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South America

Peru

Cusco

Cusco, is a relatively safe destination. However, as a solo female traveler, it's important to take extra precautions due to occasional instances of street harassment and petty theft, especially at night or in isolated areas. Use common sense: stick to public places, avoid traveling alone late at night, and keep your belongings close to you.

4.1 /5

Based on 6 experiences

3.5 /5

Based on research and crime data

Safety at night:Moderate

Cusco has a moderate level of safety for solo female travelers at night. Walking alone is generally safe in busy and well-lighted streets and tourist areas. However, it's essential to avoid deserted streets and neighborhoods. Incidents of pickpocketing or bag snatching are sometimes reported, so it's wise to be cautious and attentive to your belongings. As always, using reputable taxi services at night is recommended for longer distances.

Public transportation: Moderate

Public transportation in Cusco, is fairly reliable. Most use buses, vans and taxis which are plentiful in number but can be crowded and unreliable at times. Taxis don't typically have meters so you'll need to negotiate a fare before entering the vehicle. Be cautious of pickpockets in crowded buses and adhere to basic safety principles.

Street harassment: Low

In Cusco, the level of street harassment is relatively low. Although some instances of catcalling or persistent street vendors can occur, it's generally a safe place for solo female travelers. Many female tourists have reported feeling safe when walking both during the day and night. However, you should always exercise standard precautions, like avoiding unpopulated and poorly lit areas at night or disturbing situations.

Petty crimes:Moderate

Cusco generally has moderate risks of petty crime. As a solo woman traveler, you should be watchful about pickpockets and bag snatching, especially in crowded places like markets and bus stations. Watch out for distraction tactics, such as someone spilling something on you. Use sensible precautions, like not flashing expensive items, keeping your belongings close, and avoiding less populated areas at night.

Tap water:Unsafe

Drinking tap water directly in Cusco is generally not advisable due to different water treatment standards than what you may be used to. It may contain bacteria that can cause stomach illnesses. To prevent any potential health risks, it is recommended to consume boiled, purified, or bottled water.

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4.6 /5

based on 6 experiences

Things to do

4.6/5

Safety

4.1/5

Food

4.6/5

Budget-friendly

3.9/5

Solo travel experience

I had a great time and felt safe there. I spent two days there acclimating for my Inca Trail and Rainbow Mountain hikes. I walked to the Plaza de Armas, saw the Cusco Cathedral, and took a tour inside. I also enjoyed going to the San Blas area. Also walked to Saqsaywaman. It's very cool to see the whole city from the top. It's a beautiful city. I was harassed by people selling souvenirs on the street but I just ignored them.

Posted: August 9, 2023

Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 4/5

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Solo travel experience

I loved Cusco. Went to the San Pedro market, it was amazing, lots of cheap food stalls there. I stayed at Niños Hotel Fierro, and it was so adorable and had great service. Also, got altitude sickness meds from my doctor, so I didn't have to worry about acclimating.

Posted: April 11, 2023

Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5

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Solo travel experience

I felt very safe walking around the city and I loved their “made from scratch” meals, even while backpacking to Machu Picchu and Choquequirao ruins. Everything was very inexpensive and buses felt safe. I didn't rent a car and I wouldn’t recommend one since their driving habits are quite different. People have been incredibly helpful and gracious along the way.

Posted: March 30, 2023

Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5

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Group travel experience

We went to Peru in May and we felt incredibly safe in Cusco, to the point where we commented to one another about how relaxed we felt. It’s a wonderful, wonderful place to spend a few days. We did a small-group trek with Salkantay Trekking to Machu Picchu, and thought it was well-done. We had no problems with language in any of these places, as there are so many tourists who go to Peru nowadays. We even took an overnight bus and didn’t feel remotely unsafe at the station or on the bus, though I hear you need to be careful about which routes you take.

Posted: November 29, 2022

Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 4/5Safety: 4/5

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Solo travel experience

Visit the Sacred Valley, Arequipa and Puno (these two cities are easy to reach from Cuzco and are worth to visit).

Posted: October 27, 2022

Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 4/5Safety: 5/5

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Solo travel experience

Don't do Machu Picchu from Cusco. Go to the Sacred Valley first then Machu Picchu then Cusco. You want to start low and then go high. If you go first to Cusco you're much more likely to experience altitude sickness.

Posted: October 23, 2022

Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 4/5Safety: 5/5

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