Is it safe to travel to Peru alone as a woman?
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If you are planning traveling to Peru, safety is important.
Peru is a beautiful and diverse country that attracts millions of tourists every year. Many of them are solo female travelers who want to explore the rich culture, history, and nature of Peru. But is it safe to travel to Peru alone as a woman? The answer is yes, as long as you follow some tips and precautions.
Peru is considered to be one of the safest countries in South America, with a low crime rate and a friendly population. Most tourists do not experience any safety issues while traveling in Peru. Unlikely to happen, petty crimes like pickpocketing, ATM fraud, and muggings are the most common threats, especially in crowded tourist areas like Lima or Cusco. Violent crimes like express kidnappings or sexual assaults are extremely rare.
Here are some safety tips to follow:
- Keep your valuables close to you and do not flaunt them in public. Only carry the money you need for the day and hide the rest in a safe place. Do not keep your wallet, passport, or phone in your back pocket or an easy-to-open bag.
- Avoid walking alone at night or in dark, isolated areas. If you need to go out after dark, try to walk with other travelers or take a taxi. Do not accept rides from strangers or unmarked cars.
- Be careful when using ATMs or exchanging money. Only use ATMs that are inside banks or well-lit areas. Cover the keypad when entering your PIN and check your account balance regularly. Do not exchange money on the street or with unofficial vendors. Use authorized money changers or banks instead.
- Do not drink too much alcohol or accept drinks from strangers. Alcohol can impair your judgment and make you more vulnerable to scams or attacks. If you go to a bar or a club, always keep an eye on your drink and do not leave it unattended. If you feel sick or dizzy, seek help from a trusted person or a staff member.
- Research your destination before you go. Read up on the local customs, culture, and laws of Peru. Learn some basic Spanish phrases to communicate with the locals and ask for help if needed. Check the travel advisories and warnings from your government and avoid areas that are considered unsafe or unstable.
Solo Travel in Peru
Solo adventures do not mean you will always be alone. Peru has a vibrant backpacker scene and a welcoming hospitality industry. It is easy to make friends and find travel companions along the way. You can stay in hostels, join tours, or use social media platforms to connect with other travelers. You can also meet locals who are eager to share their culture and stories with you.
Traveling solo also gives you the freedom and flexibility to plan your own itinerary and pace. You can choose what you want to see and do, and how long you want to stay in each place. You can also challenge yourself and learn new things along the way. Traveling solo can be a rewarding and empowering experience that will enrich your life.
Some of the best places to visit in Peru as a solo female traveler are:
- Machu Picchu: The iconic Inca citadel is a must-see for any traveler in Peru. You can either take a train or hike the Inca Trail to reach the ancient ruins. You will be amazed by the stunning views and the engineering marvels of the Inca civilization. You can also explore the nearby town of Aguas Calientes, where you can relax in the hot springs or visit the local market.
- Cusco: The former capital of the Inca Empire is a charming and colorful city that blends colonial and indigenous influences. You can wander around the cobblestone streets and admire the architecture, museums, and churches. You can also visit the nearby attractions like the Sacred Valley, the Sacsayhuaman ruins, or the Rainbow Mountain.
- Lake Titicaca: The highest navigable lake in the world is a natural and cultural wonder. You can take a boat tour to visit the floating islands of the Uros people, who live on reed platforms on the lake. You can also stay with a local family on one of the larger islands, like Taquile or Amantani, and experience their traditional way of life.
- Arequipa: The second-largest city in Peru is known as the White City, because of its buildings made of white volcanic stone. You can enjoy the sunny weather and the beautiful scenery of the surrounding volcanoes. You can also visit the Santa Catalina Monastery, a city within a city that housed cloistered nuns for centuries.
- Puerto Maldonado: The gateway to the Amazon rainforest is a paradise for nature lovers. You can stay in a jungle lodge and explore the diverse flora and fauna of the rainforest. You can also visit the Tambopata National Reserve, where you can see macaws, monkeys, caimans, and more.
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Top Tours - Tourist packages to Peru
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ACTIVITIES AND TRAVEL TOURS IN CUSCO
Make sure you don’t miss a thing on your next trip to Peru! Take a look at our recommendations and learn about the best destinations and activities in each region of our country.
