Is Cusco Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

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.

Safety rating

4.1 /5

Based on 11 experiences from female travelers

3.5 /5

Based on our research and crime data

3.2 /5

Based on 3 experiences from local women

Cusco is currently ranked #4 safest place in Peru for solo female travellers, with an overall safety rating of 4.1 out of 5. . Check the full ranking.

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How safe is Cusco?

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.

Is Cusco worth visiting?

Overall rating

4.4 /5

based on 11 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

4.8/5

Safety

4.1/5

Food

4.5/5

Budget-friendly

3.5/5

Emily

United Kingdom

Couple travel

A vibrant city always buzzing with activities and life. LOADS of activities which are pretty affordable, plenty of tours on get your guide, don't even need to be good at hiking because all the hikes have horses to take you most the way if you prefer. Tour guides are good, stayed pretty close to the centre most the time, but always felt super safe. AMAZING views within a couple hours drive of the city which when done with tours tends to include a couple of meals and transport etc. You need cash always, we pretty much had to withdraw daily to afford to pay our hostels, activities, food etc in cash, withdrawing 400 soles at once, shared between 2 of us. Not that we spend that much daily. But with combined costs, and souvenirs, it may as well have been. We spent a lot but we did a lot so no regrets. Definitely worth the visit.

Posted: June 15, 2025Experienced: June, 2025

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Barbara

Netherlands

Solo travel

Did a solo excursion to the laguna humantay and it was tough but so worth it! Being is cuzco was amazing, safest place i’ve been to in Peru for sure! Lots police, but also so many other tourists. Even at night i felt safe :)

Posted: May 12, 2025

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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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Cat

France

Group travel

Cusco was a blast! This city is so cute and has so much to offer. I felt very safe and even walked after dark. The hostels are very comfortable and all the businesses are very welcoming. There are hidden gems everywhere and would definitely go back. Be cautious of the altitude change!

Posted: May 9, 2024

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Luna

United States

Solo travel

Solo travel to Cusco was the best decision I’ve made. The city is warm and welcoming i didn’t feel uncomfortable the time spent there. I will definitely go back someday. You can expect a diverse and unique food in Cusco and its budget friendly.

Posted: April 13, 2024

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Solo travel

I had a very good time there and I felt safe. I spent two days there, acclimatizing to my hikes on the Inca Trail and Rainbow Mountain. I went to the Plaza de Armas, saw the Cathedral in Cuzco and took a tour inside it. I also liked walking around the San Blas area. I also went to Saqsaywaman. It's amazing how the whole city can be seen from the top. It's a beautiful city. I was bothered by people selling souvenirs on the street, but I just ignored them.

Posted: August 9, 2023

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Is Cusco safe for women?

Safety index

3.2 /5

Based on 3 local experiences

Crime index

1.3 /5

Based on 3 local experiences

Séphora

It's an authentic touristic town. You can walk all alone by night and feel safe. Locals are helpful and mostly friendly. It is very easy to meet people from all over the world and aslo make friends with local people.

Posted: December 28, 2024

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Cusco is a beautiful city, but be careful as a woman solo traveler. The men catcall and can be a bit inappropriate in clubs or social settings. My friend got her phone stolen on public transportation, so be sure to keep your valuables in a bag on the front of your body. The public transportation felt way safer than taxi/Uber for me as I don’t like riding alone with a man. If I was going to the center of the city(plaza de Armas) at night alone I was always sure to have a friend meet me there or be waiting for me so I don’t have to be alone.

Posted: June 22, 2024

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