Staying Safe and Healthy in Peru: Essential Tips for Travelers

Peru is a welcoming and vibrant destination, but like any country with diverse landscapes and busy cities, it helps to understand the basics of staying safe and healthy before you arrive. From navigating Lima and Cusco with confidence to understanding water safety, altitude risks, and common scams, this guide brings together the most important precautions for a smooth trip. 

If you’re still in the early stages of planning, you can also explore the broader Peru Questions for first-time travelers for an overview of entry requirements, costs, and general travel advice. For travelers heading to high-altitude regions or Machu Picchu, you’ll find helpful references to our dedicated Altitude & Acclimatization and Machu Picchu guides throughout this page.

Is Peru safe for tourists right now?

Yes, Peru is generally safe if you take standard precautions, though the U.S. advises “Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution.”

The U.S. Department of State currently classifies Peru at Level 2, citing concerns about crime, civil unrest, and occasional kidnapping risks in limited areas. Protests and demonstrations can unexpectedly disrupt transport infrastructure such as roads and railways, particularly in major cities like Lima.
Visitors are advised to avoid traveling near the Colombia–Peru border in Loreto and the VRAEM region, designated as high-risk areas. Most tourist destinations remain stable and safe with normal precautions.

Sources:

• U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory (travel.state.gov)
• Canadian Government Travel Advice (travel.gc.ca)
• UK Foreign Commonwealth Office Travel Advice (gov.uk)

Is Peru safe for American/female/solo tourists?

Yes, most solo and female travelers visit safely by sticking to well-lit areas and using official transport.

Cusco and other tourist hubs are regarded as relatively safe for solo female travelers, though occasional harassment, such as cat-calling, may occur. Avoid isolated areas and limit nighttime walking.
Using ride-hailing apps like Uber or Cabify, or pre-booked hotel taxis increases safety. Travel routes and commutes are best kept short and during daylight hours when possible.

Sources:

• PromPerú
• U.S. Embassy Peru
• Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism

Is Lima or Cusco safe to visit?

Yes, tourist areas are generally safe; stay vigilant, especially at night.

In Lima, tourist districts like Miraflores, Barranco, and San Isidro have frequent police presence but petty theft is a concern; avoid isolated or less-lit areas, and exercise caution during airport transfers and in traffic.
Cusco’s historic center is usually safe; however, visitors should be watchful when visiting ruins like Sacsayhuamán at dawn or dusk when few people are around.

Sources:

• U.S. Department of State
• PromPerú
• Peru Ministry of Tourism

What is the safest place in Peru?

Machu Picchu and well-patrolled districts (Cusco’s historic center/San Blas; Lima’s Miraflores/Barranco) are among the safest.

Popular tourist areas are characterized by a strong security presence and infrastructure designed for visitor safety. These sites benefit from frequent patrols by local police and specific tourist police units. Avoid venturing into high-risk regions outside of these zones.

Sources:

• PromPerú
• Ministry of Culture, Peru

What should I be careful of in Peru?

Watch for petty theft, after-dark muggings, and taxi/payment scams.

Pickpockets and phone snatchers operate in crowded areas like markets and transport hubs.
Unlicensed taxis and fare misunderstanding scams are common: use only app-based or authorized taxi services.
Avoid involvement in drugs or unregulated ayahuasca ceremonies due to safety and legal risks.

Sources:

• U.S. Embassy Peru
• PromPerú

What crimes affect tourists in Peru?

The most common are pickpocketing, robbery, card/ATM fraud, and occasional express kidnappings.

Visitors should keep credit cards in sight when paying and use ATMs only inside banks or malls. In the event of armed theft, avoid resisting and comply with perpetrators’ demands.

Sources:

• U.S. State Department
• Police de Turismo (Peruvian Tourist Police)

What are common tourist scams in Peru?

Alpaca-photo upsells, fake/change scams, airport/taxi cons, distraction tricks, and “romance” scams.

Always agree on prices beforehand; avoid currency exchange outside official locations; be wary of taxi drivers who swap out your original currency; keep valuables concealed to avoid distraction; and beware of romance scams soliciting money.

Sources:

• PromPerú
• U.S. Embassy Peru Travel Advisory

Is it safe to walk in Cusco at night?

Yes in the historic center, but take taxis after dark for longer distances.

Stay within well-traveled parts of the historic center after dark; for visits to popular viewpoints such as Sacsayhuamán, travel in groups and avoid walking alone. Suburban and poorly lit areas should be avoided after sunset.

Sources:

• PromPerú
• U.S. Department of State

Is Machu Picchu safe to visit?

Yes, Machu Picchu and Aguas Calientes are built around tourism; main risks are weather/logistics.

The archaeological site and the base town have extensive visitor facilities and security.
During the rainy season, landslides can affect access trails and railways, but Machu Picchu lies outside any current “do not travel” advisories.

Sources:

• Ministry of Culture, Peru
• PromPerú

Is it illegal to chew coca leaves in Peru?

No, it’s not illegal, it’s permitted. Coca tea/leaves are a common traditional remedy for altitude; illegal drugs remain strictly penalized.

