Is Peru safe for solo female travellers?

Peru is generally safe for solo female travellers. The country is known for its friendly people and vibrant culture, and the majority of visitors have a positive experience. It is important to take the same precautions as you would in any other country, such as avoiding walking alone at night, being aware of your surroundings, and not carrying large amounts of cash. Additionally, it is recommended to dress modestly and to research the areas you plan to visit in advance. With the right preparation and precautions, Peru can be a safe and enjoyable destination for solo female travellers.

Safety reviews from Peru

Overall rating

5 /5

based on 18 experiences

Rating summary

Things to do

5/5

Safety

5/5

Food

4.9/5

Budget-friendly

4.7/5

Solo travel experience

I flew to Lima, Lima to Cusco. Taxi’d to the train station, drank a bunch of the coco tea. Got to the town right below Machu Picchu spent the night there and in the morning took the bus up. After hiking around I caught the bus back down, then the train back to Cusco. Stayed at a hostel there for a night, next day I caught a flight from Cusco back to Lima. Stayed at hostels the whole time. Lots of free walking tours in Lima.

Posted: May 31, 2023
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Solo travel experience

I spent time in Lima and Cusco during my first solo trip. I was advised to stay in Miraflores in Lima, as it was the safest area. I was a bit too cautious and didn't go out at night. However, I felt very secure in Cusco and ventured out a few nights. Knowing some Spanish was a great help and the people I met were very friendly. Unfortunately, I never made it to Machu Picchu.

Posted: May 30, 2023
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Solo travel experience

I visited Lima, Paracas, Huacachina, Nazca, Arequipa, Colca Canyon, Puno, Cusco, Machu Picchu, and Ollantaytambo. I felt secure in all of these places, except for Lima, where I had to be more vigilant and take the usual precautions of a large city. I felt especially safe in Arequipa, Cusco, and Ollantaytambo, and I was able to wander around at night without any worries. There were always lots of people in the public squares.

Posted: May 24, 2023
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Safety tips for solo female travellers in Peru

Peru can be a safe destination for solo female travelers, but it's important to take some precautions to ensure your safety. Here are some safety tips for solo female travelers in Peru:

Research your destination

Before travelling to Peru, it is important to research the area you are visiting. This includes learning about the culture, customs, and safety of the area. Knowing what to expect can help you stay safe and avoid any potential risks.

Stay aware of your surroundings

When travelling alone, it is important to stay aware of your surroundings. Be aware of people around you and trust your instincts. If something doesn’t feel right, it is best to leave the area.

Avoid travelling alone at night

It is best to avoid travelling alone at night, especially in unfamiliar areas. If you must travel at night, try to stay in well-lit areas and avoid walking alone.

Dress appropriately

When travelling in Peru, it is important to dress appropriately. Avoid wearing revealing clothing and try to blend in with the locals.

Stay in secure accommodation

When travelling alone, it is important to stay in secure accommodation. Make sure to research the area and read reviews before booking a place to stay.

Don’t carry large amounts of cash

When travelling alone, it is best to avoid carrying large amounts of cash. Instead, use a credit or debit card to pay for items.

Don’t accept rides from strangers

It is important to avoid accepting rides from strangers. If you need a ride, use a reputable taxi service or ride-sharing app.

Don’t leave your belongings unattended

When travelling alone, it is important to keep your belongings with you at all times. Don’t leave your bags or other items unattended.

Let someone know where you are going

Before travelling alone, it is important to let someone know where you are going. This way, if something happens, someone will know where to look for you.

Carry a whistle

Carrying a whistle can be a great way to alert people if you are in danger. It can also be used to scare away potential attackers.

Useful phrases for your trip to Peru

If you are planning a solo trip to Peru, learning some basic phrases can be very helpful. Here are some useful phrases to know:

  1. ¡Hola! ¿Cómo estás? (Hello! How are you?)
  2. ¿Dónde está el baño? (Where is the bathroom?)
  3. ¿Cuánto cuesta? (How much does it cost?)
  4. ¿Dónde puedo encontrar...? (Where can I find...?)
  5. ¿Qué hay de bueno para comer aquí? (What's good to eat here?)
  6. ¿Cuál es la mejor forma de llegar a...? (What's the best way to get to...?)
  7. ¿Cuál es la moneda local? (What is the local currency?)
  8. ¿Dónde puedo cambiar dinero? (Where can I exchange money?)
  9. ¿Dónde puedo encontrar un buen hotel? (Where can I find a good hotel?)
  10. ¿Qué hay que ver en esta ciudad? (What is there to see in this city?)

Safety discussions

solo female traveller

Is Peru safe for women travellers?

