For many travelers, South America, including Peru, still has an image of being unsafe. Crime, diseases, dangerous altitudes, and traffic accidents seem to be the media’s major focus. What’s the truth behind these stereotypes? How safe is Peru really? We’ll set the record straight and give you practical tips for staying safe and healthy while traveling in this incredible country.
- Is Peru safe for travelers?
- How to stay safe and healthy in Peru
- Is it safe for women to travel solo in Peru?
- Travel safely with Impactful Travel
- Frequently Asked Questions about health and safety in Peru
Is Peru safe for travelers?
As Peru travel specialists, we can say that Peru is a safe country to visit. Still, as in most countries around the world, it’s wise to travel with awareness and take a few things into account.
Unlike what you might expect, it is particularly important to keep your health in mind. High altitudes and non-potable tap water can lead to difficulties when not well considered. And yes, there are also places in Peru where you should take extra care with your belongings and be aware of pickpockets (more on this later).
If you stick to the following set of rules, you’ll experience Peru in a rewarding and meaningful way and keep it in very good memory. Especially, its people are extremely friendly and helpful. This not only makes for a beautiful atmosphere but also makes you feel safe. Should you ever be in need, it won’t be long before people will come to support you.
Read on to find out in more detail what you should pay attention to and how to prepare for a safe journey to Peru. If you want to be taken care of from start to finish, the safest option is, of course, traveling with a reputable agency. At Impactful Travel, we’ll plan your trip carefully and be available throughout your entire journey. You can have a look at all the benefits of creating a custom trip with us, or request a first itinerary directly.
How to stay safe and healthy in Peru
Prepare well before leaving
Before traveling to Peru, remember to visit a travel doctor for professional advice on which vaccinations may be necessary. Some routine vaccinations are recommended, such as DTP, Hepatitis A, and Hepatitis B. If you go into the Amazon jungle, a yellow fever injection might be necessary, as well. Malaria prophylaxis is recommended only in certain cases. (Official CDC info here.)
Make sure to go shopping for the most important necessities, as well, to arrive well prepared. Some must-have items are a travel first-aid kit and (when going to the jungle) insect repellent with DEET or an approved plant-based alternative. We also recommend practical tools like a LifeStraw, which protects you from contaminated water. To be perfectly prepared, read our blog What to Pack for your Trip to Peru and download our complete Packing List for free.
Protect your belongings
Over the years, Peru has become a stable and welcoming country for all visitors. At the same time, there has been a growing divide between the poor and the rich. Therefore, pick-pocketing is certainly an issue, although it is limited to certain areas.
Generally speaking, tourists are identified easily and are still likely to attract attention. But thieves in Peru are opportunistic ones. As long as you don’t look like a potential victim and you don’t give them an opportunity (like leaving a bag unattended for a moment), they won’t bother you.
Therefore, it is wise to travel ‘low profile’, not showing off valuable items like phones, wallets, or smartwatches. Watch your belongings at all times and, if you spot a suspicious person, show him/her that you are. When strolling in town, keep your valuables and important documents in your accommodation. When on the road, consider storing documents, cards, and cash in a money belt around your waist.
In case of any emergency, contact the local authorities, your guide, or your travel advisor. You can contact our office crew without hesitation. To avoid this from being necessary, we’ve assembled a small set of behaviors to adopt.
Don’t give pick-pockets a chance
- Don’t bring items that you can’t afford to lose
- Don’t look like you may carry valuable items
- Don’t leave your things unattended at any time
- Don’t hang your bag from your seat in a restaurant
- Mind your belongings when exiting any means of transport
- Don’t use an enormous wallet full of cards and cash
- Listen to local advice about certain areas
- Don’t think everyone is after robbing you
Avoid altitude sickness when traveling in Peru
Most of Peru’s major destinations are located high in the Andes. You will stay above 3,000 meters (11,000 feet) above sea level and occasionally reach altitudes well above 4,000 meters (13,000 feet). Taking the altitude into account is essential to staying healthy during your trip.
When does altitude sickness occur?
Most travelers experiencing altitude sickness have been ascending too quickly; for example, by taking a flight from Lima directly to Cusco or Huaraz from lower altitude levels. Well-thought-out trips are designed to help your body gradually adapt to the altitude in Peru. This doesn’t completely rule out getting symptoms, but it significantly reduces the risk.
If you’ve been to high-altitude destinations before without experiencing any issues, don’t let that fool you. This doesn’t guarantee you won’t have them this time. In fact, our reaction to altitude can change over the course of our lives, and you won’t know how your body will handle it.
What are the symptoms of altitude sickness?
