Any advice on travel safety in Peru? I'm a bit concerned with the reports of strangle muggings, particularly since I'm a woman and I'll be traveling solo. Thanks for your input!

PW

From what I've heard, outside of Lima you will probably be OK (as compared to any other "similar" place you may go), in Lima, you don't want to be alone at any time. A female resident of Lima once warned me, a guy who can usually take care of himself, about precautions I should take in Lima. I still haven't left the airport there, although I've been to the airport 4 times.

I'm sorry, but suggestions not to be alone at any time in Lima is IMO a bit extreme. But I do come from Guayaquil, which has a similar crime rate.

For me, I would travel alone but if you are really concern with the muggings in Lima, I suggest you stay within San Isidro and Miraflores.

Btw, don't travel in public transportation in Lima -that's dangerous..

The rest of Peru is ok.

Are the risks for being robbed (of goods, cameras, watches, ...) with personal injury peripheral, or is there a direct intent to harm, rape, murder?

I'm just back from Quito, where I heard similar not as intense warnings. I stayed close to my hotel, carried nothing of significant value, felt personally safe at the markets, ... A laptop was stolen from a hotel, from the seat next to mine at the conference I was attending, during lunch break when the delegate entrance to the room was locked.

Sylvia

Just back from Peru last week - only had a day and a half in Lima, stayed in Miraflores, no worries about safety, usual concerns about pickpocketing, etc. Sensible advice is to always stay in well-populated areas, and personal safety is usually okay (the same the world over, really). Arequipa extremely safe (tourist police on every corner !), Cuzco (where there is a current FCO alert about 'strangle muggings') seemed pretty safe. Note in our hotel said that people were recommended to take taxis home after 10pm, but we walked home v pissed at about 1.30 with no troubles
full tr to follow.

I returned from Peru about 3 months ago after travelling there for about 20 days. as a male, I had no problems in the inner parts or Lima itself, though you do have to be on guard and not carry any valuables with you (including your passport - LEAVE it in the hotels safe!!).

Overall the country is very beautiful and friendly (touch up on your Spanish) and lots to see and do.. If you'd like more info on what to see and do I can send a small report of my travel writtings.

Lima is a little bit on the unsafe side, so just be a cautious, but enjoy it. Aequipa, Cusco, etc..they are all as safe as other regions, though try and not stand as much and definetly stick to the tourist areas at night.

regards and have a fun trip..

any recent updates regarding Peru Safety?