Drinking mate de coca is widely practiced and offered on trains and hotels to alleviate altitude sickness.
Consumption of processed or illicit drugs, as well as unregulated ayahuasca, carries significant legal and health risks.

Sources:

• Ministry of Health, Peru
• PromPerú

Is tap water safe to drink in Peru?

No, drinking tap water is not safe. Use bottled/filtered water and avoid ice from unknown sources.

Tap water, even in cities, often contains bacterial contaminants.
Visitors should consume water from sealed brands such as Cielo or San Mateo; ice at most eateries is unsafe unless explicitly reputable.

Sources:

• Ministry of Health, Peru
• CDC Traveler’s Health

Can you brush your teeth with tap water?

Safest is bottled/filtered water; some travelers brush with tap water carefully without swallowing.

The risk is minimal if water is not swallowed, but bottled water remains the recommended conservative choice to avoid gastrointestinal illness.

Sources:

• CDC
• Ministry of Health, Peru

What vaccinations or health precautions do I need for Peru?

Be up-to-date on routine shots; Hep A/Typhoid are commonly recommended; Yellow Fever for Amazon regions.

Vaccines for hepatitis A, typhoid, and routine immunizations (MMR, tetanus) are standard.
Yellow Fever vaccination is recommended for travel to the Amazon basin and required for immigration if arriving from endemic countries.
Travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage is advised.

Sources:

• CDC Yellow Book
• Ministry of Health, Peru

Do I need malaria pills for Peru or Machu Picchu?

No for Lima/Cusco/Machu Picchu; consider prophylaxis for low-altitude Amazon/jungle areas.

Malaria risk is absent in high-altitude Andean zones and major cities.
Malaria prophylaxis is recommended for jungle regions below 2,000 meters, including parts of the Amazon.

Sources:

• CDC Traveler’s Health
• Ministry of Health, Peru

How to avoid altitude sickness in Peru?

Ascend gradually, hydrate, rest, limit alcohol, try coca tea, and consider Diamox.

Altitude oxygen is about 35% lower in Cusco compared to sea level.
Gradual acclimatization over 2 days helps, along with staying hydrated and avoiding overexertion.
Diamox (acetazolamide) may prevent symptoms but consult a doctor.
Coca leaf tea is a traditional remedy.

Sources:

• CDC
• Ministry of Health, Peru

How bad is altitude sickness in Machu Picchu?

Usually mild to none: Machu Picchu (2,430 m) is below the typical risk zone; Cusco is where you’ll feel it.

Altitude sickness symptoms more commonly appear in Cusco (3,400 m) or on high mountain treks.
Machu Picchu’s elevation is generally better tolerated by most travelers.

Sources:

• CDC
• Ministry of Health, Peru

What to do if I get sick while traveling in Peru?

Seek care immediately; consider private transport; expect upfront payment; contact your insurer.

Major cities have private clinics suited for foreign patients; roadside ambulance service varies by region.
It’s important to have travel insurance with emergency coverage and repatriation.
Report crime incidents to Policía de Turismo (Tourist Police).

Sources:

• Ministry of Health, Peru
• US Embassy Travel Advisories

What should I do in case of a medical emergency?

Call 117 (ambulance), 116 (fire/general), 105 (police), then go to the nearest major clinic.

Hospitals typically require proof of insurance or cash payment upfront.
Notify your insurer immediately to arrange support or repatriation if necessary.

Sources:

• Ministry of Health, Peru
• Local emergency services

Where are the best hospitals or clinics for foreigners?

In Lima: Clínica Anglo Americana and Clínica Ricardo Palma; Cusco has reputable private clinics for routine/altitude care.

More serious emergencies may require evacuation to Lima or, in rare cases, international repatriation.
Cusco’s clinics manage altitude sickness and minor ailments efficiently.

Sources:

• US Embassy Peru
• Ministry of Health, Peru

Are earthquakes or natural disasters common in Peru?

Yes, earthquakes are common; the rainy season brings landslide risks that can affect transport.

Peru lies on a seismically active zone; earthquakes occur regularly.
The November–March rainy season raises the risk of landslides and flooding, impacting road and rail access.
Volcanic activity and occasional tsunamis are additional hazards.

Sources:

• National Institute of Civil Defense (INDECI), Peru
• USGS Earthquake Hazards Program

Are there pickpockets in tourist areas?

Yes, petty theft is common in cities, markets, bus stations, and festivals; secure your valuables.

Visitors are advised to keep valuables out of sight, use cross-body bags, and avoid flashing electronics or jewelry in crowded places.
Vigilance in public transportation hubs and tourist festivals is especially important.

Sources:

• Peruvian Tourist Police (Policía Turística)
• US Department of State

With the right information and a bit of preparation, Peru is a safe and accessible destination for all types of travelers. Most visits are trouble-free, especially when you understand how to move around cities, manage altitude responsibly, and stay aware of your surroundings. 

Once you’ve reviewed the key health and safety tips here, continue planning with our FAQs on Transportation & Itineraries, Money & Tipping, and Altitude & Acclimatization to cover the most common challenges travelers face. A well-prepared itinerary not only keeps you safe, but also helps you enjoy Peru’s landscapes, culture, and history with total peace of mind.