As a local Peruvian having lived extensively in Europe and the United States, I have gathered the best possible tips I can come up with in order to help you enjoy a safe and healthy stay while traveling in Peru.
- Choose the more reliable (i.e. more expensive) companies when traveling by bus
This seems like obvious advice, but we urge you to travel with the more expensive bus companies such as Cruz del Sur, Oltursa, Cromotex and others that are more likely to enforce safety rules. Unfortunately, there are a lot of terrible Peruvian drivers on the roads and while it is tempting to save a lot of money traveling with any of the many smaller companies, the lack of law enforcement and driver professionalism make them less than unsafe.
- Take taxis inside airport and bus station as well as official ones on the street
It may be tempting to save some money by flagging a taxi outside airports and bus stations but we urge you to take the ones that are located inside those buildings as they are more likely to be screened for your safety. If you have your belongings with you, definitely go with this option. Once on the streets, try to check that the taxi you are about to take looks official and legitimate (i.e. it does not only have the TAXI sign and nothing else – unofficial – which is quite common in most major cities).
- Go to the tourist police or official tourist information
If you are robbed or run into any trouble, try to seek the help of the tourist police rather than the regular police or go to any of the official tourist information offices if nearby. While there are many excellent police, many others are unfortunately not reliable/honest at all, so always keep your eyes on your belongings even when at the police station and try not to hand over your personal documents (carry photocopies).
- Take tours with reputable companies only
Try to avoid taking the cheapest tour for the sake of saving money. While some fellow travelers may be lucky to land a great deal, you are playing with fire as regulations are lax and law enforcement very weak, which results in many shady companies without expertise nor safety.
- Avoid display of valuables and look after your belongings in crowded areas
It is a common strategy to distract you by spitting or pushing you while others take what is in your pockets or bag. Take special care when in crowded streets or markets where there is a concentration of a lot of people.
- Try to eat more in good restaurants than markets and street food
Peru is a foodie haven. Tasting street and market food is a must, but try to eat well-cooked food if you do so in these places. There is no shortage of great restaurants in major cities that offer great, traditional food so try to use those most days in order to stay healthy and ready for every day’s adventures.
- Do not try samples of substances (legal or illegal)
Let’s face it. If you look foreign – more so if western – and you visit a club or party, it may be a matter of time before you are offered – incredibly – cheap and ‘high-quality’ substances. Avoid taking samples of anything.
- Do not solicit drugs or prostitution in the streets
You become easy prey if you look for any of them in the streets, especially at night. If you are looking for any of those, do so away from the reach of potential trouble.
- Avoid carrying lots of cash (only what is necessary) and important documents
It goes without saying that you should not resist a situation of potential loss of money (mugging). That’s why you should carry the minimum possible amount of cash so you can hand over everything you have to a potential criminal. If there is no need, avoid carrying your passport and other important documents (carry photocopies).
- Avoid walking alone at night after a party or late at night
If you do enjoy the nightlife scene, try to always have someone with you even when going home for the night. It goes without saying that you should not under any circumstances walk alone at night, especially after consuming alcohol or other substances.
If you feel we have not covered all safety and health information for travelers to Peru, feel free to ask your questions in the comment section below and we will do our best to share our local experience with you for a safe time in our country.
