Travel Advisory
Please check your government's official travel advisory before departure. Situations can change rapidly.
Safety Level
Official risk level and travel advisories
Peru is a rewarding destination with Lima, Cusco, Machu Picchu and Arequipa, but use normal caution. Petty theft, pickpocketing and taxi scams occur in busy urban areas, especially at night.
- Overall
- Generally welcoming, but stay alert in cities
- Main risks
- Pickpocketing, bag snatching and taxi scams
- Traffic
- Drives on the RIGHT
- Most visits are trouble-free, but keep valuables secure in crowded spots in Lima, Cusco and Arequipa.
- Book transport through your hotel or a ride-hailing app rather than hailing taxis on the street, particularly after dark.
Danger Zones & Areas to Avoid
Regions with poor security or restricted access
Popular routes through Lima, Cusco, Machu Picchu, Arequipa and Lake Titicaca are well travelled. Take extra care in some outer districts of Lima and in remote areas, and check current local advice.
- Tourist routes
- Cusco, Machu Picchu and Arequipa well used
- Cities
- Care in some outer Lima districts
- Remote areas
- Check local advice before travel
- The classic circuit of Lima, Cusco, the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu is heavily travelled and generally straightforward.
- Some coca-growing valleys and remote border areas are best avoided, so confirm the situation locally before heading off the main routes.
Natural Disaster Risks
Earthquakes, typhoons, floods, and other hazards
Altitude sickness is a real risk in Cusco (around 3,400 m), Machu Picchu and Arequipa. Peru also lies on a seismic zone with earthquakes, and the Amazon has heavy rain and heat.
- Altitude
- Acclimatise slowly, try coca tea
- Earthquakes
- Peru is in a seismic zone
- Amazon
- Heavy rain, heat and humidity
- Ascend gradually to Cusco and the Andes, rest on arrival, stay hydrated, and see a doctor if symptoms are severe.
- Know basic earthquake safety, and in the Amazon prepare for tropical downpours and high humidity.
Health & Disease Risks
Endemic diseases and hygiene concerns
Tap water is not recommended, so drink bottled or boiled water. Altitude sickness affects many visitors to Cusco and the Andes. A yellow fever certificate may be required for some Amazon trips.
- Water
- Drink bottled or boiled, not tap
- Altitude
- Common in Cusco and the highlands
- Yellow fever
- Certificate may be needed for the Amazon
- Take altitude gently, rest on arrival in Cusco, and ask a pharmacy or doctor about medication if you are prone to it.
- For jungle regions, check whether a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required and seek travel health advice before you go.
Crime & Scam Trends
Common crimes and scams targeting tourists
Watch for pickpocketing, bag snatching and fake or unlicensed taxis, especially at airports and bus terminals in Lima and Cusco. Use a ride-hailing app or a taxi booked by your hotel.
- Fake taxis
- Use ride-hailing apps or hotel taxis
- Pickpockets
- Guard bags in crowds and terminals
- Distraction scams
- Beware staged spills and jostling
- Avoid displaying phones, cameras or jewellery in busy streets, and keep bags in front of you on public transport.
- Confirm your driver and plate through the app, and do not accept lifts from taxis touting at airport exits.
Political Situation & Protests
Political instability and potential demonstrations
Occasional protests, strikes and road blockades can occur, sometimes affecting travel to Cusco and Machu Picchu. These are usually announced in advance, so monitor local news and check with your tour operator.
- Protests
- Occasional; can disrupt transport
- Road blockades
- May affect Cusco and rural routes
- Advice
- Monitor news and confirm plans
- Strikes and blockades can close roads and rail links to Machu Picchu at short notice, so build in flexibility.
- Avoid demonstrations and large gatherings, even peaceful ones, and follow local authority guidance.
Local Laws & Prohibitions
Important local laws and penalties for travelers
Spanish is the main language, with Quechua and Aymara also spoken in the Andes. Drug offences carry severe penalties, and taking antiquities out of the country is illegal. Vehicles drive on the right.
- Language
- Spanish, plus Quechua and Aymara
- Drugs
- Severe penalties for offences
- Antiquities
- Do not export cultural items
- Carry ID and treat local customs and sacred sites with respect, especially around Cusco and the Sacred Valley.
- Do not buy or carry items made from protected wildlife or genuine archaeological pieces, as export is banned.
Emergency Contacts
Police, ambulance, and fire department numbers
In an emergency, call the police on 105 and the fire service on 116; in many areas the integrated line 911 also works. Tourist Police can help visitors in major cities.
- Police
- 105
- Fire
- 116
- Integrated / Tourist Police
- 911 in many areas
- Save these numbers before you travel and note your accommodation address in Spanish.
- The Tourist Police (Policía de Turismo) assist visitors in Lima, Cusco and other tourist centres.
Embassy & Consulate Info
Location and contact details of your embassy
No embassy or consulate information is available for your selected nationality in this country.
Travel Insurance
Recommended coverage and tips for choosing a policy
Comprehensive travel insurance with medical cover is strongly recommended. Private care in Lima is good but can be costly, and altitude-related treatment or evacuation from remote areas may be expensive.
- Medical
- Include full medical and evacuation cover
- Altitude & activities
- Cover trekking and high-altitude travel
- Documents
- Carry policy number and helpline
- Private clinics in Lima and Cusco are good but can be costly, so ensure your policy covers hospital treatment.
- Check that trekking at altitude, such as the Inca Trail, and jungle trips are included in your cover.