There’s something really special about Peru. And Lima, its capital city, is packed with fantastic sights, food, and activities. But is Lima safe?
Yes! Lima is absolutely a safe place for travelers. But there are some things that people should keep in mind. Below, learn about COVID-19 in Lima, which scams to watch out for, and how to navigate the city as a solo traveler.
No one knows a place like the people who live there. Connect with a local in Peru to start planning your trip. Learn more.
First things first, is Peru safe to visit right now? Is the country even open?
Peru is open for travel! Travelers — both vaccinated and unvaccinated — must present a negative PCR test that is no more than 72 hours old or an antigen test that is no more than 24 hours old to enter the country.
Before their arrival, all travelers must also complete a health declaration which can be filled out on a Peruvian government site, or using a service like iVisa, which expedites the process for a small fee.
Just like anywhere else in the world, COVID-19 means that traveling to Peru comes with new risks. But travelers can take precautions by monitoring case levels, getting vaccinated, and complying with local rules like wearing a mask.
By taking simple steps like that, you can reduce your risk of getting sick and enjoy all the incredible activities that Peru has to offer.
Not only is Lima fairly safe, but it’s also one of the best places to visit in Peru. Still, a city is a city. And travelers will need to take a couple of normal precautions to stay safe.
For starters, educate yourself on Lima’s neighborhoods. Neighborhoods like Miraflores, Barranco, and San Isidro are popular among travelers and are considered fairly safe areas of Lima. (Of course, you’ll still want to take precautions as you would in any big city.)
Though it’s subjective, other neighborhoods have a less sterling reputation. To get the full low-down on which neighborhoods in Lima to explore, and which ones to avoid, just ask someone who lives there. They can tell you how they navigate their hometown.
Just like in any city, scammers exist in Lima. Keep these safety tips in mind as you explore Lima and the rest of Peru:
There’s no reason to fear traveling in Lima. Use common sense, appear confident, and have fun. Locals can show you the best (and safest) places to go in Lima.
There are many transportations options in Peru, but for safety and efficiency, Lima locals recommend taxis and microbuses called combis.
Taxi tips: Choose private taxis over public taxis. Private ones are a little bit more expensive, but they are safer and more reliable, well worth the extra few dollars. Taxi Seguro is a reputable choice in Lima that you can call to schedule pick-ups, or try the app TaxiBeat.
Combi tips: Hail these anywhere along their routes. You’ll recognize them from the many stickers on the microbus and (usually) a crowd of people already on board. Before you board, double-check the destination with the driver; they’re generally happy to help make sure you get off in the right place.
In addition to the COVID-19 vaccine and routine vaccinations like flu, MMR, and polio, the CDC recommends the following vaccinations for safe travel to Peru:
Lima is a popular destination for solo travelers in Peru. Follow these simple safety tips and enjoy your time in Lima.
Peru’s capital city is a safe and fun destination for travelers of all kinds. Plan ahead, listen to your intuition, and get ready to enjoy the best of Lima, from nightlife to historic sights to lush green spaces.
The best way to plan ahead? Talk to someone who lives in Lima. They’ll be able to clue you in on the places to go and the places to skip. From where to stay to the best Peruvian food, no one knows Lima like the people who call the city home.
Before your trip, be sure to check out: