Is it safe to visit Peru?
I have come by these news recently and now I am wondering how real the threat is. Is there someone who recently came back from Peru, Bolivia or Argentina and can report how the situation is?
UPDATE: For me "safe" means: "Everyone came back without any injuries on time."
Best Answer
There is some risk anywhere you go but the risk is not even for everyone.
In other words, it depends on where you go, when you do there and how. Generally, larger groups traveling together are safer. Even not part of the group, following hordes of other tourists will make it safer for you, and indeed there are hordes of tourists in Peru in all major sites and along the usual paths.
Peru significantly benefits from tourism and it is in their best interest to keep things safe. Along tourist areas, there is a strong presence of tourist police from morning to around sunset.
It is sad to hear this kind of news and when a group is being particularly targeted you have to be extra caution if that includes you. Anything that can make you seem excluded would help. I know Americans how sew Canadian flags to their bags to avoid anti-American sentiments in some locations.
You are also asking about Bolivia and Argentina in the same question and should point out that those are separate countries. Such issues are really different between them. Just a few months ago (Dec 2012-Jan 2013), I was in both Peru and Bolivia as well as Ecuador. There was some uprest in Bolivia but never did I feel in any danger. It was my first time there, while I have been 8 o 9 times to Peru, but it felt even safer. Ecuador on the other hand is much more dangerous at this time.
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Is Peru safe for traveling?
Overall, Peru is a very safe country for travelers It's one of the safest countries for travelers in South America, and has a level 2 travel advisory from the US Department of State\u2014that's the same rating given to the UK, France, and tons of other popular destinations.What should I avoid in Peru?
15 Things Tourists Should Never Do in Peru, Ever- Don't be afraid to share beer. ...
- Don't be timid. ...
- Don't expect lines. ...
- Don't expect punctuality. ...
- Don't expect everything to be spicy. ...
- Don't be afraid to use \u201cya\u201d ...
- Don't say Chile does it better. ...
- Don't be offended if you are asked your marital status.
Is it safe to visit Machu Picchu?
For most visitors, travel to Machu Picchu is quite safe. You will need to be much more vigilant when traveling through large cities such as Cusco and Lima.Is Lima Peru safe for tourists?
Short answer: yes. Visiting Lima is just like visiting any other metropolitan area. There is, of course, a risk of petty crime. But Lima is largely safe if you stick to the main touristic areas, such as Miraflores and Barranco.Visit Peru - The Don'ts of Visiting Peru
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Answer 2
Regarding those news, there was a huge debate about it here in Peru mostly because this was not based on reliable information. After the US Embassy posted this news, the government did a evaluation of the security around Macchu Picchu and even the Embassador Rose Likins visited Peru. However, they still recommend to not get closer to the VRAEM (Valley of River Apurimac,Ene and Mantaro).
It is safe to visit Peru, of course there are always tips and advices.
- Do not go out to the city of Lima in the night.
- Always ask the police for addresses and places.
- Do not show your valuable belongings in public.
- Travel on a popular bus company and do not take rides of strangers.
- Travel in big groups, do not go alone.
- and many more....
And i suggest you read this.
Sources: Stack Exchange - This article follows the attribution requirements of Stack Exchange and is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.
Images: Keira Burton, Mateusz Sałaciak, Pixabay, SHVETS production