Is Lima Peru Safe for Tourists? 6 Essential Tips for a Secure Trip

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Whenever someone learns about my love of Lima and my frequent, often solo trips, an inevitable follow-up question is, “Is Lima Peru safe?” 

My answer is yes! I ALWAYS feel safe when I’m there, and you can feel safe too!

While any big city has its challenges and areas I wouldn’t visit, Lima has many safe, traveler-friendly neighborhoods and plenty of ways to keep you confident and secure as you explore. 

Here’s my guide to keep you relaxed, savvy, and free to enjoy the best of Lima!

1. Pick the Right Neighborhoods 

Lima is organized into districts, with Miraflores, Barranco, and San Isidro being the most popular and suitable for tourists. These neighborhoods are full of vibrant streets, trendy cafes, and welcoming locals. You can walk around these neighborhoods day or night, enjoying the ocean views, boho vibes, and a mix of Lima residents and visitors, making it feel lively and comfortable. 

Our family’s favorite area is San Isidro. In terms of safety, it feels the most secure and is also very calm. There are guards on many street corners, and it’s very well-lit. I walk alone at night and feel very safe. 

Miraflores (where most of the hotels are) is also tourist-friendly and offers great shopping, hotels, and cafes. However, it can be a bit more chaotic, with vendors often aggressively trying to sell you something or exchange money. Think of it as Lima’s answer to Time Square. There are also many mothers with children begging for money or trying to sell you chewing gum. I always try to keep some change on hand for them.

Barranco is the most bohemian neighborhood—think of it as Lima’s answer to Venice, California. While my friend and I felt totally comfortable walking there at night, there were definitely more ‘eccentric‘ people and some somewhat sketchier blocks. 

And note, while these neighborhoods are technically next to one another, there are some dead zones between them—areas that, at least at night, I would prefer not to be in. So, I suggest taking a cab between them. I have seen tourists trying to navigate between them on foot, and it’s not awesome. 

2. Travel Smart with Your Transportation 

While you can catch cabs on the street, negotiating and communicating with cabbies is another story. That’s why when I’m in Lima, Cabify is my best friend—it’s affordable, safe, reputable, and easy to use. Lima does have public transportation, but it’s pretty intense and confusing. Stick to Cabify for convenience, especially at night, and you’ll feel way more relaxed. 

Start your safe journey right when you arrive by booking a car in advance from the airport to your hotel. You can ask your hotel to set it up for you, take a shuttle bus (I haven’t done it, but the reviews are excellent for these two), or go to one of the transport desks inside the terminal (but there is often a line). Also, we love our car service; contact them here.

The thing you want to make sure you DO NOT DO is to wander out of the terminal without transport set up and just pick a random driver. There are throngs of aggressive taxi drivers rallying around the exits, pushing you to go with them. This is a bad idea. 

3. Keep Your Essentials Close 

Like in any major city, petty crime (like theft) is the main concern in Lima. Keep your bags close, avoid flashing expensive gadgets, and keep your belongings tucked away while you’re on the move. The vibe here is super chill, but keeping your valuables secure helps you enjoy the moment without worry. A crossbody bag is always a good idea! 

Sidenote: The crossbody pictured above belonged to my grandfather. It’s Tumi, and it’s probably from the 1970’s. I’ve brought it on almost every trip I’ve taken to Peru, and it’s perfect. 

4. Ask Locals and Hotel Staff for Travel Advice 

Locals are incredibly warm and friendly—and they’re almost always the best source of advice on where to go and where to skip if you’re looking for help with travel plans. Don’t be shy about chatting with your hotel staff or Airbnb host! They know the area best and can give you up-to-the-minute tips on safe spots to explore, which events are happening, and any areas you need to be extra aware of.

5. Know Some Key Phrases 

 Speaking a bit of Spanish goes a long way. “Hola” (hello), “¿Dónde está…?” (Where is…?), and “Gracias” (thank you) are always appreciated. It also makes interactions with locals easier and can come in handy if you need to ask for help or directions. 

But don’t worry if Spanish isn’t your thing—many Peruvian locals speak English, especially in popular areas. And never underestimate the power of Google Translate!

6. Trust Your Instincts 

Lima’s friendly energy and incredible sights make it easy to relax, but as with any trip, trust your gut! If a situation or area doesn’t feel quite right, listen to that inner traveler’s radar and move along. Staying aware without feeling stressed is vital to thoroughly enjoying your time here.

Bonus Tips to Stay Stress-Free When You Travel to Peru

• Cash and Cards: On my last trip, I paid almost exclusively with my phone. That said, you will want to have some soles, so use ATMs in well-populated areas or ask your hotel for a trusted location. 
• Travel Insurance: For peace of mind, consider travel insurance that covers theft or any unexpected situations.
• Stay Connected: Get a local SIM card or roaming plan so you can stay connected anytime—great for GPS or last-minute dinner reservations!
• Keep your Find Me or, better yet, LIFE360, our family’s favorite tracking app, switched on so you are always easy to find!

Final Thoughts: Is Lima Peru Safe?

Peru travel is an adventure waiting to happen! With its bustling districts, beautiful coastline, fantastic shopping and world-renowned food scene, you’ll find there’s way more to experience than to worry about. Embrace the culture, follow Lima tourist tips, and get ready to explore this fantastic city confidently. 

Happy travels, and ¡bienvenidos a Lima!