Guides · Peru
The stakes: Peru’s safety reputation often seems worse than the official record, but crime and protests can disrupt travel.
The facts: Official figures show about one in four Peruvians experienced crime recently, while 89.3% of residents of Lima Metropolitana feel unsafe.
The context: This guide separates perception from reality, using official statistics and embassy advice to help you stay safe.
Official Crime Statistics: What They Show
Peru’s national statistics agency, INEI, reported that 23.9 percent of the urban population suffered at least one crime between July and December 2025.
For all of 2023, 27.1% of Peruvians reported being a victim of at least one crime, according to INEI.
These figures cover the whole population, not just foreigners, and no official breakdown by nationality is published.
Perception of insecurity is much higher: 89.3% of residents of Lima Metropolitana felt unsafe in the same period, according to INEI.
This gap suggests that fear of crime in Peru, especially in Lima, is far higher than actual victimisation rates.
Crime Hotspots in Lima and Other Cities
In Lima, the district of San Juan de Lurigancho had the highest number of reported crimes in late 2024, in INEI’s district ranking.
Comas, Cercado de Lima, and Ate followed, with the next three positions reported crimes respectively, per INEI.
A 2025 U.S. State Department report says five districts—San Juan de Lurigancho, Cercado, San Martín de Porres, Comas, and Santiago de Surco—account for 35% of reported crimes in Lima.
In Arequipa, the Cercado district was the most insecure in Peru for property crimes in 2024, according to INEI.
Cusco, including the Sacred Valley, is considered safer than many larger urban areas in terms of violent crime, according to a 2026 guide.
Extortion and Its Impact on Businesses and Transport
Peru faces a crime and extortion crisis concentrated in Lima, with regional emergence in Trujillo, according to a 2026 security brief.
Extortion has hit both small and large businesses. Owners reported losses increased by 15% to 30% in recent years, per a 2025 report.
Transport drivers in Lima pay between 10 and 30 soles (US$2.70 to US$8.10) daily under threat of death. This is according to transport leader Martín Ojeda.
This extortion has driven frequent strikes. A one-day transport strike on 14 January 2026 stopped over 22,000 vehicles in Lima and Callao.
In March 2025, the government declared a state of emergency in parts of Lima and Callao. This was in response to criminality and extortion, according to an EU report.
Taxi and Transport Safety for Foreigners
Travelers should not hail taxis off the street, especially at airports and bus stations. Unlicensed taxis are linked to overcharging and rare express kidnappings, according to a 2026 guide.
Ride apps such as Cabify, Uber, and inDrive operate in Lima, Cusco, and Arequipa, reducing route-haggling, per the same guide.
Official airport taxi counters inside terminals charge a fixed, posted fare, which is safer than street taxis.
In stop-and-go traffic, thieves on motorbikes can snatch phones through open windows. Keep bags out of sight and doors locked, advises a 2026 guide.
Bus hijackings are rare on main routes, but bag theft is common, according to a 2026 guide.
Protests, Roadblocks, and Travel Disruptions
Demonstrations occur frequently in Peru, often with little notice, and roadblocks are frequently erected, complicating travel, according to the Government of Canada.
Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time, warns the Canadian advisory.
Protestors may block rivers used for transport in remote regions, such as the Manu River area and Iquitos, temporarily stranding tourists.
Political demonstrations periodically close roads, airports, and the rail line to Machu Picchu. This is especially in the southern Andes around Cusco and Puno, per a 2026 guide.
These protests are almost never directed at tourists but can strand them. Many travelers build buffer days into itineraries, advises a 2026 guide.
Natural Hazards and Other Risks
The Canadian advisory lists emergency police number 105 and Tourist Police WhatsApp +51 980 122 335 for assistance.
Travelers should monitor local media and follow advice from local authorities during any natural event.
What Embassies Advise
The U.S. Embassy in Lima issued a demonstration alert on October 6, 2025, about a transport strike protesting extortion and violence against drivers.
Embassies advise avoiding protests, allowing extra travel time, and carrying identification, according to a U.S. Embassy alert.
The U.S., Canada, UK, and Australia consistently highlight higher crime risk and frequent protests. They still classify most tourist circuits as accessible with caution.
The U.S. Embassy encourages travelers to enroll in STEP and maintain contact with the consular agency in Cusco, located on Avenida El Sol 449.
Practical Safety Routines Residents Follow
Residents in Lima use bank ATMs inside malls or branches. They avoid walking with visible phones in high-risk districts.
They book taxis through apps or hotel dispatch, according to a 2026 guide.
They also check protest alerts daily and avoid peripheral districts at night, using reputable taxis in central zones.
In Miraflores, San Isidro, and parts of Surco, residents remain vigilant against street theft, though these areas are generally safer.
During announced strikes, residents carry identification and allow extra travel time, as advised by the U.S. Embassy.
Where the Reputation Is Worse Than the Record
Lima’s perception of insecurity (89.3%) is far higher than the measured victimisation rate of about one in four, according to INEI.
This mismatch means Peru’s safety reputation, especially in Lima, appears significantly worse than the official record, as foreign residents often highlight.
Peru’s homicide rate was 10.1 per 100,000 in 2024 and 10.7 in 2025. InSight Crime records a 6.3 percent rise into 2025.
