Peru, the third-largest nation in South America, and before the pandemic, was receiving over four million visitors each year.
Whether or not it’s to go to Machu Picchu, the floating islands of Lake Titicaca, the Nazca Traces, or the colourful capital metropolis of Lima and its blossoming meals scene, Peru lives as much as the hype. I completely beloved my go to right here. It was all the pieces I believed it will be!
Nevertheless, I additionally typically hear and examine vacationers getting mugged or their issues being stolen. I get frightened emails from vacationers questioning if Peru is protected to go to as a result of latest political unrest.
Right now, I need to reply their questions:
Is it protected to go to Peru? What do you should look out for? What precautions do you should take?
On this publish, I’ll share all the pieces you should know to securely go to Peru.
11 Security Ideas for Peru
Usually, Peru is a protected place to go to. You’re not going to get kidnapped or murdered there so don’t fear about any violent crime as a traveler. However Peru does require you to be a bit extra vigilant than different locations as a result of there’s a number of petty crime.
Listed here are some ideas that can assist you plan and put together for a protected go to to Peru:
1. Keep away from displaying any costly belongings – Preserve your jewellery out of sight (and even go away it at dwelling). Don’t flaunt valuables. Be particularly conscious of taking out your telephone, as telephone theft is rampant (over 4,000 phones are reported stolen every day). Don’t even put on AirPods on the road. In brief: all the time control your stuff. Minimizing the goal in your again that claims, “I’m carrying a number of helpful stuff” is essential.
That is particularly attempt in main cities like Lima and Cusco the place petty theft is extra widespread. When you’re out within the day and also you see folks with telephones and such out, it’s in all probability protected however in case you’re alone, watch out. Thieves will come by on scooters and take stuff out of your palms and drive off.
2. Pay attention to thieves or muggers working in pairs or small teams – The trick of distracting you (for instance, somebody “by accident” bumping into you, or a bunch of youngsters taking part in or combating close to you) is usually used in order that an confederate can rob you whilst you’re not taking note of your belongings. Don’t fall for distractions and hold your guard up.
3. Control your belongings always – In crowded locations or on public transit, bear in mind that thieves could possibly be seeking to actually choose your pocket or slash your bag. Preserve some small payments in a separate pocket, in order that whenever you’re paying for issues, you don’t must put your complete pockets or purse on show.
4. Preserve your valuables separate – While you’re going out for the day, go away some bank cards and money locked in your lodging. That manner, in case you lose your pockets, you’ll nonetheless have money and playing cards again at your hostel. Usually, it’s a good suggestion to make photocopies of your passport to take with you and lock up your passport in your hostel locker. Preserve digital copies of your passport in your electronic mail inbox too simply in case.
5. Obtain the Prey app to your telephone and laptop computer – If both gadget will get stolen, you’ll be capable to monitor it and remotely flip in your digital camera to {photograph} the thief (you can too wipe the info and message the thief too). It prices simply $1.10/month.
6. Keep away from touring alone at night time – There have been incidents of individuals being mugged as they go away a taxi at night time within the cities, and repeated reviews of bandit exercise after darkish in some areas, comparable to Tingo María, northwest of Lima, on the entrance to the Tingo María Nationwide Park. Attempt to journey with mates or different vacationers at night time as there’s security in numbers.
And that is very true in cities at night time too. In some areas of Lima like Miraflores and Barranco, there’s lots of people out at night time so it’s much less of an issue however this additionally the 2 nicest and most touristy areas of Lima so it’s a sizzling mattress for thieves.
7. Select a good bus operator – Typically the most cost effective choice isn’t the most effective one. A number of the low cost bus firms have probably the most reckless drivers and plenty of breakdowns, and since Peru has among the world’s worst visitors accident charges, you’re normally safer utilizing a barely pricier bus firm. A number of the most respected bus operators embody Cruz del Sur, Oltursa, Civa, and Movil Excursions. Moreover, think about PeruHop, which is a hop on/hop off bus tour operator catering to travels (and typically locals) that could be very protected, makes use of unimaginable drivers, and has no theft drawback.
8. Don’t use medicine – Since Peru produces a number of cocaine, vacationers (particularly younger backpackers) are likely to do a number of it right here. It’s not well worth the threat, nonetheless, since if authorities even suspect you of utilizing medicine, you will be detained for as much as 15 days. Shopping for medicine right here helps organized crime, so be good and skip the medicine.
9. Study some Spanish – Having the ability to communicate some primary Spanish will allow you to in lots of conditions, however in case you get in bother and need assistance, you then’ll actually recognize it. Begin with an app like Duolingo to master some basic vocabulary. Google Translate app can be essential app (obtain the Spanish language to your telephone so you possibly can translate offline).
10. Buy travel insurance – Issues can go incorrect on the street. That’s why I by no means go wherever with out journey insurance coverage. From theft to accidents to delayed flights, journey insurance coverage is there to make sure you don’t go broke. It’s only a couple bucks a day (typically much less) and supplies peace of thoughts. Don’t journey right here with out it!
I like to recommend SafetyWing for vacationers below 70, whereas Insure My Trip is your best option for vacationers over 70.
