Travel Safety in Peru

There are a number of security issues in Peru. Petty crime is the primary risk to travellers particularly in or near public areas in Lima, Cusco, and Arequipa. Violent crime - including sexual assault, armed robbery, muggings, and carjacking - is also a common occurrence in major cities.

There have also been cases of express kidnappings (the short-term abduction of people with the objective of having them withdraw money from an ATM or taking their valuables) predominantly in Arequipa and Cusco.

There is an ongoing risk of insurgent activity (including kidnapping, conflict, and terrorism) in rural areas of Apurímac, Ayacucho, Huancavelica, Junín, Huánuco, San Martín, and Ucayali. These security risks are also prevalent along the Peru-Colombia border (Loreto department). Landmines remain a problem along the Peru-Ecuador border in the departments of Loreto, Amazonas (Cordillera del Condor) and Cajamarca. 

Demonstrations occur regularly throughout Peru and have turned violent in the past. In rural areas, particularly in Arequipa department, unrest can lead to the blockade of major highways and villages for several days.

Medical facilities are adequate in private hospitals in major cities but limited in smaller urban centres and rural areas.