Is Peru Safe for Solo Female Travellers: Ultimate Guide
Are you a solo female traveller dreaming to visit South America but have been told it's unsafe to visit alone? Well, I am here to tell you that your dreams can come true!
As a passionate solo female traveller, I have visited many amazing places throughout the world, but my recent trip to Peru stands out as one of the most amazing experiences ever.
From majestic Inca ruins spread across breathtaking mountain scenery to vibrant colonial towns full of life and culture - it's easy to see why this country continues to captivate so many people around the globe.
And if safety is your biggest concern on any kind of travel journey - fear not! In this blog post, I will be sharing essential tips for travelling safely in Peru as a solo female traveller.
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Is Peru Safe to Travel Alone?
The short answer is yes! Countries in South America often have a reputation for being dangerous, but this is not the case in Peru. Peru is considered to be one of the safest countries in South America. The country has a low crime rate, and locals are known to be kind and welcoming towards travellers.
I spent four weeks travelling around Peru and only felt worried at one point in Huaraz (more on that below, however, spoiler alert it was a non-event and I was never in danger!).
In my opinion, Peru is the perfect place to visit for your first solo travel trip to South America! That said, it is important to remember that no country is completely crime-free, so it pays to use common sense and follow the tips outlined below.
Basilica Menor de la Merced, Cusco
Solo Safety Tips For Peru
If you plan to travel alone in Peru, use standard travel precautions and common sense during your trip for personal safety. Trust your gut feeling and don't go anywhere where you feel uncomfortable. Here are my top recommendations for keeping safe as a solo female traveller:
Research your trip
Research the area you plan to visit and familiarise yourself with any potential concerns such as political unrest or crime hotspots. With a little bit of preparation, you'll limit any unexpected events with the aim for a stress-free journey.
Start by creating a detailed itinerary that includes your transportation, accommodation, and activities. Research your destination to find out what to expect and make a list of must-see landmarks and experiences. Never arrive at a new destination without first planning your transportation options.
Be aware of petty theft
As with many places around the world, petty crime is prevalent throughout Latin America, and Peru is no exception. When you're in public places, it's wise to exercise caution and avoid carrying large amounts of cash or valuable items.
When I travel, I always try to have my valuables in front of me - something that has become a lot easier now that belt bags have come back in fashion! If I have my backpack, I try to always be aware of my surroundings and ensure that the valuables are right at the bottom of the bag so they are not easily grabbed.
Be extra cautious walking alone at night
As with any solo travel, safety should be your top priority. When travelling solo, I generally try to avoid walking around at night. That being said, I never felt unsafe at night in popular tourist destinations like Miraflores (Lima) and Cusco. I did, however, exercise extra caution with valuables and tried to avoid using my phone where possible.
Hot tip: if you need your phone for directions, use Google Maps and have one AirPod/wireless headphone in your ear covered by your hair - this way you can walk freely without drawing attention to yourself. I don't necessarily think this is essential in Peru as it does feel safer than some of the other South American countries, however, it never hurts to be overcautious.
Learn some Spanish
You can get away with speaking English in the main tourist locations such as Lime and Cusco, however, it is always helpful to learn some Spanish phrases before you go. I recommend downloading two free apps - Duolingo for learning to speak Spanish and Google Translate for convenience while you are travelling.
Also, if you have time to do some classes while you're there, Peru is a great place to learn Spanish! There are plenty of crash courses and longer-term options in Lima and Cusco.
Book Reputable Tours
If you're travelling to Peru, chances are there will be plenty of tours you will want to do. There are so many little travel agencies with Peru tours, so it can be difficult to find reputable tour companies.
I recommend reading multiple reviews on TripAdvisor and Get Your Guide. If you're staying in a hostel, another great option is to book through the hostel or ask other travellers which tours they have enjoyed.
Get Travel Insurance
I can't stress enough how important it is to get travel insurance before you go! If you have any frequent flyer credit cards, check to see if you have travel insurance included for free. If not, make sure to organise your travel insurance in advance of your solo trip.