You should use this widget to get a quote for SafetyWing:
For extra info on journey insurance coverage, take a look at these posts:
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With these journey ideas, you’ll be capable to keep protected whilst you go to or backpack round Peru! Moreover, listed below are solutions to some ceaselessly requested questions we get.
Is Machu Picchu protected?
Machu Picchu is such a typical vacationer vacation spot that you just’ll most certainly be safer right here than every other a part of Peru. Likelihood is you’ll be hiking with a group or in a crowd, so pickpockets and different petty thieves are unlikely to be round. It’s far more necessary to be vigilant in cities like Lima or Cusco.
The extra necessary security challenge if you’re hiking to Machu Picchu is to deal with your well being. Be sure you have loads of water, and use sunscreen and hats to cope with the warmth. When you’re not acclimatized to the altitude, then altitude illness could be a drawback; you should take it significantly in case you begin to really feel sick. Keep away from this by staying in Cusco for a minimum of a few days earlier than visiting Machu Picchu.
Lastly, in case you use a information, which is beneficial when mountaineering, be sure they’re a licensed operator, as you typically hear of unlicensed guides taking you the incorrect route and protecting your mountaineering allow fee for themselves.
Is Peru protected to journey alone?
Solo journey is fairly widespread in Peru, and also you’ll typically discover loads of different solo backpackers to spend time with, so it’s unlikely you’ll be alone that a lot.
Bus journey and being out after darkish wherever is safer in a bunch, however typically, solo journey in Peru is not any extra harmful than touring with mates or a associate.
Simply keep in mind to keep away from standing out and searching like a vacationer. Don’t costume in fancy garments, don’t wave your costly devices round, and in case you get misplaced, don’t stand there observing a map. Mainly, keep away from protruding like a sore thumb, and also you’ll cut back the prospect of a petty thief deciding you’re their subsequent sufferer.
Is it protected to journey to Peru with youngsters?
On the entire, it’s not particularly unsafe to take your youngsters to Peru. Household and kids are crucial within the Peruvian tradition, so that you and your youngsters will likely be made to really feel very welcome.
Watch out with significantly young children, although, as a result of they’re extra prone to getting sick from unfiltered water, for instance. It’s additionally not beneficial to take youngsters below three to excessive altitudes comparable to Machu Picchu.
Is Peru protected for feminine vacationers?
It’s not unsafe to be a solo female traveler in Peru, although you is likely to be the sufferer of some undesirable consideration, principally within the type of catcalling. Native ladies in Peru hardly ever exit to bars with out males, so if you’re a women-only group in a bar, you would possibly get some further consideration. However there’s a number of solo feminine vacationers within the nation so that you’ll meet others to hang around with. Peru doesn’t require any extra precautions than you’ll take wherever else.
Are you able to drink the faucet water in Peru?
No, don’t drink the faucet water in Peru (although it’s tremendous to brush your tooth with). Use a Lifestraw, which not solely ensures that your water is all the time protected to drink because it has a inbuilt water filter within the bottle however helps you keep away from single-use plastic.
Are taxis protected in Peru?
Taxis are comparatively protected, however ensure you solely use licensed taxis and that the speed prematurely. When you want a taxi, have your hostel or resort name one for you and discover out what the speed is prematurely. Be sure you agree on the fare with the motive force prematurely, as taxis don’t use meters so it’s simple to get overcharged in case you’re not paying consideration. That stated, Uber is in every single place within the nation now and you may name an Uber in case you don’t need to flag a random taxi down.
Peru is an incredible vacation spot it doesn’t matter what your pursuits, with a wealthy tradition, welcoming folks, lovely landscapes, and interesting historic sights.
You do should be cautious about your private security, nonetheless. The most typical points vacationers face there are petty theft and pickpocketing, however by exercising a bit of additional vigilance and customary sense, you possibly can reduce your threat. Make sure you just be sure you’re not carrying valuables in an apparent manner and don’t have giant sums of money in a single place.
Peru is a comparatively protected nation to go to, so don’t let the tales put you off. The wonderful sights will certainly make your journey worthwhile! Peru is an incredible place and with some widespread sense you received’t have any points! I didn’t.
Guide Your Journey to Peru: Logistical Ideas and Methods
Guide Your Flight
Use Skyscanner to discover a low cost flight. They’re my favourite search engine as a result of they search web sites and airways across the globe so that you all the time know no stone is left unturned!
Guide Your Lodging
You may guide your hostel with Hostelworld as they’ve the largest stock and greatest offers. If you wish to keep someplace aside from a hostel, use Booking.com as they constantly return the most cost effective charges for guesthouses and low cost motels.
Don’t Neglect Journey Insurance coverage
Journey insurance coverage will shield you towards sickness, harm, theft, and cancellations. It’s complete safety in case something goes incorrect. I by no means go on a visit with out it as I’ve had to make use of it many instances up to now. My favourite firms that provide the most effective service and worth are:
On the lookout for the Finest Firms to Save Cash With?
Try my resource page for the most effective firms to make use of whenever you journey. I checklist all those I take advantage of to economize once I’m on the street. They are going to prevent cash whenever you journey too.
Need Extra Data on Peru?
Make sure you go to my robust destination guide on Peru for much more planning ideas!