Safety in Peru

Safety in Peru is not a major concern compared to other Latin American countries. That said, you should stay vigilant, as crime does occur in both rural and urban areas, and civil unrest can cause disruptions.

Crime in Peru

Crime is a problem in the main cities, including Lima, Cusco, and Arequipa. Petty crimes, such as mugging and pickpocketing, occur frequently in crowded tourist areas and on public transport, while more serious crimes, such as robberies, are also frequent in big metros.

The city also has an issue with unregistered taxi drivers taking advantage of unsuspecting foreigners. It is best to order a taxi ahead of time rather than hail one directly off the street, or opt for a ride-hailing service such as Uber.

Protests in Peru

Protests are common in Peruvian cities and towns, and can be disruptive, particularly for commuters. It’s not uncommon for protest action to carry on for days or weeks, so it’s best to keep abreast of developments. Although they are mostly peaceful, it’s best to avoid any demonstrations. 

The Peruvian government might declare a state of emergency during civil unrest or security incidents. The national police will typically have increased powers during this time, which may affect personal freedoms. It's essential that you heed any official notices during a state of emergency. 

Terrorism in Peru

The Shining Path is a domestic insurgent group operating within Peru. The organisation is involved in illicit narcotics trading, mainly in the Ayacucho region, and has carried out a few terrorist attacks since its establishment in the early 1980s.

The government has waged a relatively successful campaign against the group. While the organisation was much more active a decade ago, it still occasionally raids and attacks small villages. It’s unlikely that expats will be impacted by Shining Path terrorist activities, but it's best to avoid the areas they are known to operate in.

Transport in Peru

One of the biggest dangers facing newcomers to Peru is road accidents. Fatal crashes are frequent in the country, as drivers ignore stop signs and run traffic lights. It's also common for them to disregard pedestrians, so you should also exercise caution when walking in a crowded area. 

Bus crashes are also fairly common, especially when travelling at night. Be sure to only use reputable transport companies that hire licensed drivers or avoid travelling overnight, particularly in the mountainous and rural regions.