks or double masks are required in health establishments and if you have respiratory symptoms. Masks are recommended in other public settings. 

Overall, Peru is a pretty safe country for travelers

Pre-pandemic Peru was a super popular destination. Visitor numbers have gone down (just like they did for countries around the world during the pandemic), but the country is no less spectacular. 

As of November2023, the country has a Level 2 Travel Advisory. The State Department recommends against travel to the Colombian-Peruvian border area in the Loreto Region and a few other areas. But tourist destinations like Machu Picchu remain safe. 

The most common issue is petty theft

There is a high risk of pickpocketing in Peru's major cities, similar to other well-traveled countries. Pickpocketers often target travelers, so here are a few tips to avoid a robbery: 

• Leave your valuables at home: Travelers wearing nice jewelry and clothes or carrying fancy electronics are at higher risk of getting pickpocketed or mugged. 
   
• Use the buddy system: There’s always safety in numbers. Don’t walk around alone, especially in quiet or dark areas. 
   
• Take a taxi when the sun goes down: You’re less likely to have issues in broad daylight. Locals recommend avoiding walking alone at night—it’s safest to order a taxi or take an Uber. 
   
• If you need an ATM, pick a very public one: Travelers will occasionally be targeted by thieves while they’re at the ATM. To be safe, only use ATMs in busy, well-lit areas—preferably inside a bank or hotel. 

Don’t drink the tap water

Peru’s tap water doesn’t meet the WHO standards for clean drinking water. Locals generally don’t drink it right out of the tap either—you should always boil your water first, or just stick to bottled to be perfectly safe. Avoid ordering drinks with ice, especially from a street vendor. 

We're big fans of reusable water bottles with a filter. Instead of consuming tons of plastic during your trip, you can travel in a more sustainable way by investing in a good water bottle.

Uber exists in Peru but...

Uber in Peru is limited—as of right now, it’s only available in Lima. Plus, the service gets some mixed reviews.

You can use a reliable taxi app to order a ride, or take a public bus during the daytime. For nighttime travel, locals generally recommend a taxi—it’s safer and a less complicated than trying to figure out the night bus schedule. 

Solo female travelers love Peru

Is Peru safe for a woman traveling on her own? Yes—but locals say you should always exercise caution. Solo female travelers are at a higher risk of assault or harassment anywhere in the world, and Peru is no exception.

Machu Picchu is safe too—just stay hydrated!

Planning on exploring the ancient Inca city of Machu Picchu while you’re in Peru? It’s quite a climb, but it’s totally doable as long as you’re in good shape. The hike up the Inca Trail, which leads you up the mountain, can be strenuous, and you’ll definitely feel the effects of altitude change. But as long as you stay hydrated, take it slow, and don’t drink too much the night before, it won’t affect you much. 

The village at the foot of Machu Picchu, Aguas Calientes, is well-traveled. Locals say it's generally a very safe place to pass through. 

Hiking is best in the dry season

The rainy season varies from region to region in Peru, but locals tell us it mostly occurs in the winter, between December and March. Rainfall can get really heavy and sometimes results in floods or landslides. If you plan on hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, locals recommend planning your trip between April and November—the weather will be a little chilly, but it’s safer and drier than in the rainy months. 

There are a few recommended vaccines for Peru

Worried about getting sick while you’re in Peru? Your safest bet is to get the recommended travel vaccines before you go. Here are all the shots you should consider: 

• COVID-19: The COVID vaccine helps prevent serious illness and death, so make sure you’re up-to-date on the latest booster before your trip. 
• Yellow Fever: You can get yellow fever from a mosquito bite—it’s not super common in Peru, but there have been cases reported in areas under 7,500 feet elevation. The symptoms can be pretty nasty, so it’s definitely worth it to get the vaccine.
• Hepatitis A: You can get Hep A through contaminated food or water, and it can be a real trip ruiner—the vaccine will prevent you from spending your whole trip in front of the toilet. 
• Typhoid: Typhoid is also contracted through bad food or water, and can be fatal in the very worst cases. 
• Rabies: The rainforest in Peru is full of all kinds of critters—a rabies vaccine is a good insurance if you’re planning on spending a lot of time in the wilderness.

Indulge in Peru's amazing cuisine (but be safe about it)

Peru is full of incredible food, but you don't want a stomach bug to ruin your trip! To stay safe while sampling the local flavors, keep these tips in mind: 

• If you’re getting food from a stall or vendor, make sure you see it being made in front of you.
• Always wash unpeeled fruit or raw veggies before you eat them (in bottled or filtered water).
• Ceviche is a delicious seafood dish that you absolutely have to try while you’re there—but because the fish is cooked by acid rather than heat, it needs to be super fresh; make sure you get it from a restaurant, not a street stall.
• Carry hand sanitizer and apply it before every meal (yes, it may seem nerdy, but trust us—it’s worth it).

Here are the numbers to call in case of an emergency: 

Just in case you find yourself in an emergency situation while you’re exploring Peru, here are the important numbers you should know: 

• For police: 105
• For a medical emergency: 106 
• For the US embassy: +(51)(1) 618-2000

We’d recommend those first two numbers in a serious emergency, but definitely call the embassy if you need help with your passport or have to get back home right away. 
 

Millions of travelers visit Peru every year. The country is full of incredible food, culture, and natural scenery—there’s a reason it’s the most popular travel destination in South America! As long as you’re prepared for your trip and take precautions while you’re there, you’ll have a safe and amazing adventure in Peru.