Peru

Violent crime

Violent crime is common in Peru, particularly in the cities of:

• Lima
• Cusco
• Arequipa

Violent crimes include:

You could encounter: 

• armed robbery and assault on Amazon River boats
• theft as you sleep on intercity bus routes between Lima, Ica, Nazca and Cusco
• assault and robbery at gunpoint on intercity buses
• bogus roadblocks or checkpoints on roads outside major cities after dark

If you’re sexually assaulted, report it to police immediately. You’ll be examined at a clinic for the investigation. Local authorities may examine you closely if you delay reporting the incident.

Road-based crime

Travellers using unlicensed taxis have been victims of robbery, assault and rape.

Criminals also target people walking alone after dark, especially leaving bars or nightclubs.

To protect yourself from road-based crime:

• keep doors locked and windows up, even when moving
• avoid going out alone, especially at night
• don’t place things on overhead racks or under bus seats
• monitor the local media for potential hotspots
• don’t leave your luggage unattended

Petty crime

Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and bag snatching, is common. Thieves are often well dressed.

Hotspots for thieves include:

• public areas
• hotels
• conference centres
• internet cafes
• restaurants

Smash-and-grab attacks are common. Thieves snatch items from cars stopped at traffic lights. This is common on Avenida de la Marina and Avenida Elmer Faucett near Lima’s Jorge Chavez International Airport.

If you plan to go on a cruise, check the company has adequate security before booking.

Personal security

Travellers in Peru can be victims of:

• food or drink spiking, followed by robbery or assault
• ‘express kidnappings‘, where kidnappers force victims to withdraw money from ATMs before releasing them

To protect yourself from crime:

• don’t accept drinks, food, gum or cigarettes from strangers or people you have just met
• don’t leave food or drink unattended
• exchange money in banks, exchange bureaus or in your hotel
• use ATMs in banks, shopping centres or hotels where possible

Border areas

Travel to the region within 20km of the border with Colombia is dangerous.

Drug traffickers operate in:

• the border area between Peru and Colombia
• the valley of the Apurímac, Ene and Mantaro rivers

Armed guerrilla forces from Colombia sometimes enter Peru’s remote areas.

Ayahuasca tourism

Ayahuasca tourism is a growing industry in the jungle regions of Ecuador and Peru. Shamans perform psychedelic rituals of spiritual cleansing.

Ayahuasca is not illegal, but some participants have been assaulted and robbed.

Ceremonies often take place in remote areas with no access to medical or mental health resources and limited communication with local authorities.

Most facilities lack basic first aid or emergency plans for people who suffer physical or mental effects after ceremonies. Participants report symptoms from being more alert but out of control through to amnesia.

If you decide to take part in ayahuasca tourism:

• research potential ayahuasca tour operators before signing up
• avoid participating in ayahuasca rituals without a trusted friend present

Read the original advice at SmartTraveller.gov.au by Australian Government