Peru Safety 2026: Current travel advice on crime, protests, natural hazards and health

Peru remains a popular travel destination, but practical experience reveals clear differences in safety depending on the region, time of day, and mode of transport. This website compiles up-to-date information on crime, demonstrations, states of emergency, natural hazards, altitude, health, and traffic. A key focus is on concrete, easily implementable measures.

As of January 8, 2026

Contents

• Crime and typical scams
• Protests, strikes and states of emergency
• Regions with increased risk
• Natural hazards and weather
• Health: Altitude, mosquitoes, vaccinations
• Transport and Mobility
• Checklist for safe days in Peru
• FAQ
• Sources

Crime and typical scams

The main areas of focus are large cities, public transport, bus stations, shopping streets and markets. There is also an increased risk in outlying districts and at night, including in tourist areas of some cities.

Hotspots and higher-risk situations

• City centers in the evening, bustling squares, markets and nightlife areas
• Bus stations, transfers, queues and crowds
• Taxi transfers, especially with unlicensed providers
• Overland journeys at night on certain routes

Common offenses and procedures

• Pickpocketing: Distraction, crowds, teamwork
• Robbery: often quick, sometimes with weapons; resistance increases the risk
• Express kidnappings: Forced withdrawal of money from ATMs
• Date rape drugs: Risk in bars and clubs with unattended drinks
• Internet fraud: Building trust, later courier or money demands

Practical protective measures without "panic mode"

• Carry close to the body: money and cards separate, small "daily wallet", rest in the safe
• Document backup: digital copies of passport, insurance documents, tickets, emergency contacts
• Taxi selection: Use official or arranged providers, not spontaneous street taxis.
• Drinks policy: no unattended drinks, no accepting drinks from strangers.
• Evening plans: well-lit paths, groups instead of solo walks, return trip organized in advance

Note regarding Lima Airport

A safe pick-up is considered particularly important. Transfers via licensed providers in the arrivals area reduce the risk during arrival and departure.

Emergency contact

Tourist Police (Lima, Policía de Turismo): Calle General Vidal 230, Tel. +511 4601060 / 4600849 / 4600921

Protests, strikes and states of emergency

Protests remain difficult to predict. Blockades can affect roads, railway lines, and airport access routes, sometimes without much warning. Additionally, states of emergency exist temporarily in certain regions, with an increased presence of security forces and restricted rights for the population.

Impact on travel

• Interruptions to long-distance bus routes, closures of main roads
• Disruptions to train services, including on touristically important routes in the south
• Restrictions at land borders due to strikes or security measures
• Additional time checks and detours in emergency areas

Sensible response to blockages

• Distance from crowds and demonstrations
• Replanning instead of driving through, no attempt to "push through" at barriers.
• Buffer times in each stage, especially before flights and onward travel
• Information sources about accommodation, reputable providers and local authorities

Regions with increased risk

Some border and inland regions exhibit increased risks from organized crime or security-related incidents. Official warnings cite, among other things, the proximity to the Colombian border (Loreto, certain zones), the VRAEM area, and specific sub-regions. According to the official classification, key tourist destinations around Cusco, the Sacred Valley, the Inca Trail, and Machu Picchu are outside these affected areas.

Typical risk drivers

• Organized crime and drug trafficking in certain border and river zones
• Weaker infrastructure and limited assistance in remote areas
• Armed incidents and robberies on certain routes, sometimes at night

Amazon and boat tours

There is an increased risk in isolated sections of the river. A tour with established operators, clear route planning, and group organization are considered a robust foundation.

Natural hazards and weather

Peru lies in a seismically active zone. Additionally, the rainy season in the highlands and transitional regions can lead to landslides and flooding. Volcanoes in the south continue to show activity, often with ash emissions and regional restrictions.

Rainy season and route selection

• Rainy season (December to March): higher probability of landslides and road closures
• Mountain routes: additional travel times, alternative routes and flexible bookings
• Warning system: Observe local warnings and closures

Health: Altitude, mosquitoes, vaccinations

Altitude and acclimatization

Andean regions often lie well above 2,500 meters. A slow ascent, rest on the first day, sufficient hydration, and a moderate pace reduce the risk of altitude sickness. In cases of severe symptoms, medical evaluation is advisable; in serious cases, a rapid descent is the most important measure.

Mosquito protection and tropical risks

Mosquito-borne diseases occur in lower elevations east of the Andes. Consistent mosquito protection using repellent, long clothing, and mosquito nets is one of the most important measures.

Malaria in Peru: a rough guide

• Main transmission areas: below 2,500 meters east of the Andes, including Amazon regions
• No transmission area: many highland tourist regions and several coastal cities

Yellow fever, general guideline

A yellow fever vaccination is recommended for travel to certain areas below 2,300 meters. For stays above this altitude, including Lima, Cusco, Machu Picchu, and the Inca Trail, it is not recommended in official travel advice. However, proof of vaccination may still be required when traveling onward to a third country.

Herbal medicine and ceremonies

One safety aspect concerns substances like ayahuasca or kamo. Reports of serious incidents, assaults, and thefts exist, especially in uncontrolled settings. A sober risk assessment and the choice of reputable, medically supervised facilities reduce risks, but a zero-risk option is not guaranteed.

Transport and Mobility

Chaotic traffic is a daily occurrence in many cities. The risk of accidents is particularly high on rural roads, especially mountain roads and at night. Strikes and protests can also cause short-term disruptions to passenger services.

Robust decisions in transport

• Day trips: Focus on daytime journeys, reduction of night journeys
• Bus choice: larger providers and fixed terminals instead of spontaneous departures
• Route to Machu Picchu: Traveling by train is often a safer alternative to certain bus and ski routes.
• Taxi: official companies or bookings through accommodation, no street pickups

Checklist for safe days in Peru

• Documents: digital copies, separate storage, emergency numbers readily available
• Money: small cash reserve, cards kept separate, valuables in the safe
• Mobility: Avoid night journeys, allow buffer time before flights, plan alternative routes
• Environment: Avoid outlying areas and risky zones; keep evening routes short and organized.
• Demonstrations: Keep your distance from assemblies, do not pass blockades
• Health: Altitude acclimatization, mosquito protection in the lowlands, travel insurance with repatriation
• Crisis preparedness: Registration on a crisis preparedness list, contact details of the representative

FAQ

PeruMagazin channel on WhatsApp

Sources

• German Federal Foreign Office: Peru travel and safety advice, as of January 8, 2026
• GOV.UK FCDO: Peru Travel Advice, Safety and Security, Regional Risks
• US Department of State: Peru Travel Advisory (Level 2), May 16, 2025
• CDC Travelers' Health: Peru, Information on Malaria Risk Areas and Health