Travel Risk Report: Peru

You can go to most parts of Peru, but as there are a number of security and travel risk issues in Peru it is advised that you familiarise yourself with security advice. Petty crime poses the primary risk to travellers particularly in or near public areas in Lima, Cusco, and Arequipa. Violent crime, including sexual assault, armed robbery, muggings, and carjacking is also a common occurrence in major cities. There have also been cases of express kidnappings (the short-term abduction of people with the objective of having them withdraw money from an ATM or taking their valuables) predominantly in Arequipa and Cusco.

There is an ongoing threat of insurgent activity (including kidnapping, conflict, and terrorism) in rural areas, particularly along the Ene, Apurimac and Mantaro River Valley region. These security risks are also prevalent along the Peru-Colombia border (Loreto region). Landmines remain a problem along the Peru-Ecuador border in the regions of Loreto, Amazonas (Cordillera del Condor) and Cajamarca.

Demonstrations occur regularly throughout Peru and these have turned violent in the past. In rural areas, particularly in the Arequipa region, unrest can often lead to the blockade of major highways and villages for several days. Medical facilities are adequate in private hospitals in major cities but limited in smaller cities and rural areas. Please be aware this is a brief overview and our advice would be to thoroughly research your destination prior to travel. Our travel risk department can provide country reports, travel risk summaries, advice and support to help mitigate risk further.