Peru - Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution

in Peru due to risk of crime, unrest, kidnapping, and terrorism. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory. 

• U.S. government employees working in Peru need special authorization to travel to the Colombia-Peru border area in the Loreto Region due to safety risks. 
• U.S. government employees working in Peru need special authorization to travel to the Valley of the Apurímac, Ene, and Mantaro Rivers (VRAEM), due to safety risks. 
• U.S. government employees working in Peru need special authorization to travel to the VRAEM’s boundary cities of Abancay, Ayacucho, Huancavelica, and Huancayo due to safety risks.   
• Review our information on Travel to High-Risk Areas. 

Crime  

Crime is common in Peru.  

• Petty theft, carjackings, muggings, assaults, and other violent crime often happen even in daylight hours and with many witnesses around.   
• Although rare, “express kidnappings,” where the victim is taken to a banking institution and forced to remove funds from their own accounts, may occur.  
• The risk of crime increases at night.   
• Criminal groups sometimes set up roadblocks to rob people in areas outside of Lima. 

Unrest 

Demonstrations occur regularly throughout the country. Public demonstrations can take place for political and economic issues.    

• Demonstrations can shut down local roads, trains, and major highways. This often happens without warning or clear information on reopening times.   
• Road closures can limit access to public transportation and airports.   
• Closures may also disrupt travel in and between cities. 

Restrictions for U.S. government employees 

Due to road safety risks, U.S. government employees working in Peru are prohibited from nighttime driving. The only exception is within cities, between Lima and Huacho (to the north), and Lima and Paracas (to the south).   

• U.S. government employees working in Peru may travel at night with commercial bus companies along the Pan-American Highway, to Huaraz, and on the Lima-Arequipa-Cusco corridor.    

Terrorism 

There is risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other activity in Peru. Visit the U.S. Department of State's Country Reports on Terrorism to learn more.   

Kidnapping 

Kidnapping in Peru, which could lead to prolonged detentions for ransom, are relatively uncommon but remains a notable security concern.  Visitors should remain aware of their surroundings.   

Other 

U.S. travelers should not consume Ayahuasca or Kambo because of the known dangers.  U.S. citizens have suffered serious illness and, in some cases, died after taking these drugs. They have also been sexually assaulted, injured, or robbed while under the influence of these substances. Ayahuasca or Kambo consumption centers are located throughout Peru, including the jungle regions of Iquitos, Tarapoto, and Pucallpa, and tourist areas such as Cusco. 

U.S. citizen travelers should not use coca products (such as tea or candy). They are often offered as a remedy for high elevation symptoms but are considered a controlled substance and can interact with other medications. 

Do Not Travel to the Colombia-Peru border area in the Loreto Region due to crime. 

Do Not Travel to the Valley of the Apurímac, Ene, and Mantaro Rivers (VRAEM), which includes Vilcabamba, due to crime and threats of terrorism.   

Do Not Travel to Abancay, Ayacucho, Huancavelica, and Huancayo within the regions of Ayacucho, Cusco, Huancavelica, and Junín, due to crime and threats of terrorism.    

Note: The City of Cusco and popular tourist sites nearby, like the Sacred Valley, the Inca Trail, and Machu Picchu, are not located in the affected area.