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Peru city safety guide

Is Lima Safe? Travel Safety Guide

Is Lima safe for tourists right now?

Safety in Lima depends mostly on the neighborhood, the time of night, and how you get around. Lima safety decisions depend on district, taxi choice, and time of day; most visitors stay in Miraflores and Barranco, where phone theft and taxi scams are the main issues. Check your government's travel advisory for Peru and the live GringoGuard feed for recent reports before you go.

Emergency number in Peru: 105.

Open the Lima live feed

Recent Lima Safety News

No recent news or official bulletins for Lima have passed our filters. Check the live app for traveler reports and the latest map.

Neighborhoods to Watch in Lima

  • Miraflores: Generally busy and patrolled; still watch phones on the Malecon and at outdoor tables.
  • Barranco: Use app rides home from bars and stick to lit streets near the Puente de los Suspiros.
  • Centro Historico: Visit by day and keep bags in front around crowded plazas and markets.

Common Risks and Scams in Lima

  • Street-hail taxis: Use app rides or hotel-arranged taxis rather than hailing on the street.
  • Phone snatching: Keep phones away from curbs; thieves on foot and motorbike target distracted users.
  • Airport transfers: Use official airport taxis or pre-booked transfers from Jorge Chavez.

Emergency Numbers and Official Help

GringoGuard is not an emergency service. Use official channels first for active danger, then preserve details for a formal report or operator review once safe.

  • Policia Nacional del Peru: 105 Immediate danger, robbery, or crime in progress.
  • SAMU: 106 Ambulance and medical emergencies.
  • Policia de Turismo (POLTUR) / iPeru: Local POLTUR post or iPeru office Visitor-focused police reports (denuncia), interpreter help, and lost-document routing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common risks for travelers in Lima?

Street-hail taxis: Use app rides or hotel-arranged taxis rather than hailing on the street. Phone snatching: Keep phones away from curbs; thieves on foot and motorbike target distracted users. Airport transfers: Use official airport taxis or pre-booked transfers from Jorge Chavez.

Which areas of Lima need extra caution?

Miraflores: Generally busy and patrolled; still watch phones on the Malecon and at outdoor tables. Barranco: Use app rides home from bars and stick to lit streets near the Puente de los Suspiros. Centro Historico: Visit by day and keep bags in front around crowded plazas and markets.

What is the emergency number in Lima?

Call 105 for immediate danger in Lima, Peru. SAMU (106): Ambulance and medical emergencies. Policia de Turismo (POLTUR) / iPeru (Local POLTUR post or iPeru office): Visitor-focused police reports (denuncia), interpreter help, and lost-document routing.

How do I report a crime or scam in Lima as a tourist?

Get safe first and call 105 if anyone is in danger. Then file a formal report with local authorities, and share an anonymous report on GringoGuard so other travelers in Lima are warned. Names, faces, and exact addresses are kept private until human review.