🇵🇪map Peru [Safety]

Government and Political Stability

Peru is a presidential democracy with frequent political turbulence. In late 2022, a constitutional crisis ended with President Pedro Castillo’s removal and Dina Boluarte assuming the presidency, followed by months of protests and occasional road blockades, especially in the south. Institutions function—Congress, courts, and the electoral system remain in place—but politics can feel confrontational and fast-moving, and cabinet shuffles are common. For expatriates, this usually translates into periodic demonstrations in major cities, occasional curfews or states of emergency in specific regions, and a need to follow local news closely. Corruption remains a concern and is widely reported in the media, so expect ongoing investigations and public debate around accountability.

Economic Stability

Peru’s economy is diversified and anchored by mining, agriculture, and services, with Lima as the financial hub. After a difficult 2023 marked by unrest and weather-related disruptions, inflation moderated and the currency (the sol) has generally been more stable than in many neighbors, which helps with day-to-day budgeting. For expatriates, salaried roles outside specialized sectors can be limited, but remote work is common and co-working spaces are easy to find in Lima, Arequipa, and Cusco. The banking system is reliable in the major cities; ATMs are plentiful, and digital payments are widely used, though it’s smart to keep small cash on hand for markets, taxis in smaller towns, and tips.

Crime and Personal Safety

Crime in Peru is unevenly distributed—petty theft and pickpocketing are the most common issues for travelers, especially in crowded markets, bus terminals, and public transit in Lima and Cusco. In certain urban areas, there are reports of express robberies and opportunistic scams; rideshare pickups on well-lit streets and using official taxi stands in airports and bus stations help reduce risk. In Lima, districts like Miraflores, San Isidro, and Barranco are generally safer and better policed, while parts of downtown and Callao require extra caution at night. Police presence is visible in tourist zones, but response times can vary; keep valuables out of sight, use hotel safes, and carry only what you need when out.

Regional Security Issues

Peru’s borders are mostly calm, and relations with neighbors are generally stable. The remote VRAEM (Valley of the Apurímac, Ene, and Mantaro Rivers) remains a hotspot for illicit coca cultivation and sporadic security operations; it’s not a tourist area and is regularly subject to special security measures. Along stretches of the Colombian border in the Amazon, illegal mining and trafficking can affect safety in isolated zones—most visitors won’t go near these areas unless on specialized trips. Large migration flows, particularly from Venezuela, have influenced urban dynamics and public services, but for expatriates this is more visible in social policy debates than in daily safety.

Terrorism and Civil Unrest

While the Shining Path insurgency was largely defeated decades ago, remnants operate in the VRAEM and target security forces rather than tourists. The bigger practical risk for residents and travelers is civil unrest: protests can erupt over political or economic issues and may lead to roadblocks, airport disruptions, or clashes with police, especially in southern regions like Puno and Cusco. If demonstrations are announced, plan alternate routes and avoid large gatherings—even peaceful marches can escalate quickly. Local authorities typically respond with visible policing and, at times, temporary states of emergency that limit movement in specific areas.

Natural Disasters and Environmental Risks

Peru sits on the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” so earthquakes are a fact of life; buildings in modern districts are better engineered, but you should know your accommodation’s evacuation plan. Coastal El Niño events can bring heavy rains and flooding—most often affecting northern regions—and landslides can block highways in the Andes during the rainy season (roughly December to April). Air quality in Lima can be poor at times, while high-altitude cities like Cusco and Puno pose a real risk of altitude sickness—ascend gradually and hydrate. If you plan trekking or remote travel, check weather and road conditions, register your route with a trusted contact, and carry basic emergency supplies.

Health and Medical Security

Healthcare quality varies widely: Lima has good private clinics with modern equipment and English-speaking staff, but rural and highland areas have limited services. Travel health insurance with medical evacuation is highly recommended, as complex cases are often transferred to Lima or abroad. Tap water isn’t considered potable; stick to bottled or properly treated water, and be selective with street food if you have a sensitive stomach. Seasonal outbreaks of dengue have affected coastal and jungle regions during warmer months—use repellent, wear long sleeves in mosquito-prone areas, and ask your doctor about routine vaccines before arrival.

Travel Advisories and Regulations

Major governments currently advise increased caution in Peru due to crime and occasional unrest, with stronger warnings for the VRAEM and some remote border areas. Entry rules are straightforward for many nationalities on short tourist stays, but requirements can change, so check official sources before you fly and keep your passport (or a copy plus a digital backup) on you. Registering with your embassy is wise if you’ll be outside Lima or traveling during election seasons or protests. Local laws are strictly enforced around drugs, cultural heritage sites, and drones—don’t remove antiquities, and always get permits where required.

Practical Safety Tips

Treat urban safety as you would in any big city: keep phones and bags close, avoid flashy jewelry, and use ATMs inside banks or malls. Confirm fares or use app-based rides, note the license plate before getting in, and avoid hailing taxis off the street late at night. Scams to watch for include distraction thefts, counterfeit bills in informal exchanges, and overcharging in unmetered taxis—ask for prices up front and pay attention when receiving change. Save key numbers (your embassy, insurer, bank) and use reliable news sources or local expat groups to track demonstrations, road closures, and weather alerts, so your routine—and your weekend trips—run smoothly.

Maria
Maria is a bilingual travel writer and immigration consultant originally from Mexico City, with extensive experience living and working across Latin America. She spent her early career as a journalist covering cross-border migration and expatriate communities throughout Central and South America. Having personally navigated complex visa processes in multiple countries including the United States and Spain, Maria understands firsthand the challenges faced by Latin American professionals seeking international opportunities.