Is Lima Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

Lima, as most of the large cities around the world, has its safe and unsafe areas. Common-sense precautions such as not flashing expensive items or travelling alone at night should be observed. Public transport can be crowded and a bit chaotic, so watch out for pickpockets. It's always advisable to stay in populated areas and tourist zones where there is a greater police presence and security measures. Overall, careful planning and vigilance can ensure a safe trip to this vibrant city.

Safety rating

Travel and Meet new People

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

How safe is Lima?

Safety at night:

Safety at night:Moderate

Lima's safety at night varies based on the area. Some districts like Miraflores and Barranco are generally safer, especially in areas with heavy police presence. However, other parts of Lima are not recommended to traverse alone at night. Public transportation should also be used with caution. Using reputable taxi services or ride-share apps is usually safer, especially after dark. Like any bustling city, caution should always be applied in Lima, regardless of day or night. Always stay alert, avoid displaying valuable possessions, and stick to well-trafficked areas.
Public transportation:

Public transportation:Moderate

Public transportation in Lima is generally reliable and can be used safely. However, it can also be chaotic and crowded especially during peak hours. This can sometimes make it uncomfortable and more vulnerable to petty thefts. Mini vans or 'combis' are usually not recommended due to their erratic driving. The Metropolitano (bus) and the Lima Metro are comparatively safer, but it's always necessary to stay alert about one's belongings. It's certainly possible to navigate through Lima with public transportation, but it must be done cautiously.
Street harassment:

Street harassment:Moderate

In Lima, you may encounter a moderate level of street harassment. It's common to hear catcalling and you might receive some unwanted attention. However, the general population is rather respectful. It is always important to use your street sense, ignore unwanted attention, dress modestly, and stay in populous areas whenever possible.
Petty crimes:

Petty crimes:Moderate

While Lima has much to offer in terms of culture and beauty, petty crimes such as pickpocketing, purse snatching, and theft can be quite common, particularly in crowded areas and tourist hotspots. It's essential to always stay alert and be cautious with your belongings to minimize the risk of falling victim to such crimes.

Is Lima worth visiting?

Overall rating

4.3 /5

based on 15 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

4.3/5

Safety

4/5

Food

4.7/5

Budget-friendly

3.4/5

Solo travel

Lima, Perú is a wonderful place! I stayed around 4 days and then travelled to Cusco. I enjoyed delicious food; one of them that is typical is Ceviche, a dish marinated in citrus and seasonings, along with ingredients like onions, chiles, and herbs. One of the funniest activities I did was to go to the Huacachina desert, where I travelled around the desert on buggies and did sandboarding. I highly recommend it!

Posted: May 7, 2024
favorite_border 5
mode_comment 0

Solo travel

I really fell in love with Lima, which I didn't expect, because I heared a lot of mixed stories from other travellers. You need to know which areas are safe, but especially in Barranco and Miraflores I felt super safe! A lot of cute restaurants and cafés, I'll definitely come back to stay here longer!

Posted: February 8, 2024Experienced: February, 2024
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0

Solo travel

I spent a few days alone in Lima in January of this year. I really had a good time (I stayed in Miraflores) and didn't have any problems. I took a great walking tour, ate incredible food, and everyone was very kind. I recommend adhering to usual safety rules and not walking alone after dusk.

Posted: November 5, 2023
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0
Jov

Jov

Ecuador

Solo travel

Worked remote from Lima for 2 months and loved it. Friendly culture, lots to do, affordable, easy to get around. Felt safe as a female solo traveller The food is incredible! It’s easy to eat and live healthily in Peru. Lots of activities

Posted: May 15, 2023Experienced: January, 2020
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0

Solo travel

Personally, I was not a fan of Lima. The traffic was a nightmare and I spent ages moving from one place to another (I used Uber). The old town had some amazing buildings and it was worth spending a day there. I stayed in Miraflores. I felt safe walking around there, but I was cautious in the evening.

Posted: April 11, 2023
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0

Solo travel

Safety: I was alone at night in Miraflores, Barranco, and downtown. I didn't have any problems. Recommendations: This is a huge city with good and bad sides. Always have cash on you. Many smaller places don't accept cards. Learn a few basic words in Spanish. Taxi drivers will try to take advantage of you. The airport is not in a very nice area.

Posted: October 29, 2022
favorite_border 72
mode_comment 0

Solo travel

You will most likely come to Lima, it's a nice stop for good cuisine and it's worth staying there for a day or two. I stayed in Barranco and I really liked this area. If you want to go to Cusco, give yourself enough time to acclimate.

Posted: October 28, 2022
favorite_border 69
mode_comment 0

Solo travel

Safety: Lima is completely safe. Recommendations: Kennedy Park is fun - vendors appear there in the evenings. Wonderful outdoor shopping center near the beach, with fantastic restaurants overlooking the ocean. There is a promenade near the Marriott and there is an ice cream shop with the best ice cream in the world.

Posted: October 25, 2022
favorite_border 69
mode_comment 0

Solo travel

I loved Lima, I stayed there for the first time for several weeks because it was May and the weather was fantastic. Sunny, blue skies, and warm. Lima is known for being very gray... there aren't many days with a blue sky. I chose the Barranco district as my base. A wonderful bohemian (although in some parts exclusive) place by the ocean, full of cafes, bars, theaters, restaurants, art galleries, live concerts, etc. It's easy to catch an express bus to the city, downtown and old parts of Lima. Next to Barranco is Miraflores, a place definitely more touristic and attracts many foreigners. It has a shopping center on the cliffs overlooking the ocean, many shops, and restaurants.

Posted: October 25, 2022
favorite_border 89
mode_comment 0

Solo travel

Safety: I always felt very safe in Lima, but I did not walk there after dark. Recommendations: Finish the free walk. If you don't have plans for the evening, you should try going to "Parque de las Aguas" to watch a water show - it is really impressive.

Posted: October 24, 2022
favorite_border 77
mode_comment 0

Is Lima safe for women?

Safety index

2.2 /5

Based on 8 local experiences

Crime index

2.4 /5

Based on 8 local experiences

Ariadna

Ariadna

It depends on the area. Stuck to Miraflores or Barranco. Never wear your backpack on your back in public transport. Maybe avoid public transport at all. Don't carry anything on your pockets. If people realize you are a turist they would target you.

Posted: December 26, 2024
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0

Lima is a big city but I recommend no going out alone specially at night. It is better take taxi by secure application and no walk with the phone exposed. There some places that are considered safe but we always have to has precautions

Posted: December 23, 2024
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0

Meet locals in Lima

Laura

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.

Speaking

mode_comment 0
@Virguit

@Virguit

About Me

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

Speaking

mode_comment 0

Stay with locals in Lima

@Virguit

@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

mode_comment 0
Laura

Laura

Lima

Can host for:

4 days

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.

Speaking

mode_comment 0

Upcoming visitors to Lima

Kadri

Kadri

About Me

Hey! I’m Kadri, a Canadian-Estonian living in Montreal. I like hiking, climbing and all things outdoors. I’m a project manager by occupation and enjoy talking about professional development topics.

Speaking

mode_comment 0
Kadri

Kadri

About Me

Hey! I’m Kadri, a Canadian-Estonian living in Montreal. I like hiking, climbing and all things outdoors. I’m a project manager by occupation and enjoy talking about professional development topics.

Speaking

mode_comment 0

Safety in Peru