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

Make friends while traveling solo

Get the Travel Ladies app to meet other women, find travel buddies and stay with locals for free through hospitality exchange.
Download from App StoreDownload from Google Play
Get the Travel Ladies App

How safe is Peru?

Safety at night:

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:

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:

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:

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 81 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

4.7/5

Safety

4.5/5

Food

4.6/5

Budget-friendly

4.1/5
Angela

Angela

Chile

Tacna, Family travel

Personally, I really like Tacna, because despite being a small city, it has a lot to offer, especially the food and beautiful places. Without a doubt, Peruvian cuisine is delicious. It's a good weekend plan.

Posted: April 14, 2025Experienced: February, 2025
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0

Machu Picchu, Solo travel

Yes, it was all very nice. If you haven't bought tickets, you can get them a day before in the same city of Machu Picchu. However, the line is long, and if they call out numbers, everything is organized, but if many people go, the time slots can run out. But if you are already in Cusco and don't have tickets for Machu Picchu, it's a good alternative. If you have any questions, you can write to me, and I'll help you as it was a very nice experience.

Posted: April 13, 2025
favorite_border 2
mode_comment 0

Peru, Solo travel

I went to Miraflores and stayed there for a couple of days. There's a very international atmosphere, and I felt safe most of the time. Of course, at night I was a bit more careful but I think that's how I'd normally behave in any city. I recommend this place for sure.

Posted: April 1, 2025
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0

Tarapoto, Solo travel

I loved the Nature around Tarapoto! I stayed with Friends so i cant say something about Hostels But i Heard there are some good ones. You can easily get around in motocar (5 soles If its another quadra) and it should be mostly save at daytime (bei carefull at night ans also in quiet far away areas in the city) The food you can buy On the Corners like Maduro con queso y maní oder das Getränk Aguachina are perfekt (you need to be carefull tho because it Is streetfood) there are also nice Restaurants Like blue elephant and Panda to eat Makis and the vegetarian Menu on jirón Ramírez Hurtado is nice, you get a Lot for the price. Also recommend to Drink Coconut water. On the markets you can try Lots of different food and fruits. Visiting Centro Urku (animal rescue Center) and the natural Parc that comes when you follow the Same Road to the end (to hike waterfall or top of the beautiful Mountains) are recommended! Near to the Center you can go partying in Calle de las piedras (stonewasi with live Rock music, Cava, Karaoke Bars, ...) Or you Go More far to the Discothek (papipoint/ Anaconda) Tarapoto definetly Is my Favorite place On earth i Hope you get to see why! <3

Posted: March 7, 2025Experienced: July, 2024
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0

Peru, Family travel

In Peru I felt safe in general, although I think is because I chose good neighbours to stay, for example in Lima I stayed in Miraflores. If you go to Peru you need to try Ceviche, Ají de Gallina, canchitas, among others. I went for 10 days: 2 in Lima, 3 in Huaraz (If I go again I'd go for 5 days to aclimate before doing trekkings that are around 4600 km of height), then 3 days Machu Picchu and 2 days Lima. It was enough to see the best of Peru, but If I could I'd have stayed longer and see more of that beautiful country.

Posted: February 27, 2025Experienced: June, 2024
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0

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
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0
Emely

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
favorite_border 2
mode_comment 0
Daphny

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
favorite_border 2
mode_comment 0
@Virguit

@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
favorite_border 8
mode_comment 0
Brenda

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
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0

Is Peru safe for women?

Safety index

2.9 /5

Based on 31 local experiences

Crime index

2.8 /5

Based on 31 local experiences

Peru

It depends, on known district like miraflores, barranco, san borja, san isidro, are safe enough, i can walk at night, just walking fast, never alone. But its 3/5 safe for me. Not much to worry about. Be safe.

Posted: April 15, 2025
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0

Lima

Lima, Peru is suffering from many extortions, so if you are coming specifically to Lima, I recommend NOT using public transportation and avoiding the districts: Callao, Los Olivos, Comas, San Juan de Lurigancho, and Cercado de Lima.

Posted: April 13, 2025
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0

Meet locals in Peru

@Virguit

@Virguit

About Me

Embodying a free-spirited sense of adventure, I am a travel lady always eager for new experiences and authentic connections. I thrive on engaging with new cultures, cherishing every opportunity to share in their traditions and stories. Deeply friendly and spiritually attuned, my passion for the ocean mirrors my inner love for nature’s endless beauty. I lead a lifestyle free from smoking, enjoy drinking only socially, and honor my Inca beliefs through mindful, respectful living. Every journey is a new chapter of discovery, growth, and heartfelt connection. 🏳️‍🌈 #Journalist #TravelGirl #OceanLover #TattooGirl #MotorBikeGirl #Activist #FreeSpirit @ᏉᎥᏒᎶuᎥᏆ

Speaking

mode_comment 1
Karla

Karla

About Me

Hii!! I’m Karla I’m 26 yo I'm just starting to travel. I'm very excited and nervous about these little adventures and I would really like to have many to fill me with memories and adventures 🫶🏼

Speaking

mode_comment 0

Stay with locals in Peru

@Virguit

@Virguit

Lima

Can host for:

7 days

About me

Embodying a free-spirited sense of adventure, I am a travel lady always eager for new experiences and authentic connections. I thrive on engaging with new cultures, cherishing every opportunity to share in their traditions and stories. Deeply friendly and spiritually attuned, my passion for the ocean mirrors my inner love for nature’s endless beauty. I lead a lifestyle free from smoking, enjoy drinking only socially, and honor my Inca beliefs through mindful, respectful living. Every journey is a new chapter of discovery, growth, and heartfelt connection. 🏳️‍🌈 #Journalist #TravelGirl #OceanLover #TattooGirl #MotorBikeGirl #Activist #FreeSpirit @ᏉᎥᏒᎶuᎥᏆ

Speaking

mode_comment 1
Pamela

Pamela

Miraflores

Can host for:

3 days

About me

I am Pamela, I live in Lima Peru, I am outgoing and very friendly. I love to travel, discover new places and cultures. I love animals 🐶

Speaking

mode_comment 0

Upcoming visitors to Peru

Emily

Emily

About Me

I'm a student living in Birmingham England, but I love to travel whenever I can! I love yoga and calisthenics style stuff like climbing and pole dancing... I'm obsessed with food, and addicted to cheese... I'm super adventurous and love learning new things. The next trip I have planned is a 3 month adventure packed trip around south America, where I hope to learn to surf 😁😁😁

Speaking

mode_comment 0
Emily

Emily

About Me

I'm a student living in Birmingham England, but I love to travel whenever I can! I love yoga and calisthenics style stuff like climbing and pole dancing... I'm obsessed with food, and addicted to cheese... I'm super adventurous and love learning new things. The next trip I have planned is a 3 month adventure packed trip around south America, where I hope to learn to surf 😁😁😁

Speaking

mode_comment 0

Safety in Peru