Traveling to Lima During Unrest: 6 Tips For a Safe Trip 

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Lima is one of those cities that captures your heart—breathtaking ocean views, world-class food, and a vibrant culture that keeps you coming back for more. But if you’ve been following the news, you might have seen reports of political protests, travel disruptions, or even martial law (more on that in a sec). So, how do you plan a trip to Lima when uncertainty is in the air? Let’s talk about it.

Is Peru Really That Unstable? A Little Context

Peru has had its share of political turmoil over the years, and it’s no surprise that some people think of it as a hotspot for civil unrest. If you’ve read about events like:

• The Shining Path insurgency of the 1980s and 1990s, which terrorized parts of Peru with guerrilla warfare.
• The 1996 Japanese Embassy hostage crisis, when a rebel group took dozens of diplomats hostage in Lima.
• The recent protests in Cusco, where demonstrations against the government temporarily blocked roads and impacted tourism.

…it’s easy to assume that visiting Peru is always a risky bet. But most of this history, while important, doesn’t reflect everyday life for travelers.

Over the years, my husband and I have visited Lima during various periods of unrest, and while the news made it sound like chaos, the reality was often much less dramatic.

• On one trip, I got numerous phone calls from worried friends and family warning me to “be careful” because Lima was supposedly under martial law. Spoiler: It wasn’t. Life in Miraflores was completely normal, people were out for coffee, and the biggest drama was whether I’d get a table at Central without a reservation.
• Another time, there were reports of protests at the Lima airport. We braced ourselves for the worst… and found about 20 people holding signs in a designated area. No chaos, no disruption—just a small, peaceful demonstration.
• And then there was the time global news stations reported massive, record-breaking waves in the small fishing village we were visiting. We live across the street from the beach and had no idea there was an issue until friends started messaging us to check if we were okay.

The media loves a dramatic headline, and while staying informed is always good, things on the ground are often much calmer than they seem.

A Reality Check: What’s Really Happening in Lima?

If you’ve seen the latest headlines—or if, like me, your protective father sends you dramatic articles at 4 a.m.—you might be thinking Lima is in complete turmoil.

Sounds intense, right?

It’s true that on March 16th, a tragic attack on a musical group’s bus resulted in the death of well-known singer Paul Flores. The incident has led to heightened security measures and a state of emergency. While the government’s response has been widely criticized, the international press has had a field day using phrases like “a surge in violence” and “the state of emergency,” making it seem like the entire city is in lockdown.

But what’s the reality for people on the ground? I checked in with locals, and here’s what they’re actually saying:

• “Yes, but everything is actually normal around here. When there is a state of emergency, certain security measures are taken, but everything in the streets looks the same as always.”
• “I think international news is exaggerating a bit.”
• “The government is reacting too late to public pressure, but everything is fine regarding tourism.”

The takeaway? 

Stay informed, but don’t let overblown headlines scare you. For perspective, check the Global Peace Index, which ranks countries based on safety—Peru sits at 99th, while the U.S. is at 132.

So, instead of panicking, let’s focus on how to plan a smart, safe, and enjoyable trip to Lima with a clear-headed approach.

1. How to Stay Updated on Travel Advisories

That said, it’s always smart to stay informed before and during your trip. Here’s how:

• Check official sources like the U.S. State Department travel advisory for Peru or your country’s equivalent.
• Follow Peru’s Ministry of Health (MINSA) for health updates.
• Check Peruvian news sources (El Comercio, Peru21) and traveler forums for real-time updates.

If there’s talk of protests, ask your hotel staff or Airbnb host what’s really happening. Locals have the best insight into what’s actually going on.

2. Political Protests: What Travelers Should Know

Peru has a history of peaceful and not-so-peaceful protests, but they’re usually not aimed at tourists. That said, roadblocks and transport disruptions can happen.

What to Do

• Avoid large gatherings—protests can escalate quickly.
• Plan extra travel time—protests can affect roads and airports.
• Stay in a safe area like Miraflores or Barranco, where disruptions are rare.

What NOT to Do

• Don’t assume a protest will stay peaceful.
• Don’t engage in political discussions with strangers.

If you hear about planned protests, use Google Maps, Moovit, or your hotel concierge to check for road closures and alternative routes.

3. Health & Safety: What You Need to Know

Lima is a modern city with excellent healthcare, but a little preparation goes a long way.

Medical Precautions

Have travel insurance that covers medical care.

• Know the location of top hospitals like Clinica Anglo Americana and Clinica Internacional.
• Stick to bottled water and eat street food wisely.

COVID-19 & Other Health Concerns

While the pandemic has of course mostly passed, Peru was hit extremely hard and many people have stuck with a more cautious approach.

• Mask mandates may change—check updates before traveling.
• Pharmacies like Inkafarma and MiFarma sell over-the-counter meds.

If you feel unwell, ask your hotel for help—they often have doctors on call.

4. Transportation: Getting Around Safely

Lima’s traffic is infamous, but with the right choices, you can navigate it smoothly.

Taxis & Rideshares

• Use Uber or Cabify (my preference), they’re safer than hailing a taxi.
• If taking a taxi, have your hotel call one for you or use a car service they recommend.

5. Where to Stay: The Safest Areas in Lima

Safe Neighborhoods for Tourists

• Miraflores – Central, safe, and full of restaurants.
• Barranco – Artsy, bohemian, and relaxed.
• San Isidro – More upscale and business-oriented.

When booking a hotel or Airbnb, MAKE SURE it has 24/7 security and strong reviews. Lima is safe, but petty crime is definitely a thing. I would only stay at apartment hotels through AirBnB or flats that have security.

6. Money & Common Tourist Scams

Exchanging Money

• Use official exchange houses (casas de cambio) or ATMs at major banks.
• Avoid street money changers—they’re known for scams.

Scams to Watch For

• Fake taxi drivers—stick to rideshare apps.
• Overpriced souvenirs—haggle in markets like Mercado Indio.

When handling money, carry small bills and coins—many places won’t break large bills.

Final Thoughts: Is Traveling to Lima During Unrest Safe?

Yes! Like any major city, Lima has its challenges, but with a little planning, your trip can be smooth and enjoyable. Stay informed as a tourist, use common sense, and don’t let overhyped news stories scare you away from experiencing one of the most exciting cities in South America.

Now, over to you!

Have you traveled to Lima during uncertain times? Have any safety tips? Drop them in the comments!