Violent crime
Violent crime is common in Peru, including in the cities of:
Violent crimes include:
You could encounter:
- armed robbery and assault on Amazon River boats
- theft as you sleep on intercity bus routes between Lima, Ica, Nazca and Cusco
- assault and robbery at gunpoint on intercity buses
- bogus roadblocks or checkpoints on roads outside major cities after dark
If you’re sexually assaulted and decide to report it to the police, do it as soon as you can. You can expect to be examined to obtain forensic evidence as part of the investigation. If you delay reporting, you may experience more scrutiny by local authorities and some evidence may be lost.
Road-based crime
Travellers using unlicensed taxis have been victims of robbery, assault and rape.
Use a phone dispatch service or taxi service app to book a licensed taxi. Ask for help from staff at hotels, hostels, restaurants or entertainment venues. Be careful and pay attention to suspicious behaviour, even when taking transport booked via apps. If possible, avoid taking taxis or ride-shares by yourself.
To protect yourself from road-based crime:
- keep vehicle doors locked and windows up, even when moving
- avoid going out alone, especially at night
- don’t place belongings on overhead racks or under bus seats
- monitor the local media for potential hotspots
- don’t leave your luggage unattended
Petty crime
Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and bag snatching, is common. Thieves are often well dressed.
Criminals target people walking alone after dark, especially leaving bars or nightclubs.
Thieves frequently target mobile phones. Be aware of your surroundings before using your mobile phone in public spaces and be discreet while using it. Avoid using your phone curb-side on the street, as you may be targeted by snatch-and-grab thieves on motorcycles.
Hotspots for thieves include:
- public areas
- hotels
- conference centres
- restaurants
Smash-and-grab attacks are common in various locations around Lima and other cities. Thieves snatch items from cars stopped at traffic lights.
If you plan to go on a cruise, check the company has adequate security before booking.
Personal security
Travellers in Peru can be victims of:
- food or drink spiking, followed by robbery or assault
- ‘express kidnappings‘, where kidnappers force victims to withdraw money from ATMs before releasing them
To protect yourself from crime:
- don’t accept drinks, food, gum or cigarettes from strangers or people you have just met
- don’t leave food or drink unattended
- exchange money in banks, exchange bureaus or in your hotel
- use ATMs in banks, shopping centres or hotels where possible
Border areas
Travel to the region within 20km of the border with Colombia is dangerous.
Armed guerrilla forces from Colombia sometimes enter Peru’s remote areas.
Drug traffickers operate in:
- the border area between Peru and Colombia
- the valley of the Apurímac, Ene and Mantaro rivers (VRAEM region)
Take additional precautions in these areas.
Ayahuasca tourism
Ayahuasca tourism is a growing industry in the jungle regions. Shamans perform psychedelic rituals of spiritual cleansing.
Ayahuasca is not illegal, but some participants have been assaulted, including sexual assault, and robbed.
Ceremonies often take place in remote areas with no access to medical or mental health resources and limited communication with local authorities.
Most facilities lack basic first aid or emergency plans for people who suffer physical or mental effects after ceremonies. Participants report symptoms from being more alert but out of control through to amnesia.
If you decide to take part in ayahuasca tourism:
- research potential ayahuasca tour operators before signing up
- avoid participating in ayahuasca rituals without a trusted friend present
Cyber security
You may be at risk of cyber-based threats during overseas travel to any country. Digital identity theft is a growing concern. Your devices and personal data can be compromised, especially if you’re connecting to Wi-Fi, using or connecting to shared or public computers, or to Bluetooth.
Social media can also be risky in destinations where there are social or political tensions, or laws that may seem unreasonable by Australian standards. Travellers have been arrested for things they have said on social media. Don’t comment on local or political events on your social media.
More information: