Street Scams in Cusco, Peru
Pickpockets, distraction thieves, fake petitions, and street hustles in tourist areas. Below are the street scams scams reported in Cusco — how they work and how to avoid them.
For broader context, compare this scam type with nearby destinations like Buenos Aires, Lima, and Medellín.
Last updated: April 2, 2026
3
Street Scams Scams
11
Total in Cusco
How it works
A shoe shiner approaches and begins polishing your shoes without permission, then demands a large payment. If you refuse, an accomplice appears to support the demand or stage a distraction to steal from you.
How it works
Children in colorful traditional Andean dress with llamas or alpacas near Cusco's Plaza de Armas pose for tourist photos, then demand $5–20. Some children become very persistent and follow tourists for blocks.
How it works
Women and children in traditional Andean clothing with baby llamas near the Plaza de Armas offer tourist photo opportunities, then demand payment and become aggressive if the amount is insufficient.
See all scams in Cusco
11 total warnings across all categories