Cusco Safety Guide 2025
Stay safe during your Cusco trip with essential safety information.
Safety Overview
Cusco is generally considered a safe destination for tourists, with petty theft being the primary concern rather than violent crime. Altitude sickness is the main health risk and should be taken seriously, as it can affect anyone regardless of age or fitness level.
Cusco is the historic heart of the Inca Empire, a breathtaking Andean city perched at 3,400 meters above sea level in southeastern Peru. The city blends ancient Inca stonework with Spanish colonial architecture, creating a unique urban landscape that has earned it UNESCO World Heritage status. As the gateway to Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley, Cusco is one of South America's most visited and culturally rich destinations.
Current Advisory
Exercise normal caution throughout Cusco. Petty crime (pickpocketing, bag snatching) is common in tourist areas and public transport. Altitude sickness (soroche) is a genuine health concern at 3,400m. The US State Department rates Peru Level 2 (Exercise Increased Caution) due to crime and civil unrest in some regions, though Cusco is considered relatively safe for tourists.
Last updated: 2025-01
Travel Advisories
Official warnings and recommendations from government sources.
US State Department
Exercise Increased Caution in Peru due to crime and civil unrest. The Cusco region is generally safe for tourism.
UK Foreign Office
Take sensible precautions in Cusco. Be particularly vigilant around Plaza de Armas and San Pedro market for pickpockets.
Australian Smartraveller
Altitude sickness is a risk - acclimatize properly. Petty crime targets tourists - keep valuables secure.
Official Advisory Sources
- 🇺🇸 US: travel.state.gov
- 🇬🇧 UK: gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice
- 🇨🇦 Canada: travel.gc.ca
- 🇦🇺 Australia: smartraveller.gov.au
Safety Checklist & Emergency Card
Download our printable safety checklist and emergency contact card.
Common Scams to Avoid
Be aware of these common tourist scams.
Taxi Overcharging
Unlicensed taxis or drivers not quoting a price upfront charge tourists many times the fair rate
Fake Police Officers
Individuals posing as plainclothes police officers ask to see your passport and then steal it or demand bribes
The Shoeshine Scam
Someone splatters your shoes with polish or paint and another person offers to clean them for an exorbitant fee
Overpriced Artisan Goods
Artisans in tourist areas price goods at 5-10x the fair market value for naive tourists
Drugged Drinks/Scopolamine
Victims are drugged in bars or by friendly strangers and robbed while incapacitated
Express Kidnapping
Travelers are forced into a taxi and taken to ATMs to withdraw money. More common late at night.
Essential Safety Tips
Practical advice for staying safe during your trip.
Acclimatize for at least 24-48 hours in Cusco before undertaking strenuous activities, treks, or visiting higher-altitude sites like Rainbow Mountain
Drink coca tea or chew coca leaves to alleviate mild altitude sickness symptoms - available everywhere in Cusco
Stay hydrated by drinking at least 3 liters of water per day at altitude; avoid alcohol for the first 48 hours
Keep valuables (phone, camera, passport) secure and out of sight, especially in crowded areas like Mercado San Pedro and Plaza de Armas
Use only licensed taxis or negotiate with a driver before entering - never accept unsolicited taxi offers near tourist sites
Only drink bottled or purified water - tap water is not safe to drink in Cusco
Avoid walking alone on poorly lit streets at night, especially in areas away from the tourist center
Do not accept food or drinks from strangers on buses or in bars - drug-assisted robbery does occur
Keep copies of your passport and important documents in a separate location from the originals
Be aware of 'friendly stranger' scams where people engage you in conversation before pickpocketing or leading you to an overpriced establishment
Wear a money belt or hidden pouch for passports and large amounts of cash when sightseeing
Use the hotel safe for passports, extra cash, and valuable electronics
If trekking the Inca Trail or remote routes, always go with a licensed agency and guide
Carry basic altitude sickness medication (Diamox/acetazolamide) and discuss with your doctor before traveling
Be cautious at ATMs - use machines inside banks during daylight hours and be aware of your surroundings
Safety by Traveler Type
Solo Travelers
Cusco is generally safe for solo travelers. Join group tours for treks and day trips to meet other travelers and improve safety. Use hostels with social atmospheres. Avoid walking alone late at night. Share your itinerary with someone back home. The tourist center is well-monitored with over 200 surveillance cameras.
Female Travelers
Cusco is relatively safe for solo female travelers with normal precautions. Dress modestly which is also culturally respectful. Be firm but polite declining unwanted attention. Stick to well-lit streets at night. Most hostels have female-only dorm options. Join group tours for treks rather than going alone.
Families
Cusco is family-friendly but altitude requires special care for children under 5 years old. Take at least 2 days acclimatization before strenuous activities. Ensure children drink plenty of water. Major tourist areas are safe during daylight hours. Child-specific altitude medicine should be discussed with a pediatrician.
LGBTQ+ Travelers
Same-sex relationships are legal in Peru but same-sex marriage is not recognized. Cusco is generally tolerant in tourist areas though public displays of affection may attract unwanted attention outside the main tourist zones. No dedicated LGBTQ+ venues in Cusco, though mainstream bars and clubs are generally welcoming.
Health & Medical
Stay healthy during your trip.
Vaccinations
Recommended: Hepatitis A, Typhoid, routine vaccines (MMR, DTP, chickenpox). Yellow fever vaccination if traveling to Amazon jungle areas of Peru. Malaria prophylaxis for low-altitude jungle regions (not Cusco city itself).
Water Safety
Tap water is NOT safe to drink in Cusco. Use bottled water for drinking and brushing teeth. Ice in restaurants may also be made from tap water.
Food Safety
Street food is generally safe but choose busy vendors with high turnover. Avoid salads at cheap restaurants. Unpeeled fruits are generally safe.
Medical Facilities
Cusco has several good private hospitals and clinics. Hospital Antonio Lorena and Clinica Pardo are the main options. Travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage is strongly recommended.
Medication Tips
- Bring enough prescription medication for your entire trip plus extra
- Keep medications in original containers with pharmacy labels
- Carry a letter from your doctor explaining your medications
- Some medications may be restricted - research before traveling
- Pack basic medications: pain relievers, anti-diarrheal, antihistamines
Emergency Contacts
Important numbers to have on hand.
Emergency Services
Police, Fire, Ambulance
Medical Emergency
Hospitals and clinics
Your Embassy
Consular assistance
Tourist Police
Tourist assistance
Before You Go
- Register with your embassy's travel notification program
- Save emergency numbers in your phone
- Note your hotel's address in local language
- Share your itinerary with family/friends
- Know your travel insurance emergency hotline
Travel Confidently in Cusco
Get our complete safety guide with emergency card, insurance recommendations, and area-by-area safety ratings.
Download Safety Guide