PERU/LIMA safety issues
May 13, 2007, 7:30 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2006
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PERU/LIMA safety issues
Just a general question:
I used to live in Lima in the 80's and despite the military government always thought it was relatively safe.
I would like to go back for a visit but have heard many horror stories.
So, is Lima and Cuzco less safe than other places in the world? or is it just the same be careful/traveler beware kind of thing.
I used to live in Lima in the 80's and despite the military government always thought it was relatively safe.
I would like to go back for a visit but have heard many horror stories.
So, is Lima and Cuzco less safe than other places in the world? or is it just the same be careful/traveler beware kind of thing.
May 14, 2007, 3:05 am
#2
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: EWR-N.Haledon NJ
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I go to Lima once or twice a year.
I find it relatively safe, of course if you use common sense.
It seems to me that petty theft is much more of a threat than being held up or kidnapped as in Mexico City.
For instance having a baby carriage snatched off of the top of your car at a stop light (actually happened to my wife). Chain snatchings are seemingly popular as well, and of course pickpockets in Miraflores.
I take the taxis alone all of the time and even drive around the city.
Something I would never, ever do in Mexcio City.
I find it relatively safe, of course if you use common sense.
It seems to me that petty theft is much more of a threat than being held up or kidnapped as in Mexico City.
For instance having a baby carriage snatched off of the top of your car at a stop light (actually happened to my wife). Chain snatchings are seemingly popular as well, and of course pickpockets in Miraflores.
I take the taxis alone all of the time and even drive around the city.
Something I would never, ever do in Mexcio City.
May 14, 2007, 8:23 pm
#3
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: YYZ
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It really is the same old "be careful" routine. Avoid flashy jewellry and wallets in easy-to-pickpocket places, stick to the better areas and, if you're walking around at night, take $200 cash and nothing else...that will leave the mugger satisfied, and you'll be little worse for the wear.
I lived for four years in Peru (until mid-2004) and I was never robbed. Not to say that it can't happen, but with basic precautions the risk is quite manageable. And Lima has improved a lot since the 80s, so travel and enjoy!
I lived for four years in Peru (until mid-2004) and I was never robbed. Not to say that it can't happen, but with basic precautions the risk is quite manageable. And Lima has improved a lot since the 80s, so travel and enjoy!
May 14, 2007, 9:41 pm
#4
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: West Palm Beach, FL
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I do agree with the previous responders about the continued safety there. I visit about 5 times a year. Some ex pats friends living there have warned me of a new attempt at extortion, coming from taxi drivers. To be safe, if a taxi driver uses his/her cell phone for an incoming/outgoing call, demand that he/she disconnect the call immediately, and if he/she refuses, demand to get out of the car. While my friends are a bit protective, and I have never felt threatened in Lima, there were reports on the news (while I was there) of kidnapped tourists in Lima from taxi drivers.
May 14, 2007, 9:44 pm
#5
Join Date: Mar 2006
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I found Cuzco a very safe place and a city I want to visit again. If you stay around the city center I am sure you will be fine. As for Lima the hotel I stayed in near the airport would not let us out of the mini van until we were inside the gates. I went out onto the balcony and herd loads of screaming and unpleasant sounds. I asked the hotel staff about going for a walk and they said it is not safe enough. Like all cities in the world I am sure there are safe and unsafe places. I picked an unsafe one!
May 15, 2007, 9:16 am
#6
Join Date: Mar 2007
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I found Cuzco a very safe place and a city I want to visit again. If you stay around the city center I am sure you will be fine. As for Lima the hotel I stayed in near the airport would not let us out of the mini van until we were inside the gates. I went out onto the balcony and herd loads of screaming and unpleasant sounds. I asked the hotel staff about going for a walk and they said it is not safe enough. Like all cities in the world I am sure there are safe and unsafe places. I picked an unsafe one!
May 21, 2007, 7:57 am
#7
Join Date: May 2007
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Posts: 6
Lima is dangerous. Mugging, instant kidnapping/mannapping, pickpocketing. Callao, the harbour district, is very dangerous. But also the center (Plaza San Martin) and the green districts Miraflores and San Isidro are not save.