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

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How safe is Lima for female travelers?

Travel safety index

4 /5

based on 16 experiences from female travelers

Luisa

Luisa

Colombia

Solo travel

It was my first time in Lima, and I can say I totally recommend it. On my first day in Lima I went to Plaza las Armas there was a lot of shops to buy anything you need on an affordable price, the main square is very cozy and chill you can walk around easily it connects to another smaller square around 3 or 4 blocks away. The coast of the city is absolutely beautiful and well maintained, there's a lot of parks with different tematics, I was mostly exploring Miraflores which is one of the most popular neighborhoods in there, I felt safe all the time, I walked around the beach and saw people surfing (there were surfing academies a long it), hotels and a lot of activities you can do, also went to the local market all with a guider from a place called Huarikebike, on this one you can visit those place around the neighborhood on bicycle while learning about the history of the city, also eat some of the local food which is 100% delicious the place is called Maraparte. I stayed near the Arena 1 (I went to a concert there) and the Malecones where the Panamerican youth games happened, I stayed in a room at an Airbnb 10 minutes away, with a lovely family the host name was Flor. The general price of the city is cheap to average and it's mostly safe, of course it's always better to be careful around it, as the locals recommended me there were some parts of the city on which is better to take an InDrive to move around, it's cheap and easy to use. I'm hoping to go there one day again, there was so much left to see.

Posted: May 27, 2025Experienced: April, 2025
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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
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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
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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
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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
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How safe is Lima for women?

Local safety index

2.5 /5

Based on 24 local experiences

Local crime index

3.1 /5

Based on 24 local experiences

Well, when you're carrying a backpack, don't leave it literally on your back in crowded places because it can be opened. Or, don't hold your cell phone in your hand on open streets (it can be stolen). Don't go alone to dark places or uncrowded streets. Downtown and tourist-heavy areas like Miraflores, San Isidro, or Surco are safer. Although other places are also "safe", always take precautions, but if you don't have much to lose like valuables, there is no problem in going to flea markets, or walking around any city.

Posted: September 14, 2025
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Fabiola

Fabiola

This is my first time here and some friends told me things like, don’t stay out over 9 pm, and about robberys. Now I’m waiting for my service transportation, I’m gonna walk out today and tell you more later

Posted: September 14, 2025
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Mafer

Mafer

Lima is a safe place as long as you don’t go to sketchy places. Just be aware of your belongings and don’t walk showing what you have, you’ll be fine. I recommend using ride-hailing apps, and as women, not walking completely alone very late in the city or in less crowded areas. Do not accept alcohol from strangers.

Posted: September 1, 2025
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It is a big city with a lot of traffic. You can eat delicious food on every corner but always be careful with your belongings. You never know what might happen if you let your guard down; go out at night accompanied. If you walk alone, be careful.

Posted: August 19, 2025
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Fatima

Fatima

I think it depends on where you are staying in Lima. If you're staying in the south of Lima you can walk until very late feeling safe, go for a cafe or to the supermarket alone there's a very low chance of being robbed (like 2%) in general south of Lima is very safe.

Posted: June 24, 2025
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Safety in Peru