Peru has recently been flagged by travel experts and security observers as carrying significant risks for some travelers, with repeated reports of violent street robberies, taxi-related assaults, opportunistic kidnappings and criminal networks involved in trafficking.

Situation overview

Peruvian cities and some rural corridors attract tourists for their cultural heritage and landscapes, but travelers have reported a rising incidence of opportunistic and organized crime in parts of the country. Incidents described by victims and local authorities include taxi robberies where drivers or accomplices force passengers to surrender valuables, targeted abductions for short-term ransom or robbery, and criminal groups exploiting vulnerable transit routes to traffic people and goods.

Typical criminal patterns

• Taxi-related crimes — Unlicensed or informal taxis flagged from the street are often used in thefts; criminals may lure passengers with low fares then rob, isolate or abandon them in unsafe areas.

• Street robberies and muggings — Thieves work in pairs or small groups, using distractions or motorbikes to snatch phones, bags and jewelry in crowded areas.

• Kidnapping and transit assaults — Short-term abductive robberies and forced vehicle detentions have been reported on poorly lit roads and near transport hubs.

• Trafficking connections — Opportunistic criminal networks exploit gaps in enforcement to traffic people and contraband along certain routes.

Practical advice for travelers

• Avoid unregistered taxis; book through reputable companies, official stands, or licensed ride‑hailing apps.

• Share your itinerary and live location with a trusted contact whenever you travel between cities or arrive at late‑night destinations.

• Limit visible valuables—phones, cameras, jewelry—and keep small amounts of cash accessible for transactions only.

• Use hotel-arranged transport when possible, especially for airport transfers and late‑night travel.

• Keep documentation secure; carry photocopies of passports and leave originals in a hotel safe.

• Be wary of distractions in crowds; if someone bumps or creates a scene, move to a populated, well-lit area.

• Plan routes along main roads and avoid isolated shortcuts or poorly lit side streets after dark.

Official steps and emergency contacts

• Register travel plans with your embassy or consulate on arrival and note local emergency numbers.

• Report all crimes immediately to local police and to your embassy; obtain official reports for insurance claims.

• If you feel threatened while in a vehicle, ask to be taken to the nearest police station or crowded, well-lit place rather than complying with demands that endanger you.

Closing note

Travel to Peru still brings rich cultural and natural experiences, but travelers must weigh those rewards against documented security risks and take strict precautions. If you have specific travel dates or routes planned, revise them with safety-first choices and consult your embassy or a professional travel security adviser before departure.