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 /5

Based on 9 experiences from female travelers

3.5 /5

Based on our research and crime data

Cusco is currently ranked #4 safest place in Peru for solo female travellers, with an overall safety rating of 4 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 9 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

4.7/5

Safety

4/5

Food

4.5/5

Budget-friendly

3.6/5

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

United States

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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Solo travel

I loved Cusco. I went to the San Pedro market, it was incredible, lots of cheap food stalls. I stayed at the Niños Fierro hotel, which was very friendly and had great service. I also got medicine for altitude sickness from my doctor, so I didn't have to worry about acclimatizing.

Posted: April 11, 2023

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Solo travel

I felt very safe walking around the city and loved their "made from scratch" meals, even while trekking to Machu Picchu and the Choquequirao ruins. Everything was very cheap, and the buses seemed safe. I did not rent a car and I would not recommend it, as their driving habits are quite different. People were incredibly helpful and courteous at every step.

Posted: March 30, 2023

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Group travel

We went to Peru in May and we felt incredibly safe in Cusco, to the extent that we were talking to each other about how relaxed we felt. It's a great, wonderful place to spend a few days. We did a small group hike with Salkantay Trekking to Machu Picchu and we found it to be very well organized. We had no language problems at any of these places, as so many tourists now visit Peru. We even took a night bus and didn't feel unsafe at the station or on the bus at all, though I've heard you have to be careful which routes you choose.

Posted: November 29, 2022

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Solo travel

Visit the Sacred Valley, Arequipa and Puno (these two cities are easily accessible from Cuzco and are worth visiting).

Posted: October 27, 2022

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Solo travel

Do not visit Machu Picchu from Cusco. First, go to the Sacred Valley, then to Machu Picchu, and then to Cusco. You want to start from low and then go higher. If you go to Cusco first, there is a much greater risk that you will experience altitude sickness.

Posted: October 23, 2022

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Is Cusco safe for women?

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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Meet locals in Cusco

Emma

About Me

Hello! I’m Emma. I’m from Colorado in the USA. After my first solo trip through Europe I became fascinated with learning a language. This led me to my second solo trip through central and South America, spending two months at a language school in Costa Rica. During this trip I absolutely fell in love with Peru and have found a job so I can relocate to this beautiful city. I love the outdoors, animals, and exploring! Would love to connect, female friendships are some of the most beautiful parts of traveling for me!