- Tour 1 day Machu Picchu in one day with the Train Company “Inca Rail”
- Tour 1 day Machu Picchu in one day with the Train Company “Peru Rail”
- Tours in Peru 2 days Machu Picchu and Sacred Valley
- Tours in Peru 2 days Machupicchu and Huaynapicchu
- Tours in Peru 3 days and 2 nights visit: Cusco, Machu Picchu
- Tours in Peru 4 days Cusco, Machu Picchu, Valley
- Tours in Peru 4 days with 1 night in Machu Picchu
- Tours in Peru 5 days visit: Cusco, Machu Picchu, Sacred Valley, Maras Moray
- Tours in Peru 5 days visit: Cusco, Machu Picchu, Sacred Valley and Rainbow Mountain
- Tours in Peru 5 days visit: Cusco, Machu Picchu, Sacred Valley and Humantay Lagoon
- Tours in Peru 5 days visit: Lima, Cusco, Machu Picchu, Sacred Valley
- Tours in Peru 6 days visit: Lima, Cusco, Machu Picchu, Sacred Valley, Lake Titicaca
- Tours in Peru 7 days: Lima, Arequipa, Colca Canyon, Cusco, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu
- Tours in Peru 7 days: Lima, Cusco, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Nazca, Paracas, Ballestas
- Tours in Peru 7 days: Lima, Valley, Machu Picchu, Puno, Lake Titicaca, Uros
- Tours in Peru 8 days visit: Lima, Paracas, Nazca, Cusco, Valley, Machu Picchu, Lake Titicaca
- Tours in Peru 9 days: Lima, Paracas, Nazca, Cusco, Valley, Machu Picchu, Lake Titicaca
- Tours in Peru 10 days visit: Lima, Cusco, Sacred Valley Machupicchu, Piura, Máncora
- Tours in Peru 11 days visit: Lima, Machu Picchu, Lake Titicaca, Puno, Colca Canyon, Arequipa
- Tours in Peru 11 days visit: Lima, Nazca, Machupicchu, Cusco, Puno, Lake Titicaca
- Tours in Peru 15 days: Lima, Cusco, Valley, Machu Picchu, Lake Titicaca – Puno, Colca Canyon – Arequipa, Lima, Amazon River – Iquitos
- Tours in Peru 15 days: Lima, Paracas – Nazca, Colca Canyon – Arequipa, Lake Titicaca – Puno, Cusco – Sacred Valley, Machupicchu, Lima
- Tours in Peru 20 days: Lima, Cruise on the Amazon River – Iquitos, Lima, Huacachina, Nazca Lines, Ballestas – Ica, Colca Canyon – Arequipa, Cusco, Sacred, Machu Picchu
- Tours in Peru 22 days: Lima, Señor de Sipán – Chiclayo, Chan Chan – Trujillo, Lima, Paracas, Nazca, Colca Canyon – Arequipa, Lake Titicaca Puno, Cusco, Valley, Machu Picchu
- Tours in Peru 25 days: Lima, Nazca, Machupicchu, Trujillo, Chiclayo, Lord of Sipan, Chavín De Huántar, Arequipa, Cusco
- Tours in Peru 30 days: Lima, Chan Chan Trujillo, Sipan Chiclayo, Kuelap Chachapoyas, Baños del Inca Cajamarca – Paracas, Nazca, Colca Arequipa, Titicaca, Cusco, Valle, Machu Picchu
- Inca Trail 2 days to Machu Picchu
- Inca Trail 4 days to Machu Picchu
- Inca Trail 4 days to Machu Picchu”Lujo”
- Inca Trail to Choquequirao 4 days
- Inca Trail to Choquequirao 5 days
- Inca Trail through the Nevado Salkantay 4 days to Machu Picchu with Sky Camp
- Inca Trail through the Nevado Salkantay 5 days to Machu Picchu with Sky Camp
- Horseback Riding to Espinar 03 days
- Horseback Riding 04 Ruins Half day
- Hot Air Balloon Tour in Cusco
- Paragliding Adventure Tour – Cusco
- Bike Tour Moray, Salineras – Rafting Ollantaytambo 2 Days
- Bike Tour through the Sacred Valley of the Incas 1 day
- Bicycle Tour through Maras – Moray – Salineras 1 day
FOURTH DAY: FAREWELL
At the appropriate time, transfer to the airport/bus terminal to continue your journey to your next destination.