It is still below the Latin American median of about 17.6, according to InSight Crime.
For comparison, Chile reported a homicide rate 5.5 per 100,000. Bolivia’s was in the mid-single digits.
Peru’s rate is roughly double Chile’s, which InSight Crime puts at 5.5 per 100,000.
No official figure has been published for foreigner-specific crime rates, so risk must be inferred from local patterns and embassy advisories.
Exact Fees and Who Charges Them
Transport leaders say drivers or their employers pay between 10 and 30 soles daily under threat of death. This is according to Prensa Latina on 14 January 2026.
That is between US$2.98 and US$8.93 at the exchange rate of 3.36 soles per US dollar.
The payment is framed as extortion of transport operators by organized criminals, the same report says. Criminal groups use daily payment quotas, threats, arson, and targeted killings to enforce payment.
This is according to the EUAA report of 7 November 2025.
Business owners report losses increased by 15% to 30% over recent years due to extortion, says S-RM Inform on 20 October 2025. The fees are not official charges but illegal demands by criminal groups.
Step-by-Step Timeline of a Transport Strike
On 14 January 2026, urban transport unions in Lima held a one-day stoppage to protest violence and extortion, according to UPI. More than 22,000 public transport vehicles in Lima and Callao were expected to stop operating during the strike.
On 6 October 2025, the U.S. Embassy in Lima issued a Demonstration Alert.
It was about an unplanned transportation strike involving around 50 buses. The strike was in protest of extortion and violence targeting drivers.
The embassy warned of roadblocks and detours.
Residents and travelers should monitor local media and embassy alerts daily, as protests can occur with little notice. The Canadian advisory of 20 November 2025 says demonstrations occur frequently, often with little or no notice.
Documents and How They Are Legalised
Foreigners in Peru should carry identification at all times, as advised by the U.S. Embassy in its alert of 1 October 2025.
For U.S. citizens, the Consular Agency in Cusco is located on Avenida El Sol 449, and enrolling in STEP is encouraged.
Official crime statistics do not publish a specific victimisation rate by nationality, says INEI in its report of 10 October 2025. Therefore, foreigners must rely on embassy advisories and local patterns.
To legalise documents in Peru, one typically needs to obtain an apostille from the country of origin. Then have documents translated by a sworn translator if not in Spanish.
What Changed in the Last 18 Months
In March 2025, Peru declared a state of emergency in parts of Lima and Callao. This was in response to criminality and extortion, according to the EUAA report of 7 November 2025.
The measure has been renewed by a series of separate decrees, and a new sixty-day state of emergency was confirmed at the end of August 2026.ai on 31 August 2026.
The U.S. Embassy issued multiple demonstration alerts in October 2025 regarding transport strikes, indicating heightened concern.
A 2026 security brief says Lima and Callao are the acute risk center, with clustering of kidnappings and extortion-linked homicides.
Peru’s homicide rate reached about 10.1 per 100,000 inhabitants, according to InSight Crime’s Homicide Round-Up 2024.
This is still below the Latin American median of about 17.6 per 100,000.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Peru safe for tourists? Peru is generally safe for tourists on standard routes, though petty theft and taxi scams are common in cities. Violent crime against tourists is rare, but you should avoid hailing street taxis and use ride apps or official airport taxi counters instead.
What is the crime rate in Peru? In 2023, 27.1% of Peruvians reported being a victim of at least one crime, according to INEI. For the period July to December 2025, 23.9% of the urban population suffered at least one crime. No official breakdown by nationality is published.
Which areas in Lima are dangerous? In Lima, the districts with the highest number of reported crimes include San Juan de Lurigancho, Comas, Cercado de Lima, and Ate. A 2025 U.S. State Department report says five districts—San Juan de Lurigancho, Cercado, San Martín de Porres, Comas, and Santiago de Surco—account for 35% of reported crimes in Lima.
Is it safe to take taxis in Peru? You should not hail taxis off the street, especially at airports and bus stations, as unlicensed taxis are linked to overcharging and rare express kidnappings. Use ride apps like Cabify, Uber, or inDrive, or official airport taxi counters inside terminals.
Are there protests in Peru that affect travel? Demonstrations occur frequently, often with little notice, and can turn violent. They may block roads, airports, and the rail line to Machu Picchu, especially in the southern Andes. Protests are rarely directed at tourists but can strand them, so build buffer days into your itinerary.
What is the emergency number in Peru? The emergency police number in Peru is 105. For tourist assistance, you can contact the Tourist Police via WhatsApp at +51 980 122 335. Carry identification at all times and monitor local media for alerts.
| Indicator | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Urban victimisation rate (Dec 2024–May 2025) | 23.9% | INEI |
| Perception of insecurity in Lima (same period) | 89.3% | INEI |
| Homicide rate (2024) | 10.1 per 100,000 | InSight Crime |
| Most-reported district for crime (2024) | highest in Lima | INEI |
| Extortion payment per transport driver (2026) | 10–30 soles (US$2.98–8.93) | Prensa Latina |
Sources: INEI, U.S. Department of State OSAC, Government of Canada, U.S. Embassy Lima, EUAA, InSight Crime, Geobit.ai, Peru Spirit, RoaFly, World of Travels with Kids, Swiss Lima Property, S-RM Inform, UPI, Prensa Latina.
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