Your Guide to Peru
Peru is a traveler’s paradise with its rich history, breathtaking landscapes, and diverse culture. Whether you’re wandering through the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu, cruising on the serene waters of Lake Titicaca, or savoring the local cuisine in Lima, Peru offers an adventure at every turn. However, like traveling to any new country, ensuring your safety while exploring is crucial to making the most out of your experience.
In this post, I’ll share some practical tips on how to explore Peru safely, so you can enjoy all that this amazing country has to offer while minimizing risks. Let’s dive in!
1. Plan Your Trip Ahead
One of the best ways to ensure a safe trip is to plan ahead. While spontaneous adventures are exciting, having a basic outline of your trip can help you avoid unexpected issues. Start by researching the places you want to visit. For instance, cities like Lima, Cusco, Arequipa, and Puno are popular tourist destinations, but they each have unique characteristics and safety considerations.
If you’re heading to Machu Picchu, make sure you’ve booked your permits and tickets in advance, as they can sell out. Additionally, it’s important to be aware of local holidays and festivals. While they can be a great cultural experience, they can also bring large crowds and higher prices.
Pro Tip: Be flexible, but have a plan for each day, so you know where you’re going and how you’ll get there.
2. Stay In Safe Areas
In any country, sticking to safe and well-known areas can make all the difference. In cities like Lima, neighborhoods such as Miraflores and Barranco are known for being tourist-friendly with plenty of hotels, restaurants, and attractions.
In Cusco, stay close to the Plaza de Armas or San Blas neighborhood, both of which are popular with visitors and generally safe. While these areas are more touristy, they also have a strong security presence, making it less likely for you to run into trouble.
Pro Tip: Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas, and always stick to well-lit, populated streets.
3. Use Trusted Transportation
Transportation in Peru is relatively easy to navigate, but it’s important to choose reliable and safe options. While taxis are common in major cities, always opt for registered and reputable taxi services rather than hailing one off the street. You can use apps like Uber or Taxi Beat to ensure you’re getting a trusted driver.
For long-distance travel, buses are the way to go. Companies like Cruz del Sur and Oltursa offer comfortable, safe bus routes between major cities. If you’re flying within Peru, LATAM and Avianca are reputable airlines to use.
For short trips, it’s best to avoid hitchhiking or taking unmarked transportation, as it can be risky.
Pro Tip: Always negotiate the price of a taxi fare before getting in if you’re using a traditional taxi. Better yet, use apps for pre-set fares.
4. Acclimatize to High Altitudes
If you’re visiting Cusco or heading to Machu Picchu, you’ll be at a higher altitude, which can take some getting used to. Altitude sickness is a common issue for travelers, especially those coming from sea level. Symptoms can include headaches, dizziness, and nausea.
To avoid altitude sickness, make sure to stay hydrated, eat light meals, and avoid alcohol for the first couple of days. Additionally, many hotels in Cusco offer coca tea, which locals swear by for easing altitude-related symptoms.
Pro Tip: Arrive in Cusco a couple of days before your trek to Machu Picchu to allow your body to acclimatize.
5. Be Aware of Pickpocketing and Scams
Like any popular tourist destination, Peru has its fair share of petty theft, especially in crowded areas. Pickpocketing can be an issue in busy markets, on public transportation, or in popular tourist spots like the Plaza de Armas in Cusco or Plaza Mayor in Lima.
To protect yourself, carry a money belt or use a secure backpack with anti-theft features. Avoid flashing expensive items like jewelry, cameras, or large amounts of cash. If possible, leave valuables at your hotel or hostel, and always be mindful of your belongings in crowded areas.
In addition to pickpocketing, some tourists fall victim to scams. One common scam involves unofficial tour guides or taxi drivers offering extremely low prices, only to demand more money later. Always book tours and transportation through legitimate companies.
Pro Tip: Keep a copy of your passport and important documents in a safe place, separate from your main belongings.
6. Learn Basic Spanish Phrases
While many people in tourist areas speak English, knowing some basic Spanish phrases will go a long way in helping you connect with locals and navigate your surroundings more safely. Simple phrases like “Dónde está…?” (Where is…?), “Cuánto cuesta?” (How much does it cost?), and “Gracias” (Thank you) can be incredibly helpful.
Most importantly, if you find yourself in a tricky situation, being able to communicate even basic Spanish can help you ask for assistance. Locals are generally friendly and willing to help travelers, especially if you make an effort to speak their language.
Pro Tip: Download a language translation app like Google Translate for those moments when you need quick translations.
7. Respect Local Customs and Traditions
Peru has a rich cultural heritage, and respecting local customs will not only keep you safe but will also enhance your travel experience. For example, when visiting religious sites or rural communities, dress modestly and ask for permission before taking photos of people.
Peruvians are proud of their traditions, so be mindful of your behavior, especially when attending festivals, markets, or sacred sites. In some rural areas, bartering is common in markets, but always be respectful when negotiating prices.
Pro Tip: Be especially cautious during the Inti Raymi Festival in Cusco (the Festival of the Sun), where large crowds gather. Pickpocketing can be more prevalent during big events like this.
8. Be Cautious with Street Food and Water
Peruvian cuisine is known for its variety and flavor, and sampling local street food is part of the adventure. However, to avoid getting sick, choose your food vendors wisely. Look for vendors who have long lines, as this indicates the food is fresh and popular.
Avoid drinking tap water in Peru and stick to bottled water, which is readily available in most places. If you’re concerned about plastic waste, bring a water purification bottle or tablets to ensure you always have safe drinking water.
Pro Tip: Skip ice in your drinks, as it’s often made from tap water.
9. Purchase Travel Insurance
While we all hope for smooth travel experiences, it’s always better to be prepared for the unexpected. Purchasing travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and lost belongings is a smart way to safeguard your trip.
If you plan on doing adventurous activities like trekking or zip-lining, make sure your insurance covers these as well. Some remote areas in Peru, like the Amazon or Sacred Valley, may not have easy access to medical facilities, so having insurance can give you peace of mind.
Pro Tip: Keep your travel insurance details and emergency contact numbers on hand in case you need them.
10. Follow Your Instincts
Lastly, the best safety tip for traveling in Peru, or anywhere else, is to trust your instincts. If something doesn’t feel right, remove yourself from the situation. Whether it’s a sketchy taxi driver, a too-good-to-be-true deal, or an uncomfortable environment, listen to your gut.
Peru is an incredible destination full of beauty, culture, and adventure. With these tips, you can explore safely and confidently, making memories that will last a lifetime.
So, go ahead—pack your bags and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime in Peru!