That being said, it is possible that you experience shortness of breath from only minor physical exercise, as well as dizziness, insomnia, and a loss of appetite. Not everyone is equally affected by altitude, but generally speaking, it takes a few days for the body to adjust to low oxygen levels.
How can you prevent altitude sickness?
Whether or not you have symptoms, you should follow some simple rules to either reduce or prevent them. Make sure you always drink enough: the rule of thumb is to drink 1 liter of water per day for every 1,000 meters (3,280 feet) of elevation. That means, for example, in Cusco, you should drink more than 3 liters a day.
At the same time, be attentive to avoid dehydration. Don’t drink too much alcohol or coffee, protect yourself from the very strong sun, take it easy, and if you sweat: drink even more! Your food habits are also important: don’t eat too heavily the days before you travel higher into the Andes. Lastly, you can try the famous coca leaves to alleviate your symptoms a little. They can be chewed or consumed as tea.
What should you do if you get symptoms?
If you do get strong symptoms of altitude sickness, the best way to feel better is to descend as soon as possible, if you can. A light headache and slight dizziness aren’t something to worry about too much, but you should definitely listen very carefully to your body (and certainly to your guide, as well).
If you’re unsure how to plan your route to properly acclimatize, we’re happy to help you design a safe itinerary.
Avoid travelers’ diarrhea when traveling in Peru
The different climate, food, and water, along with the altitude and frequent changes of location, can all affect your intestines. You can minimize the risk of diarrhea by being careful about what you eat, washing your hands regularly, and not drinking tap water. We highly recommend using filter bottles from reputable brands such as WaterToGo or LifeStraw to ensure you always have access to clean drinking water without using chemicals or plastic bottles.
Nonetheless, diarrhea is something most people traveling in Peru experience at some point. Once you have it, there’s little to be done about it except drinking a lot (no alcohol) and taking oral rehydration salts. You’ve got to be patient. The famous “dieta de pollo,” a soothing (non-vegetarian) chicken broth, is available at any restaurant and in most hotels.
If you need to hit the road while sick, you can take medication (loperamide) to slow your digestion and avoid problems while traveling. However, this doesn’t cure the source of the infection. It is best to use these medicines only when you aren’t able to go to the bathroom for an extended time.
If diarrhea continues for more than 2 days, or if side effects such as fever or bloody stools occur, please see a doctor and let us know about your issues.
Take care of your skin whilst traveling in Peru
Once you arrive in Peru, make it a habit to apply sunblock. This rule applies to all regions within Peru, as the country is close to the equator, where the sun is particularly strong. In high-altitude places, such as Cusco, Titicaca, or Huaraz, you should pay extra attention to staying protected. And don’t be mistaken: even when it’s cloudy, you can easily get burned!
At high altitudes, your skin can also become very dry, especially from May to November, which is the dry season in Peru. Chapped hands and dry lips are very common, so make sure to bring creams and lip balm with a high Sun Protection Factor and keep them at hand during the day.
Take little cuts seriously and react by applying disinfectant and a band-aid. Especially when traveling in the tropical climate of the Peruvian jungle, little injuries can easily get infected. Do your best not to scratch mosquito bites, and, if you tend to scratch a lot, try using “biteaway”, as mentioned in our packing list. Avoid using strong perfumes, deodorants, and aftershaves, as they attract stinging insects.
Avoid a sunstroke when traveling in Peru
As we’ve seen before, the Peruvian sun is very strong, with generally high UV levels. To avoid getting sunstroke (and eye problems), wear a hat and sunglasses with UV protection. Always carry enough water, especially when hiking in areas without access to drinking water. (Remember the rule of thumb: one liter of water per day for every 1,000 meters of altitude!)
Symptoms of sunstroke may include dizziness, lightheadedness, and, in more severe cases, even vomiting. If any of these occur, drink plenty of water and stay in the shade. Remember that the chances of altitude sickness are also higher when you don’t protect yourself well from the sun. By sticking to the rules above, you lower your risk for both issues.
Check up on your health back home
If you suffer from fever, intestinal problems, or other medical problems that cannot easily be accounted for once returned home, don’t hesitate to see your doctor, telling them how long, when, and where you have been traveling. Be aware that some diseases have several months of incubation before problems become visible.
Is it safe for women to travel solo in Peru?
Peru is absolutely safe for women traveling on their own, as long as you follow the same recommendations as any other traveler. You don’t need to behave any differently from men; just use common sense like everyone else. In our guide about solo traveling, you can find all our general recommendations.
If you tend to feel intimidated in certain situations, you can help yourself and adapt your behavior to feel safer. When taking a taxi, try to make an appointment in advance, for example, by booking a hotel transfer. Otherwise, make sure to take only official taxis, which you’ll find at any bus terminal and airport.
