Is Lima Safe for Tourists in 2026?

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 to avoid: Never hail a street cab — only use Uber, Cabify, or taxis called from a trusted hotel or restaurant. If you are already in a cab and feel unsafe, request to be dropped at the nearest busy intersection and exit in a public space.

Where: Miraflores (Av. Larco, Av. José Pardo), Barranco main strip, San Isidro financial district — primarily at night or after bar closing times

Fraudulent websites and social media accounts pose as official Machu Picchu ticket vendors, collecting payment for tickets that either do not exist or cannot be used at the entry gate. Peru's government-controlled ticketing system at culturacusco.gob.pe is the only legitimate source, but cloned sites with near-identical designs deceive thousands of visitors annually. Travellers arriving at Aguas Calientes without valid tickets face being turned away with no recourse.

How to avoid: Purchase Machu Picchu tickets exclusively at culturacusco.gob.pe or through officially licensed travel agencies. Cross-check any third-party site against the official URL. Screenshot your confirmation and verify the QR code scans before travelling.

Where: Purchases made online before arriving in Lima or Cusco; scam operates nationally and internationally targeting travellers planning Peru itineraries

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 to avoid: Real Peruvian police will not conduct wallet inspections on the street. If approached, do not hand over your wallet or passport — insist on walking together to the nearest official police station (Policía de Turismo). Ask to see official identification and write down the officer's name and badge number.

Where: Plaza Mayor (Historic Centre), Av. Larco (Miraflores), Miraflores Malecón seafront promenade, around Banco de la Nación branches and major ATM clusters

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 to avoid: Never hail a taxi from the street in Lima. Use SAFE registered taxi companies called by phone, or apps like InDriver, Cabify, or Beat. Your hotel can arrange a registered taxi for airport pickups — book in advance.

Where: Jorge Chávez International Airport in Callao and the road corridor between the airport and Miraflores, as well as the Callao district surrounding the airport