I’ll be travelling to Peru on my own and can’t help but feel really stressed and scared after reading so many stories about women being harassed and/or muggings that have taken place. What was your experience?

mode_comment 7 answers
solo female traveller

Is Peru safe at night for females?

I'm planning a trip to Peru this weekend and I'm very excited. I am wondering if it will be dangerous for me to be walking around at night time?

mode_comment 7 answers
solo female traveller

How safe is it to travel to Peru alone as a girl?

This will be my first time solo. Is Peru safe for young female traveling solo? Recommendations and advice appreciated :)

mode_comment 9 answers
solo female traveller

How safe is Peru?

I'm an experienced traveler however only in large groups. I'll be in Peru by myself and would appreciate suggestions/travel tips.

mode_comment 12 answers

Ask locals about safety in Peru

ViajaConAleanna

ViajaConAleanna

Hi! We are a couple❤️Arianna and Alexmar, and we start Travel as a volunteers While we are working with digital marketing and social media💻We love to make videos and creating Content. we love meeting new people and making friends around the world🌎🙋🏻‍♀️🙋🏻‍♀️
Isabel

Isabel

Hi, I’m Isabel. I live inside Perú, and I can recomend about places to visit in my country. I wanna visit others countries and I need some recommendations from places to visit, and some friends to take a coffe, talk, and visit some places. Is not mandatory visit the places with me.
Brenda

Brenda

Hola soy Brenda de Piura-Perú , mi próximas vacaciones en octubre planeo ir a Iquitos, si alguien planea lo mismo, podemos ir juntas

Stay safe with trusted locals in Peru

Marión

Marión

Can host for 5 days

Hi! My name is Marion and i love to travel, make friends, animals, dancing, reading and swimming. I'm a child psychologist and going on my first solo trip to Europe this August ( for my bday!) YOU can text me for whatever you need and u can stay in my house up to 5 days!❤️
Meyli

Meyli

Can host for 3 days

Hello Im Meyli, Im 28 years old in the body of a 52 person probably 😅 I like sports, any kind, love to try different things, very interested in healthy, just discovering a new passion for traveling, I dedicated to work from home for and investments industry, and also love to write, no much partying person, I prefer bars, love to try new restaurants did I mention that I love Peruvian food?
Angela

Angela

Can host for 3 days

Hi, I'm Angela. I am a university student who likes to travel. What inspires me is to learn more and more, I feel that from every experience you have, you always take something with you. Traveling for me means living, you live every moment of your trip, you see things and places that you have never seen before.

Upcoming visitors to Peru

Mily

Mily

Hey, I'm Mily and I'm interested in animals, camping, hiking and nature
Prasun

Prasun

Dance lover, communication professional, lawyer graduate, handicrafts and jewellery designer, mom, multipotentialite, beautiful, sexy, confident, badass, amateur boxer, no nonsense strong independent woman!!
Silvia

Silvia

Since I started working I’ve been travelling around. I’m open minded, down to earth and always ready for some fun. I like change and I like to keep on moving. The next big step is South America in the late 2023, I’m looking for a travel buddy!

Frequently asked questions

Is Peru safe to visit?

Yes, Peru is generally considered safe to visit. The country has a low crime rate and the government has taken steps to ensure the safety of tourists. However, it is important to exercise caution when travelling in Peru, as with any other destination. Be aware of your surroundings, avoid carrying large amounts of cash, and keep your valuables secure.

Is Peru safe for LGBTQ?

Yes, Peru is generally considered safe for LGBTQ people. In recent years, Peru has made significant progress in protecting the rights of LGBTQ people, including the passage of a law in 2018 that prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. However, there is still some discrimination and violence against LGBTQ people in Peru, so it is important to be aware of the local laws and customs.

Is Peru safe at night?

Yes, Peru is generally safe at night. However, it is important to take the same precautions you would in any other city, such as avoiding dark alleys and being aware of your surroundings. It is also recommended to avoid carrying large amounts of cash and to keep your valuables secure.

Is Peru safe for women?

Yes, Peru is generally considered safe for women. However, as with any country, it is important to take precautions and be aware of your surroundings. Women should avoid walking alone at night, and it is recommended to dress modestly and avoid carrying large amounts of cash. Additionally, it is important to be aware of the local laws and customs.

Is Peru safe to travel alone?

Yes, Peru is generally considered safe to travel alone. However, it is important to take the necessary precautions to ensure your safety. Be aware of your surroundings, avoid walking alone at night, and keep your valuables secure. Additionally, it is recommended to register with your embassy in Peru and to purchase travel insurance.

Safe travel in Peru