If you want to go out at night, you can make sure to go with a group that takes care of you. Like for any solo traveler, it is nice to use group tours and shared transportation to reduce costs and meet other travelers. That way, you’ll always be accompanied when you want to. But remember that the locals are very open and helpful, so enjoy getting out there and meeting Peruvians as well!
Travel safely with Impactful Travel
Planning a trip to Peru can feel overwhelming, especially when it comes to altitude, health, and choosing a safe and suitable route. That’s exactly why many travelers prefer having everything carefully planned.
If you plan your trip to Peru with us at Impactful Travel, rest assured that we will take all the above-mentioned aspects into account. When we design custom itineraries for Peru, we only suggest routes that gradually take you from lower to higher altitudes, giving you enough time to acclimatize. During your journey, we’ll always be available in case of any issues. You can contact us anytime to receive real-time support.
Of course, you can also reach out to your accommodation or guide if you are accompanied. Our local and knowledgeable guides know how to handle any situation and can assist you on the spot. Knowing that you’ll always be in good hands, you can relax and enjoy your vacations to the fullest.
If you have any remaining questions about safety in Peru or our approach to designing your experience, we’d be happy to hear from you!
Carolyne shares her family’s experience in Peru, including how altitude sickness was managed during the trip.
…We were very impressed by the Responsible Travel Peru [now Impactful Travel] network of tour providers, accommodations, drivers and guides. Also appreciated was the quick response of representatives from Responsible Travel Peru. When my children experienced altitude sickness in Ollantaytambo, we were very well looked after by our hosts. This tour company stands out because of the great work they do to positively impact many Peruvian communities. Overall, this was a wonderful experience for myself and my kids. I definitely recommend Responsible Travel Peru to anyone looking for an authentic and sustainable travel experience in Peru.
Michelle traveled Peru with her school-aged kids. Here’s how her custom trip went.
Thank you, Alejandro, for crafting the most incredible vacation for our family of 5 (kids ages 9-9-11). From start to finish, everything was perfectly tailored to us—the smooth transfers, the beautiful accommodations, and the incredible guides who brought our trip to life. We felt safe and welcomed throughout our journey. Peru has completely captured our hearts.
Frequently Asked Questions about health and safety in Peru
How safe is Lima for tourists these days?
As in any big city, there are parts of Lima that are not recommended (nor interesting) for travelers. However, in areas like Miraflores, San Isidro, and Barranco, you are just as safe as in any big European or American city.
If you’d like to venture out into any of the other areas, do it with any of our Day Tours in Lima, which will take you to Callao, the city center, and even outskirt areas to get a great impression of the rest of Lima.
Where is the safest place to stay in Lima, Peru?
Traditionally, Miraflores is “the safe neighborhood for travelers”, and it’s where you will find most hotels and backpacker accommodations. However, we also like the central parts of Barranco very much. It’s very safe, the hotels you’ll find here generally have more charm, and the area is hip, artistic, and authentic. Have a look at our favorite boutique hotels in Lima.
Can an asthmatic safely tour Machu Picchu?
If your asthma is well controlled with medication, you don’t necessarily need to worry about the altitude. You might even feel better because of the clean and allergen-free air. However, some types of asthma are triggered by exercise or specific allergens. If that’s what you have, you should consult your doctor. In any case, bring enough medicines that have proven to be effective for you.
Is it safe to eat salad in Peru?
In tourist restaurants, homestays, and our gastronomic tours in Peru, it is definitely safe to have salad, as drinking water is used to wash vegetables or even make ice cubes. In restaurants along the road or local neighborhoods, it might indeed be unsafe to have salads and some other dishes. If you want or have to eat in those places, opt for the safest dishes (like an omelet, vegetable soup, or the day menu, if available).
Is tap water in Peru safe to drink?
No, in most cases it is not. Mineral water is available everywhere, but the most eco-friendly manner (and the cheapest one for longer trips) is to use a water filter. There are different options, like water bottles with a built-in filter, filter pumps, or UV filters. Make sure they also kill bacteria before buying one.
Is It Safe To Travel To Northern Peru Cities Like Trujillo, Chiclayo, and Máncora?
Yes, many travelers visit northern Peru safely each year, including cities like Trujillo, Chiclayo, and the coastal town of Máncora. These places are active, lived-in communities where daily life, commerce, and tourism all overlap, so your experience depends on how you move through them.
Safety is less about the city as a whole and more about specific neighborhoods and timing. Some areas are well-frequented and comfortable to explore during the day, while others are best avoided at night.
