Is Peru Safe For Solo Female Travellers? An Honest Guide For 2026

Is Peru Safe For Solo Female Travellers?

Overall yes, Peru is both a safe and memorable country for female travelers to explore, and especially when taking the right precautions and following proper travel advice. This includes staying in safe areas, not walking out alone at night in unknown neighbourhoods, and also dressing conservatively where needed in certain areas such as not bringing expensive accessories out in busy markets or crowded areas.

Issues of crime against female travelers are very low, and are rare exceptions to the rule which almost never happen in touristy areas, Of course there are cases that have happened in the past – however these mostly happen outside touristy areas, or when heading out alone at night in places which aren’t built-up for tourism. Such issues will not happen when staying within touristy zones or travelling with reputable tour operators, which help to guarantee safety and a trouble-free trip.

5 Important Safety Tips To Follow For Female Travellers In Peru

Let’s now take a look at some of our very best tips for female travelers to stay safe when traveling around Peru.

Tip 1: Stay In The Safest Areas And Neighbourhoods 

This is the easiest and most simple way to stay safe. Within Lima, the districts of Miraflores, Barranco and San Isidro are best for female tourists, while in Cusco either the Historic Center or San Blas neighbourhoods are the very best. In other areas of Peru it can really vary so it’s important to speak to experts in each area (hotels are a good start) for clear guidance, but usually the central Plaza de Armas square is a good bet.

Tip 2: Avoid Going Out Late Alone At Night In Non-Touristy Areas

Unless you’re staying in say Miraflores in Lima or the Historic Center of Cusco, we suggest avoiding going out alone late at night. Risks of violence can be higher depending on the area, and tourists may be targeted (especially lone females). If you do go out, it’s best to go in a group or to take taxis to and from your hotel to your final destination. If heading to Cusco, you can read our full Cusco safety guide here.

Tip 3: Don’t Wear Expensive Accessories When Exploring Cities

Again, we know that we want to look our very best and take the most memorable photos, however in Peru there are many areas where poverty is still a big problem. This can make you a target for opportunistic thieves, and especially if you have big necklaces, jewellery or expensive phones out in your hand all the time. Instead try to be conservative, and especially in busy markets or crowded places.

Tip 4: Use Taxis Or Uber To Get Around

In some of the bigger cities, using transport will be necessary to get from airports to hotels, and between destinations. Uber and registered taxis are a great way for female travelers to safely get around when in Peru, which also have fair rates. We strongly avoid using public transport alone where pickpocketing can be more of an issue, unless going in a group or with a tour guide.

Tip 5: Be Cautious Of Local Scams

While rare, there is a possibility that you could end up in a scam situation. This can vary from someone politely asking you for directions while someone else attempts to rob you, or someone spilling a drink on you by accident and the same happening. Always keep personal belongings close to you, and be wary when strangers initiate conversations if they seek overfriendly at first.

Frequently Asked Questions About Is Peru Safe For Solo Female Travellers

Below we’ll now answer some of the frequent questions we get about the question of is Peru safe for female travelers, as well as anything else important that you need to know.

Is It Safe To Go To Machu Picchu Alone As A Woman?

Machu Picchu is by far the overall safest destination that you can visit in all of Peru. Not only are there rangers and guards within the perimeters of the site, Machu Picchu also has restricted access to just tourists who purchase official tickets to enter. It’s of course important to follow safety protocols here such as not passing ropes, and taking care when heading up and down the stone steps. 

Is Peru Safe To Travel Alone As A Woman?

Generally yes, women can easily travel Peru and have both a safe and memorable time here. However again it’s important to take necessary precautions that we’ve listed in this guide (such as staying in the right areas, not walking alone in unknown neighbourhoods, and using the best tour operators for your experiences). If you plan on visiting Cusco and Machu Picchu, you can see our private guided tours which are fully customizable and also visit other destinations within the Sacred Valley.

Can Girls Wear Shorts In Peru?

Yes women of all ages can of course wear shorts here in Peru, and there is no religious or social custom that prohibits this (both in developed cities like Lima and in rural settlements of the Andes or Amazon). Of course temperatures are the most important factor to consider, and especially in Cusco or the Andes at night when temperatures can get cold. Overall the Amazon is fine as it’s hot year-round, while Lima varies depending on the month you will visit.

Overview Of Is Peru Safe For Solo Female Travellers

And that’s all for this guide on is Peru safe for solo female travellers, and how to properly prepare for a trip here.

One of the most iconic and diverse countries you can visit in all of South America, Peru is known for its ancient Machu Picchu Ruins, exotic wildlife of the Amazon Rainforest, as well as its city and cuisine highlights in Lima and along the Pacific Coast. Overall Peru is a safe place for female travelers, and especially when following proper safety tips and choosing to stay in the safest areas during your trip.

Looking to visit Machu Picchu in the safest and most memorable way possible? Here at AB Expeditions we operate our memorable Overnight Machu Picchu Tour From Cusco, which includes private transport, scenic train rides, a hotel stay in Aguas Calientes as well as an expert tour guide to lead your group.