Is Peru Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

Peru offers various experiences with its rich cultural history, vibrant cities, and beautiful landscapes. Like many travel destinations, safety can depend on location, awareness, and behavior. The overall crime rate is relatively high but mostly revolves around theft. Always remain aware of your surroundings and take standard precautions such as avoiding isolated areas at nighttime, keeping personal belongings secure, and not flashing expensive items. Solo female travelers should also take precautions when interacting with strangers. Taxis are a preferred mode of transport. Always book from reputable companies or use a known app. It is generally safe during daylight while participating in organized tours or activities.

Safety rating

4.5 /5

Based on 76 experiences from female travelers

3.5 /5

Based on our research and crime data

2.9 /5

Based on 22 experiences from local women

Peru is currently ranked #48 safest country for solo female travelers, with an overall safety rating of 4.5 out of 5. Check the full ranking.

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How safe is Peru?

Safety at night:Unsafe

During the night, in Peru, solo female walking alone might face some safety issues. Major cities like Lima, Cusco, and Arequipa can be relatively safe, but it is always recommended to use reputable transportation services and avoid secluded areas. Be particularly cautious in areas with high levels of crime. It's also a good practice to inform someone of your whereabouts and expected return.

Public transportation:Moderate

Public transportation in Peru varies in safety and reliability. Major cities like Lima have reasonable public bus systems and authorized taxi services that are generally considered secure, although they can be chaotic due to heavy traffic. Long-distance bus travel in Peru is popular, with many operators offering a safe and comfortable journey, but it's paramount to choose a reliable bus company. However, theft can be a concern on both local and long haul buses, so it's advisable to always keep an eye on your belongings, especially in crowded situations. It's also not recommended to travel at night due to poorer road conditions and the higher risk of accidents. Always use licensed and trusted transport providers for the sake of your safety.

Street harassment:Moderate

Peru has a moderate level of street harassment. While not widespread, instances of catcalling and unwanted attention are not uncommon, especially in busier city areas. As a solo female traveler, it's important to remain alert and aware of your surroundings. It's recommended to dress modestly to blend in with the local women and avoid unwanted attention. However, most locals are respectful and hospitable to tourists.

Petty crimes:Moderate

While Peru is a beautiful and culturally rich country to visit, it does have a certain level of risk concerning petty crimes like pickpocketing and bag-snatching, especially in crowded tourist spots and public transportation. It is important to be cautious with your belongings and remain aware of your surroundings to mitigate this risk.

Is Peru worth visiting?

Overall rating

4.7 /5

based on 76 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

4.7/5

Safety

4.5/5

Food

4.7/5

Budget-friendly

4.1/5

Ayacucho, Solo travel

I felt pretty safe, all Taxi drivers felt secure. At night, as a women dont walk alone, because there could be machismo sometimes. Food was Great and the activities you could experience around are awesome. I would recommend to stay at least 3 days in Cusco

Posted: October 19, 2024

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Emely

Germany

Peru, Solo travel

I felt super safe in Peru! And the food is really delicious. One of the best in the world! What I did in Lima was eating and doing a paragliding course. It was relatively cheap (300€ for around 5 days - at least cheap compared to when you do it in Germany) and I could start the next day, what was great because I had a week left before going to Ecuador and had to find stuff to do. You can do sandboarding in huacachina, Doing a Colca Canion tour in Arequipa, doing the salcantay Trail of 4 days hiking and seeing the Machu Picchu! That was amazing! And going to Iquitos in the jungle for 4 days with a organised tour. That was great too!!

Posted: October 16, 2024

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Daphny

Panama

Peru, Solo travel

I hadthe pleasure to visit Perú this year. I had a wonderful time. In Lima, I was hosted by a lady from one if my travel networks. We had so much fun together. I traveled to other reguons of Perú, including Cusco, Paracas, Huacachina, Aguas Calientes, rainbow mountain, sacred valley and others. The food in Perú is amazing and Peruvians are kind and friendly. I highly recommend Perú to travel as a single lady or in groups.

Posted: October 14, 2024Experienced: March, 2024

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@Virguit

Peru

Machupicchu Historical Sanctuary, Group travel

Travel to Machupicchu is really easy, safe and friendly! Locals take care very well of the tourist. It is really amazing, highly recommend the to do the Inca Trail… it is so much to share about it that when you decide to go, contact me and I’ll share the tips.

Posted: September 23, 2024

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Brenda

Brazil

Machu Picchu, Solo travel

I did a solo trip in machu pichu/peru in Septerber of 2024. It was very expensive to do it by train, maybe it would be less if I walked the path into it. The experience was marvelous, I don't have many words to use for it, ir was amazing, all the history and the views, I recommend very much get an guide to visit machu pichu. I didn't got one and missed it too much. I felt safe the hole time, in the train the bus, até the restaurants, the arts gallery.

