Is Lima Peru Safe for Tourists and backpackers, we are guiding you through the key need to knows before hitting the Capital of Peru.
Lima, the vibrant capital of Peru, is a city rich in history, culture, and incredible food. Whether you’re exploring the clifftop views of Miraflores, the colonial streets of the historic centre, or the nightlife of Barranco, Lima offers a dynamic travel experience. This guide breaks down the question Is Lima Peru Safe, including the safest neighbourhoods, common scams, transportation tips, and real-world traveller advice. I will also tack on some common onward travel tips as your next destination is usually a fairly long journey from Lima, Iquitos or Cusco being some of the usual suspects. But generally, Lima is a metropolitan progressive city with a lot to offer especially around architecture and perhaps lesser known but also for its culinary delights.
IMPORTANT UPDATE ON LIMA AND CALLAO
On 17 March 2025, the Peruvian government declared a 30-day State of Emergency in the regions of Lima and Callao following security issues. This will see the police and army working together, and permit the restriction of some constitutional rights, for example, the police will be able to detain people without a judicial order if they deem it necessary. For more information make sure to check the following link.
For more information the following reporting from Al Jazeera covers the issues Peru is currently tackling 'Peru declares state of emergency as violent crimewave engulfs Lima'
👮🏻♀️ Lima Safety Overview and Tips
Petty Theft: The most common issue for tourists is pickpocketing and bag-snatching, especially in crowded areas and public transport.
Express Kidnappings: While rare, there have been cases of tourists being forced to withdraw money from ATMs.
Taxi Scams & Unofficial Taxis: Unregulated taxis can be dangerous. Always use registered ride-hailing apps (see transportation tips below).
Is Lima Safe at Night? Yes, in safe areas (Miraflores, Barranco, San Isidro).
Most safety tips here ring to that of any city in the world:
Avoid dimly lit streets.
Travel in groups when possible.
Use registered taxis or ride apps after dark.
Watch out for drink spiking in bars & clubs.
Safety Data: According to the latest crime index from the World Population Review, Lima ranks moderate to high for crime, with issues like theft, corruption, and occasional violent crime affecting certain areas. It also does not rank well for safety, however as with all crime and safety data, the pendulum swings vastly depending on where you are in any given country, city, town, village. The touristy spots and more affluent areas are fun to explore and well patrolled. If you want a broad overview of Peru as a country then make sure to check out the blog post below,
🫶 The Safest Places to Explore in Lima
If you’re a backpacker, digital nomad, or traveller, sticking to the right areas can significantly enhance your safety, Miraflores is your best bet with some fantastic places to stay for backpackers and tourists alike (my tops picks below 👇). There is a lot to discover around these parts with a plethora of fantastic restaurants at your beck and call. So lets unveil the safest spots to explore.
🏠 The Safest Neighbourhoods in Lima
❌ Area in Lima to Avoid
🛩️ The Best Stays for Holiday Makers
🎒 The Best Stays for Backpackers
🕵️♂️ Common Scams In Lima
Like so many cities there are always scams on the go, some of the more common to look out for in Lima are:
Fake Taxi Scams - Only use Uber, Cabify, or hotel-arranged taxis.
ATM Skimming - Use ATMs inside banks or shopping malls, not street ATMs.
Distraction Techniques - Thieves may spill something on you or create a scene to steal your belongings.
Counterfeit Money - Always check notes when receiving change, especially from street vendors, not right in front of there face as this could cause offence but subtly.
🚌 Transport Tips for Lima
Uber - Your best option in Lima for getting around is an Uber, its not overly expensive and quick.
Uber Note ... I did get caught out with Uber ... I do not know if this was a scam or just unlucky, however, something happened that lead to my ride 'continuing' after I got out the cab. It ran up a charge of around $40 instead of $10. I noticed and ended up having to get refunded through Uber by proving I was not in the taxi, I was in fact on a bus going in the other direction to Cusco when I realised the application was still showings that I was in the taxi! I attempted to stop it but it seemed not to work ... all in all ... I was shown to be in the taxi for a whopping 2 hours 40 minutes! I do not know how this happened but the moral of the story is ... Make sure your trip has been 'completed' once you are out of the taxi. This only happened on one occasion, I had used multiple Ubers for getting around Lima before this unfortunate encounter!
Other Taxi Note ... Only use official Taxis from Hotels or Apps
Metropolitano Buses - Rapid bus system, but watch out for pickpockets (see safety tips below).
🤓 Safety Tips for Lima
No.1 As always my first tip is talk to your hostel/ hotel staff on arrival about places you should not venture into.
No.2 Is ... Take a walking tour. Why? Because you can ask your guide about the best spots in the City. I endorse this activity beyond a safety hack as holy smokes does Lima have some beautiful architecture, do not miss it.
No.3 - Stay in reputable hostels or hotels - Check the safe stays above if you are not digging my selections then please look for well-reviewed places in Miraflores or Barranco.
No.4 - Use a cross-body bag or anti-theft backpack - Avoid carrying valuables in your pockets. I often safety hack this for major cities and lima is no exception.
No.5 - Don’t flash expensive gear - Keep cameras and phones secured when not in use. This is actually another reason to do a walking tour with a group, I have a DSLR that I like to carry on me and I feel a lot safer using it when with a tour group!
No.6 - Have a digital copy of important documents - Passport, travel insurance, and credit card info. If you are a backpacker/ solo explorer and heading across borders then use Lima as an opportunity to get new printouts if you have already had them collected by an immigration officer.
No.7 - Know emergency numbers - Save these into your phone before you go and check your service provider to ensure you have data and call time in Peru. If not then consider getting an E Sim like an Airalo link below 👇.
Police: 105
Tourist Police: 460-1060
Ambulance: 106
-- Is Lima Peru Safe? Final Thoughts --
Lima is a safe city for travellers if you stick to the right neighbourhoods and take standard precautions. Most visits are trouble-free, and by using common sense, safe transport, and keeping valuables secure, you can explore Lima with confidence.
Would I recommend it? Absolutely, just stay aware, and you’ll have an amazing time in Peru’s capital. Whilst Lima is great, Peru has so much to offer, make sure to read our related posts on Lima, Cusco, Iquitos so you can make the most of your time in Peru.
📌 Related Backpackers Blueprint Blogs:
🇵🇪 Essential Things to Do in Lima
🇵🇪 Best Hostels in Lima for Backpackers
🇨🇴 Is Bogotá Safe? A Traveler’s Guide
💬 Have you been to Lima? Drop your safety tips in the comments!
🚀 Stay safe & happy travels!
For the Intelligent explorer
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