Peru’s popular tourist areas, such as Cusco and Machu Picchu, are visited safely by many, but watch for petty theft and check the current US State Department advisory.
Overview
Peru receives millions of visitors each year, mainly to Cusco, Machu Picchu and Lima. The US State Department advisory has been Level 2, Exercise Increased Caution, with some areas at Level 4. Check the current level.
Risks
- Petty theft and bag snatching.
- Express kidnappings via unofficial taxis.
- Altitude sickness in Cusco (11,150 ft).
- Protests that block roads.
Areas to avoid
The Peru-Colombia border and VRAEM region.
Tips
- Use ride apps or hotel taxis.
- Acclimatize in Cusco.
- Buy travel insurance.
Advisory and visitor numbers
Peru received about 3.3 million international visitors in 2023, and Machu Picchu allows a daily visitor cap that has been set at roughly 4,500 people, with timed entry tickets required. The US State Department has applied different advisory levels by region, with higher caution in areas such as the VRAEM region (Apurimac, Ene and Mantaro river valleys), border areas with Colombia and parts of Lima’s high-crime districts. Check the live advisory before booking.
- Altitude sickness is the most common health issue. Cusco sits at 3,400 m (11,150 ft), and symptoms include headache, nausea and breathlessness. Spend 1 to 2 days acclimatizing before hiking.
- Yellow fever vaccination is recommended for Amazon regions.
- Protests and road blockades can disrupt travel, and in 2022 to 2023 unrest closed Machu Picchu temporarily.
Tips
Use official taxis or ride apps in Lima, avoid displaying phones and cameras on streets, and use registered tour operators for Inca Trail permits, which are limited to 500 people per day including porters and guides. Drink bottled water. Travel insurance with medical evacuation is advised for trekking.
Advisory and visitor numbers
Peru received about 3 million international visitors in 2023, with Machu Picchu a leading destination. The US State Department has advised increased caution for Peru because of crime, civil unrest and areas with terrorism or narcotrafficking, such as the Valley of the Rivers Apurimac, Ene and Mantaro (VRAEM). Protests in 2022 and 2023 closed roads and Machu Picchu temporarily.
Tips
Altitude sickness is a risk in Cusco (3,400 m). Allow acclimatization. Use registered taxis, avoid showing valuables, drink bottled water and get recommended vaccines such as hepatitis A and typhoid. A yellow fever vaccine is recommended for jungle regions. Book Machu Picchu tickets in advance.
Visa, health and altitude
US citizens can enter Peru without a visa for up to 183 days. Machu Picchu receives about 1.5 million visitors a year, and the daily cap is 4,500 to 5,600 visitors. Cusco sits at 3,399 m, and about 25 percent of travelers have acute mountain sickness. Acetazolamide can prevent it under medical guidance.
Crime and transport
Common scams include fake taxis, pickpocketing and drink spiking. Use registered taxis or apps, keep passports secure and avoid night buses on remote highways. The State Department advises reconsidering travel to areas near the Colombian border and the VRAEM. Hepatitis A, typhoid and yellow fever vaccines are recommended for some regions.
Based on data from the US Department of State and the CDC
