Is Peru Safe for Women To Travel Alone?

There are always some safety threats and precautions.

Just like most tourist destinations, in Peru, there are always some safety threats and precautions to bear in mind. Generally speaking, petty crimes such as pickpocketing, muggings, credit card fraud, and some sexual harassment, unfortunately, still occur.  The chances are slim for a tourist, but it’s important to be vigilant, smart, and use common sense. Deciding to do a solo trip to Peru is always tricky, and it depends on the continent, the country, and the specific region as to the problems you could encounter.  Sometimes it can be a hard decision to travel solo. You will be putting yourself more at risk and making your family nervous about traveling as a solo female. Traveling alone as a woman in Peru gives you the ultimate element of freedom. However, with freedom comes responsibility. You may feel more vulnerable in terms of your personal safety. It can be lonely at times, and you may feel the pressure of having to deal with and do everything by yourself. All the main decisions begin and end with you, and only you. The good news is that Peru has a lot of solo travelers with whom you may cross paths. People who may share their knowledge and experiences with you and guide you to a safe and enjoyable Peru trip.

 

Machu Picchu

Travel Safety

The threat of crime is no greater in Peru than in other countries in the world. However, this does not mean that crime does not exist, but this does not represent a major difficulty for women who wish to travel on their own. Although normally any woman can feel safe in Peruvian territory, you can expect to attract a little attention without company. In case your friends cannot travel with you, it is not a reason to cancel your long-awaited trip. Traveling alone is a beautiful and self-discovery experience. In general, the different tourist sites in Peru are highly safe. Consequently, those adventurous women will not have great difficulties traveling through Peru. You will even find many things to do in Peru to keep you entertained and busy. But in any case, it is a good idea to: 

• Keep away from isolated or suspicious places.
• Don’t take a cab alone.
• Avoid Hitchhiking.
• Don’t leave drinks unattended.
• Be aware of your surroundings.
• Avoid walking alone at night.
• Have a comprehensive travel insurance policy.
• Monitor local media.
• Be aware of civil unrest.
• Take extra care on Public transport.
• Natural disasters are a real thing. Especially during the rainy season.
• Check if there is a travel advisory by the local authorities.
• US citizens can sign up for the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). A free service to allow U.S. citizens and nationals to register their trip abroad so the Department of State can accurately and quickly contact them in case of emergency.
• Join forums or travel groups and get tips from people who have already visited Peru

 

Lima Airport

 

Areas to Avoid

Certain regions of Peru should be avoided by all travelers. The Colombian Peruvian border area. This region is renowned for drug trafficking and criminal activity. In the Apurímac and Mantaro rivers region, VRAEM is active. These are remnants of the Shining Path and are also notorious for drug-related activities. So you should exercise increased caution if you are traveling in his region.

El "Brichero"

Machismo and male chauvinism are both alive and well in Peruvian culture. As a female traveler, you’ll almost certainly experience some form of street harassment in Peru. This type of harassment is rarely aggressive and is normally limited to childish comments and catcalls are known as "piropos". The vast majority of women traveling alone in Peru never experience any major problems beyond catcalls and may be an instance of petty theft. 

 

Machu Picchu

Female travelers in Peru can also be taken advantage of emotionally. Brichero´s are generally found in tourist areas. A  "brichero" is a particular type of male Peruvian who targets female tourists intending to forge an intimate relationship for personal gain. These men happily play the role of an enamored devotee, as long as their foreign conquest pays for everything, including, ideally, a plane ticket back to the traveler's home country! Of course, this isn't always the case, just something to bear in mind if you do become involved with a local in Peru.

 

Rainbow Mountain

 

Cusco

Cusco is the ancient Inca capital. Built in the shape of a puma. Adorned with Inca and pre-Inca sites. Cusco is a very well-touristed city and generally safe for women. Visit the Cusco cathedral and sample the traditional dish of Cuy - Guinea Pig! Sticking to tourist regions means that there is more of a police presence and less chance of any serious issues when it comes to safety.

 

Cusco Plaza De Armas

 

Altitude Sickness

Cusco is found at a high elevation. Many people get sick on arrival, so try and take it easy when you get to the Inca city. Other people have no issues at all! You can choose to take altitude medications such as Diamox. The local remedy is coca tea. The best thing to do is to get plenty of rest and avoid alcohol and greasy, heavy meals. Within a couple of days, the symptoms should have passed.

Please ask here if you have any questions or concerns about solo female travel in Peru!