Posted: September 13, 2024Experienced: September, 2024

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Jucyele

United States

Peru, Solo travel

One of my best experiences in life traveling alone. Peru is incredible, amazing food and people. So many places to visit that I could spend months and wouldn’t be able to see everything. I would definitely recommend.

Posted: August 18, 2024

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Barranco, Solo travel

Overall I felt safe,as I walked the streets late at night and it was very fine. In generell ,I feel that men look at me often and depending on my mood I get angry by it fast or not... but there werent many that talked to me and I often just keep walking if they what more than a "hola". I loved just walked around in Barranco Seeing the streetart and going inti the free art galleries on the street down to the beach. The beach is also nice for long walks, you can walk to Miraflores,too,I love that!!! I cooked foood mostly in tze lovley hostel I was at, and I bought mostly everythig in the supermarket as I frel most comportable with it. In the market on the streets you can get fruut and vegetebles more special and cheaper also. I stay in the Hostel Passión d Corazón!I volunteered there also to pay less for staying there. I loved it! The peole there a very friendly and it is really trustful and family-like.

Posted: July 23, 2024Experienced: June, 2024

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Anita

Canada

Peru, Solo travel

If Peru isn’t in your bucket list, I would add it. Peru took me by surprise as, at the time, I had never seen such beauty. I used the tour company called Peru Hop and i absolutely loved the style of travel. They are essentially a full service company and your personal body guards lol I spent a week exploring starting in Lima, spent a night in each new city, learned about their rich culture and biodiversity, and of course visited Machu Picchu. You’ll love it.

Posted: June 12, 2024

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Cusco, Solo travel

I visited Cusco using a local travelers agency. The service was wonderful. Cusco is a beautiful city, with lots of historical interesting places to visit. The local food is one of the best in the world if you like experimenting new things. I personally felt safe because I made a few new friends along the trip, so I never was alone.

Posted: June 11, 2024

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Anne

Belgium

Peru, Solo travel

I was in Peru for 5 months and coule have stayed longer! From the Amazon to the border with Bolivia, I loved every part of my journey. I met the most beautiful people, I learned from various indigenous communities and left with an open hart, a full belly from all the delicious food and lots of new friends and family!

Posted: June 6, 2024

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Is Peru safe for women?

Safety index

2.9 /5

Based on 22 local experiences

Crime index

2.7 /5

Based on 22 local experiences

Lima

Tourist areas can be quite busy and bad people could take advantage of that to take things out of your pockets, hands or purse. I will say that if you have to be precautious and aware of your surroundings while walking. Try not to use your phone on the streets and don’t drive with the windows down.

Posted: January 2, 2025

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Tarapoto

Tarapoto is a small town where almost everyone knows and protects each other. It is very safe during most of the day. Crime rate is very low, but one most always take some precautions at late night and also if you are far from the city.

Posted: December 31, 2024

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Meet locals in Peru

Laura

About Me

I specialize in Microsoft products, particularly SQL Server and Power BI, and have experience in Business Intelligence and Data Analytics projects. As a freelancer, I have successfully collaborated with international clients, earning 5-star reviews for my ability to craft insightful Power BI reports and automate processes in Excel.

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@Virguit

About Me

🏳️‍🌈 #Journalist #TravelGirl #OceanLover #TattooGirl #MotorBikeGirl #Activist #Spirit🇵🇪Mi mayor signo de cordura es que acepto mi locura @ᏉᎥᏒᎶuᎥᏆ

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Stay with locals in Peru

@Virguit

Lima

Can host for:

7 days

About me

🏳️‍🌈 #Journalist #TravelGirl #OceanLover #TattooGirl #MotorBikeGirl #Activist #Spirit🇵🇪Mi mayor signo de cordura es que acepto mi locura @ᏉᎥᏒᎶuᎥᏆ

Speaking

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Laura

Lima

Can host for:

4 days

Passionate about traveling, technology, and cultural learning. I study Business Management Engineering and love discovering new cultures, languages, and experiences. In my free time, I enjoy reading about space discoveries, learning languages like English, Portuguese, and Chinese, and exploring unique flavors from every place. Always looking for adventures and meaningful connections around the world.

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Rebecca

Ica

Can host for:

3 days

About me

Hi! I'm an American living with my Peruvian husband in Ica. We have hosted a few tourists in the past. We enjoy giving tours to the people that visit us and hanging out with our groups of friends to sip some pisco 😊

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Angela

Lima

Can host for:

3 days

About me

Hi, I'm Angela. I am a university student who likes to travel. What inspires me is to learn more and more, I feel that from every experience you have, you always take something with you. Traveling for me means living, you live every moment of your trip, you see things and places that you have never seen before.