Is It Safe to Travel to Peru?

Unfortunately, Peru is also infamous to be a quite dangerous country, for different reasons. The Media and Embassies often say it’s a dangerous country, as it’s not unusual to see violent strikes and violent protests in the cities due to dissatisfaction with the government, and pickpockets are pretty common. But if you listen to all that the media says, you would never go to Peru. They generally focus on the negative aspects of the country, they only talk about strikes, violence, protests, social problems, drugs, and poverty. Of course, we are not here to deny that these issues exist, just like every other country, Peru has its issues, yet you can travel safely throughout Peruvian territory especially if you join a tour group. 

 

Llama at Machu Picchu

Current Issues

The last  issue in Peru was regarding protests and strikes, due to the arrest of ex-President Pedro Castillo. However, these protests are not generally directed at tourists. Most of the time Peruvians are just fighting for their rights in their country because they want better conditions of life and work, they deserve a better country and they don’t want a government that makes bad decisions. The people are calling for a general election, but this has not been addressed by the government. Protests are generally not directed at tourism and tourists are generally safe unless they get caught up in the protests by accident, or the streets and tourist destinations are closed due to the protests.

 

Cusco´s Plaza de Armas

The Impact on Tourists

Machu Picchu and The Inca Trail were temporarily closed as the train tracks were damaged during the protests. The Inca Trail was closed (it is generally closed in February for maintenance) until March 2023 approximately and Machu Picchu was closed for a period of time. It is expected to re-open once the train lines have been restored.

Juliaca Airport suspended operations until at least mid-February 2023. The airports in Arequipa and Cusco both temporarily suspended operations on January 19, until further notice. And trains in the south were all suspended. Since March 2023 however all service has been resumed with out incident.

 

Peruvian Streets

Embassy /Consulate Recommendations

Embassies advised that you should avoid any protests or government buildings where protests are likely to take place. The current protests could spread to other parts of the country and lead to road closures, further rail suspensions, and the closure of airports. Travelers to Peru were advised to monitor local social media and adhere to government advice. They should also travel with a sufficient supply of food, water, and medication, as well as local currency in cash.

 

Peruvian Roadblock

What should I do if I Have a trip to Peru soon?

Speak to your tour operator or travel provider first. The U.S. State Department issued a travel advisory to “reconsider travel” due to civil unrest at the time. The UK Foreign Office hasn’t issued any travel warnings for Peru yet, which usually means you’re still expected to travel despite the current situation. However, any reasonable travel company will let you cancel the trip or request a postponement, especially if you’ve booked a package holiday. If you’ve booked certain elements of your trip separately, you may need to check the terms and conditions of your booking for the cancellation policy. If you are on a tight schedule then it may be wise to postpone your trip to Peru until things become more stable, as travel plans may not go according to plan. If you are flexible timewise, then you can take advantage of visiting archaeological sites with a lot fewer people and be prepared for last-minute changes to plans.

 

Dina Boluarte, The Curent Peruvian President

 

Safety Tips For Peru

 

1. Avoid walking alone at night on dark streets. Use the same logic as in any other place in the world! 

2. Don’t flaunt valuable items!  If going for a walk around town or using public transport, be sensible and avoid showing off expensive items such as watches, jewelry, laptops, and cameras. 

3. Be careful of pickpockets! Especially in built-up areas, bus stations, and markets. Don’t leave your bags unattended or on the back of your chair and take them with you, wherever you go.

4. Choose a reputable tour operator.  Even if this means paying a little extra, this is always the best way to travel. Reading reviews on Trip Advisor can help you with this decision.

 

Sacred Valley of the Incas

 

Is Peru safe for family vacations?

In general, Peru is a safe country to travel with children. People are kind, the landscapes are truly stunning and the learning experiences are culturally enriching and fascinating. Many families travel to Peru, some more adventurous than others however, there are few basics to remember. For example, talk to your doctor before taking babies under 2-year-old to high elevation. Book in advance with a reputable tour operator and make sure that all activities you book are suitable for the younger members of the family.

 

 Father and Son Traveling Peru!

 

Is it Safe to Travel to Peru Alone? 

The general answer is yes, single travelers don´t usually have too many issues. It is recommendable to learn some Spanish before your travel, a little goes a long way when trying to get around Peru. 

 

Female Travelers to Peru

Peru is generally safe for female travelers. Women will, however, get more unwanted attention, such as dealing with wolf whistling and cat calls. Women should be prudent if alone at night, you may be seen as an easy target for thieves; also, if you are at the bar, you should never leave your drink unattended.

 

Female Tourist in Machu Picchu

 

How Safe is the Water and Food in Peru?

In some countries, it is appropriate to drink tap water. Unfortunately, this is not an option in Peru. Make sure you boil the tap water before drinking it at least for 1 minute. In general, the tap water is loaded with limescale and is detectable on drinking, even when boiled.  If you are staying at hotels, we recommend bringing a refillable bottle with you to stock up on water from their “bidon” of purified water and avoid the use of plastics.

 

Picarones Street Seller

 

Peruvian food is famous worldwide for a reason! It is delicious! You will see many cafés, restaurants, bars, and street food with different plates on offer. Even though it could look fantastic, proceed with caution, especially with uncooked foods. For most Peruvians, street food is no problem and if you plan to stay in Peru for any length of time go ahead. If you are only visiting for a short time, untreated street snacks could lead to unwanted stomach issues, affecting your travel plans. The best way to experience Peruvian Cuisine is to ask for recommendations from your local guides, friends, or travel specialists. If you know you have stomach problems while traveling or have a sensitive stomach, only order raw food or fresh salads in more upscale restaurants.

 

street food

 

Is it Safe to Use Public Transportation or Taxi? 

In Lima, traveling by public transportation could be an interesting experience. The system has improved in the last few years, and using the Metropolitano or the Corredor are both safe options. In other regions of Peru, public transportation can be a cheap way to get from A to B as long as you are up for an adventure. Combis and colectivos are an experience, however, make sure you are super aware of your valuables if you choose to use one of these options.

Luckily for everyone, you can now use taxi apps in major cities,  starting with the most famous ones, such as Uber. It’s generally safe, but of course, you need to be careful and make sure you always check the route. Grabbing a taxi in the street might be difficult if you don’t speak Spanish, if you want to give it a try, just make sure it has a visible taxi company sign. Always agree a price before you get in the taxi.

 

 

Authorized taxi plate

 

 Is Travel Insurance Necessary?

Life has taught us to expect the unexpected! This could range from the amazing and fun to the downright terrible depending on your attitude and sometimes pure luck! There are certain things you cannot control when traveling in Peru, so opting for a good travel insurance policy is the responsible thing to do.  It will be extremely helpful if accidents happen and if you lose something of value or if you have issues with flights or cancellations. 

 

The Perfect Camping Spot!

 

Are There Any Unsafe Destinations in Peru? 

If you are visiting big cities such as Lima, Cusco, or Arequipa, you should pay extra attention in crowded places as they are a popular spot for pickpockets or scammers offering services.
In the Amazon Rainforest, we always recommend booking your stay at a lodge which is the safest experience. Book in advance and avoid visiting without planning, particularly if you are traveling to Iquitos or Puerto Maldonado.

 

Poor Neighborhood

 

In summary:

Peru is a safe and fascinating place to visit, whether it is with your family, alone, or with a group of family and friends. Always follow your guide’s recommendations. The main advice is to inform yourself, having more information will always make you safer in Peru! If in doubt, ask us at Valencia Travel!  Happy and positive travels!

 

Cusco Take Off!