Lima Safety Guide 2026

Never hail taxis from the street in Lima — Street hailing taxis are the most common vehicle for 'express kidnappings' (paseo millonario) where criminals drive you around forcing ATM withdrawals. Always use app taxis: Uber, InDriver, Cabify, or Beat. These record your driver's details and track the journey.

Leave valuables at your hotel — Do not walk the streets with expensive jewelry, watches, or new electronics visibly displayed. Use a budget phone for navigation if possible. Keep your main camera in a bag between shots. Leave your passport at the hotel and carry a photocopy.

Be vigilant with your phone in public — Phone snatching (arrebato) is the most common crime affecting tourists in Lima. Thieves on motorcycles or on foot grab phones from people using them on streets, in parks, and even from cafe tables near the street. Put your phone away when not using it and be aware of your surroundings.

Use ATMs inside banks or shopping centers only — Use ATMs during daylight hours and preferably inside bank branches or established shopping malls like Larcomar. Avoid ATMs on the street, especially at night. Shield your PIN when entering it. Withdraw larger amounts less frequently rather than small amounts repeatedly.

Use taxis at night, even for short distances — Even in Miraflores and Barranco, walking late at night increases risk. Take an app taxi for journeys after midnight even if the destination is nearby. Walking home from bars in Barranco after 1am on quiet streets is when most incidents occur.

Do not drink tap water — Lima's tap water is not safe to drink. Always use bottled or filtered water, including for brushing teeth. Ice at reputable restaurants is generally made with filtered water, but street food ice should be treated with caution. Stomach issues from contaminated water or food can ruin a trip.

Be aware of common tourist scams — Common Lima scams include: fake police officers asking to check your documents (always ask to go to the nearest police station); distraction scams (one person drops something or spills on you while an accomplice pickpockets you); unofficial tour guides overcharging; money changers giving incorrect change.

Avoid drug offers — Drug trafficking is a serious offence in Peru with very heavy sentences. Tourists should decline any offers of drugs. Be aware that some individuals may offer drugs as a pretext for theft or worse. Certain 'tourist-friendly' bars in Barranco can attract this type of activity.

Purchase comprehensive travel insurance before departure — Ensure your travel insurance covers medical evacuation, theft of valuables, and trip cancellation. Medical care in Lima's private clinics is good quality but expensive. The Hospital Clínica Anglo-Americana and Clínica Ricardo Palma in Miraflores/San Isidro are the best options for tourists.

Keep a photocopy of your passport and important documents — Leave your passport locked in your hotel safe and carry a color photocopy for ID purposes. Register with your home country's embassy or travel registration system. Keep digital copies of all documents in a secure cloud service.

Stick to tourist-friendly districts, especially at night — Miraflores, San Isidro, and the restaurant area of Barranco are the safest areas for tourists. The Historic Centre, La Victoria, El Agustino, Comas, and other working-class districts require extra caution. Do not wander into unfamiliar areas, particularly after dark.

Don't leave valuables on Lima's beaches — Lima's beaches (Costa Verde) can be target for theft. Never leave bags, phones, or clothing unattended while swimming. The ocean can have strong rip currents - always check conditions before swimming and heed any warnings.

Extra precautions for solo female travelers — Lima is generally manageable for solo female travelers with standard precautions. Verbal harassment (piropo) is common but typically non-threatening. Avoid hailing street taxis alone, especially at night. Miraflores and Barranco are the safest areas for solo female travelers. Inform someone of your plans.

Know the emergency numbers — Police: 105. Fire: 116. Ambulance: 106. Tourist Police (Policía de Turismo): +51 1 460-1000 (they speak English and assist tourists). Nearest police station in Miraflores: Av. José Larco 1280.