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?

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 16 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

4.3/5

Safety

4/5

Food

4.7/5

Budget-friendly

3.3/5
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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Is Lima safe for women?

Safety index

2.4 /5

Based on 19 local experiences

Crime index

3 /5

Based on 19 local experiences

Lima, Peru is suffering from many extortions, so if you are coming specifically to Lima, I recommend NOT using public transportation and avoiding the districts: Callao, Los Olivos, Comas, San Juan de Lurigancho, and Cercado de Lima.

Posted: April 13, 2025
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Meet locals in Lima

@Virguit

@Virguit

About Me

I’m the kind of girl who smells like saltwater, drives like the wind, and dreams in colors no one has named yet. 🌈✨ 🌊 By day, you’ll find me chasing waves or riding my motorbike toward the sunset — wind in my hair, freedom stitched into my soul. ✌️ Some friends call me a hippie — barefoot at heart, always chasing good vibes, starry skies, and spontaneous adventures. 💻 And yes, I’m a digital nomad — working from beaches, cafés, mountaintops, or wherever the Wi-Fi (and my heart) takes me. 💼 But don’t be fooled: behind this sun-kissed smile is a sharp, strategic mind that knows how to close deals, lead meetings, and run a business like a boss. I’m incense and spreadsheets, barefoot and heels, meditation and negotiation. Under the suits? My tattoo tuxedo — a little inked reminder of the wild heart beneath the polished surface. 😉 A walking contradiction? Maybe. A balance of chaos and clarity? Definitely. A woman who lives fully, works fiercely, and wanders boldly? Always. I don’t fit into a box — I paint it, Ride over it, And turn it into art. 🎨

Speaking

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izzy

izzy

About Me

Im a 24 yo extrovert that loves to travel the world 🌈 Love to make new friends, but my dog isnt friendly enough to host in my house :(

Speaking

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Stay with locals in Lima

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

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Gisella

Gisella

Lima

Can host for:

3 days

About me

I’m bilingual Spanish and English speaker. I’m originally from Peru but I have lived in the United States for 28 years. I love to travel, to make new friends, dance and to show people my country, Peru.

Speaking

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Upcoming visitors to Lima

vivi

vivi

About Me

I love the feeling of being on the move – whether it's hiking through the mountains, skiing through fresh powder, or wandering through unfamiliar cities. To me, traveling means diving into the world with open eyes and a full heart.

Speaking

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Safety in Peru