Lima, Peru Safety Tips: Warnings and Dangers
Lima, the capital of Peru, serves as the gateway to many South American adventures. It’s also a destination in its own right, with a thriving culinary scene, vibrant neighborhoods to explore, and beautiful beaches.
However, like any major city, there are some safety tips you should follow when visiting. The U.S. State Department recently raised the overall travel advisory for Peru to Level 2: Exercise Increased caution due to “crime, civil unrest, and the risk of kidnapping.” Here’s what you need to know to stay safe in Lima and throughout the country.
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State Department Travel Advisory
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Road Safety Risks
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Ayahuasca and Kambo
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Lima Warnings & Dangers: Taxi Service
- Use official taxis from the airport—they offer fixed rates clearly listed in advance.
- Opt for ride-hailing apps like Uber, but always verify the license plate and driver’s details match what's shown in the app.
- Avoid getting into unmarked or unofficial vehicles, even if someone claims to be your driver.
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Areas to Avoid
- The Colombia-Peru border area in the Loreto Region due to crime.
- The Valley of the Apurímac, Ene, and Mantaro Rivers (VRAEM), which includes Vilcabamba, due to crime and threats of terrorism.
- Some areas within the regions of Ayacucho, Cusco, Huancavelica, and Junín, due to crime and threats of terrorism.
The State Department’s current travel advisory for Peru warns, “Crime is common in Peru. Petty theft, carjackings, muggings, assaults, and other violent crime often happen even in daylight hours and with many witnesses around. Kidnapping is rare, but it does occur. The risk of crime increases at night. Criminal groups sometimes set up roadblocks to rob people in areas outside of Lima.”
If you're planning to rent a car to explore beyond Lima, pay close attention to the State Department’s guidance. Certain areas should be avoided entirely, and driving at night is strongly discouraged, especially in rural regions. Road conditions and safety enforcement can vary significantly outside urban centers.
Peru has gained a reputation as a destination for hallucinogenic experiences, especially with substances like ayahuasca and kambo. However, these rituals come with significant risks. The U.S. State Department strongly advises against participating:
“U.S. travelers should not use Ayahuasca or Kambo because of the known dangers. U.S. citizens have suffered serious illness and, in some cases, died after taking these drugs. They have also been sexually assaulted, injured, or robbed while under the influence of these substances.”
Taxi scams are a common issue in Lima, especially for tourists. The most frequent scam involves drivers overcharging unsuspecting passengers. To stay safe:
If you’re planning to travel beyond Lima, be aware that there is a “Do Not Travel” warning from the State Department for the following areas:
Note that the city of Cusco and popular tourist sites nearby, like the Sacred Valley, the Inca Trail, and Machu Picchu, are not located in the “do not travel” area, and are considered to be relatively safe to visit.