Lima Scams to Avoid in 2026 (Peru)
Lima's Miraflores and the historic center see fake taxi drivers near airports, overpriced tours to Machu Picchu, and distraction-based pickpocketing in crowded markets.
Compare with nearby destinations
Last updated: April 2, 2026
Taxi from Jorge Chávez Airport Overcharge
Unlicensed taxi drivers at Lima's airport quote S/60–100+ for the trip to Miraflores; the official rate is S/40–55. Some resort to following tourists persistently into the terminal if rejected.
📍Outside the arrivals hall at Jorge Chávez International Airport in Callao, and the unofficial taxi waiting area near the terminal exit
How to avoid: Use only the official TAXI GREEN desk inside the terminal, or book a hotel transfer in advance. The legitimate fare corridor is clearly signposted.
This scam type is also documented in Buenos Aires and Medellín.
5
High Risk
3
Medium Risk
3
Low Risk
Lima · Peru · South America
Open map →📍Where These Scams Are Most Active in Lima
Specific areas and landmarks with the highest concentration of documented incidents.
Taxi from Jorge Chávez Airport Overcharge
Outside the arrivals hall at Jorge Chávez International Airport in Callao, and the unofficial taxi waiting area near the terminal exit
Fake Machu Picchu Tour Operators
Travel agency offices in Miraflores (along Avenida Larco and side streets near Parque Kennedy) and Barranco, Lima, as well as online agencies targeting Peru-bound travelers
Express Kidnapping via Street Taxi
Miraflores (Av. Larco, Av. José Pardo), Barranco main strip, San Isidro financial district — primarily at night or after bar closing times
Fake Taxi Robbery
Jorge Chávez International Airport in Callao and the road corridor between the airport and Miraflores, as well as the Callao district surrounding the airport
Fake Police Officer Wallet Inspection
Plaza Mayor (Historic Centre), Av. Larco (Miraflores), Miraflores Malecón seafront promenade, around Banco de la Nación branches and major ATM clusters
Mustard and Substance Distraction Theft
Parque Kennedy (central Miraflores), Av. Diagonal and surrounding pedestrian walkways, Larcomar restaurant terrace area, Huaca Pucllana perimeter (Av. General Borgoño)
These areas are safe to visit — knowing the setups in advance makes them far easier to recognize and avoid.
Transport is the primary risk in Lima
3 of 11 documented scams involve taxis or transport. Always use app-based rides (Uber, Grab, or local equivalent) and confirm fares before getting in.
How it works
Unlicensed taxi drivers at Lima's airport quote S/60–100+ for the trip to Miraflores; the official rate is S/40–55. Some resort to following tourists persistently into the terminal if rejected.
How it works
Agencies in Lima's Miraflores and Barranco districts sell "budget" Machu Picchu packages that do not include all listed items — missing entry tickets, poor-quality hotels, or guides who do not show up. Payment is taken upfront with no recourse.
How it works
Tourists who hail unmarked taxis on the street — particularly at night in Miraflores, San Isidro, and Barranco — are driven to a secluded area where armed accomplices force them to make repeated ATM withdrawals under threat. Victims are typically held for one to three hours before being released. The US State Department and UK FCDO both flag Lima's express kidnapping rate as among the highest in South America for tourists.
How it works
Unlicensed colectivo taxis and informal cabs pick up tourists, then drive to secluded areas where accomplices enter the vehicle and rob the occupants. This is reported near Jorge Chávez International Airport and throughout Callao.
How it works
Individuals posing as plainclothes police officers approach tourists in central Lima and Miraflores, claiming to be investigating counterfeit currency or drug trafficking. They demand to inspect your wallet and passport as part of a supposed check, then palm cash or replace your genuine bills with counterfeits while appearing to verify them. Peru is the world's largest producer of counterfeit US dollars per the US Secret Service, making this pretext highly convincing to tourists.
How it works
In Miraflores near Parque Kennedy and along the Larcomar restaurant strip, individuals approach tourists claiming a substance — mustard, bird droppings, or paint — has landed on their back or bag. While one person gestures to help clean it, an accomplice steals bags, phones, or wallets set down during the distraction. The tactic is also used on pedestrians on Av. Diagonal and near the Huaca Pucllana archaeological site.
How it works
Despite being in upmarket Miraflores, Parque Kennedy is a tourist hotspot with pickpocket activity, particularly after dark and during busy weekend craft markets.
How it works
Individuals in Lima's tourist district (Miraflores) sell PeruRail and Inca Rail train tickets to Aguas Calientes at marked-up prices, claiming trains are sold out or that they have insider access.
How it works
Vendors in the Surquillo market and street food areas use the fast pace of transactions to shortchange tourists, particularly with S/50 and S/100 notes.
How it works
Seafood restaurants in Miraflores catering to tourists charge two to four times the price of identical ceviche in San Isidro or Surquillo market, sometimes using tourist menus vs local menus.
How it works
Street events or tour touts invite tourists to a "pisco sour competition" where they pay for entry and drinks. The event is a pretext for selling overpriced spirits and charging hidden fees.
Lima Safety — Frequently Asked Questions
What scams target tourists in Lima?
Are taxis safe in Lima?
Is Lima safe at night for tourists?
Which areas of Lima should tourists be most careful in?
How can I avoid being scammed in Lima?
Browse by scam type
Filter scams in Lima by category, or read our worldwide guides for each scam type — taxi scams, street scams, restaurant scams, and more.
If you're visiting more than one destination
Similar scam patterns are active across the South America region. Before visiting Cusco, Bogotá, and Santiago, review each city's guide — tactics vary and local setups differ even for the same scam type.
Editorial note: Scam warnings for Lima are compiled from government travel advisories (US State Dept, UK FCDO, Australian DFAT), verified news sources, travel community reports, and traveler-submitted incidents. All entries are reviewed for accuracy and local specificity before publication. Read our full methodology →