San Blas Neighbourhood, Cusco
Popular Destinations for Solo Female Travellers in Peru
Now that you know how to stay safe as a solo female traveller in Peru, let's talk about the best places to visit on your solo trip. From Lima and Cusco to Machu Picchu and Huaraz, here are some of my top picks for the best destinations for solo female travellers in Peru.
Whether you're backpacking Peru or prever to travel in luxury, there is something for everyone. Travelling solo allows for so much freedom and means you can design your own itinerary to exactly fit your needs.
Lima:
As the capital city of Peru, Lima is an essential destination on any trip to this country. With its colourful street art, beautiful beaches, and delicious food scene, there is plenty to explore in this vibrant city. Lots of people will tell you to skip Lima, but I disagree! Lima is such a beautiful city and is definitely worthy of a 1-2 night stay.
Miraflores is a great place to stay as a solo female traveller, as it's a safe and central location. Make sure you wander around Barranco - it's full of street art, great food and cafes.
Using Lima as a base, you can do day tours to Huacachina Desert Oasis or Palomino Islands to swim with sea lions.
Historic Centre, Lima
Cusco:
This ancient Incan city is located high in the Andes Mountains at over 3,400m above sea level. It's a great base for exploring the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu, but there is plenty to do in Cusco itself too - from wandering around Plaza de Armas to checking out Saqsaywaman Ruins. Cusco has some amazing cafes and restaurants.
From Cusco, some of the best day tours are to Rainbow Mountain, Humantay Lake and Machu Picchu.
The best area to stay for solo female travellers would be in the historic centre - basically anywhere within walking distance from Plaza de Armas.
Cusco, Peru
Machu Picchu:
One of the world's most majestic sites, Machu Picchu is definitely worth visiting on your trip to Peru. This ancient Incan citadel is located high in the Andes Mountains and offers breathtaking views and remarkable ruins.
If you're physically able to, I'd highly recommend trekking to Machu Picchu via either the Inca Trail or Salkantay Trek. I personally did the Inca Trail and absolutely loved it - I actually enjoyed seeing the smaller Inca Ruins along the trek more than Machu Picchu itself. The Inca Trail does book out early, so the Salkantay Trek is another great option. It's slightly harder than the Inca Trail but arguably has better views.
Machu Picchu, Peru
Arequipa:
Located in southern Peru, Arequipa is a beautiful city to visit with a great cafe scene. This colonial city is known as the 'White City' due to its abundance of white-washed buildings and it's abundance of museums, churches and markets. One of the most amazing sites in Arequipa is the Santa Catalina Monastery. From Arequipa, there are many tours to Colca Canyon - either day trips or overnight hiking tours.
Santa Catalina Monastery, Arequipa
Puno:
Another popular destination in Peru is Puno - located on the shore of Lake Titicaca. This town offers some of the most incredible views in Peru and is a great place to learn about traditional Aymara culture. From Puno, there are plenty of boat tours available to explore Lake Titicaca and Uros Floating Islands.
Huaraz:
Located in northern Peru, Huaraz is an adventure lover's paradise. High in the Andes Mountains, this region offers some epic trekking routes through canyons, lakes and mountain peaks. It's also home to plenty of fun activities such as rafting and mountain biking - so if you're looking for an adrenaline rush then look no further than Huaraz!
Of all the places I visited in Peru, I'd say that Huaraz was the most difficult as its the least touristy. As an example there is no Uber in Huaraz and the taxi's don't particularly look legit.
I mentioned earlier about feeling worried in Huaraz - I had arrived at the bus station late at night and while I knew there was no Uber, I didn't expect the taxi's to be old unmarked cars. I felt really uneasy and wasn't sure who to trust. I ended up waiting inside the bus terminal and contacted my hostel via WhatsApp to arrange transport.
They quickly sent a taxi and everything was fine - but the point of the story is to highlight that Huaraz is slightly more difficult to navigate as a solo female traveller, particularly if you can't speak Spanish, and is just something to be aware of.
Laguna Paron, Huaraz
How to Get Around Peru
Now that you know the best places to visit as a solo female traveller in Peru, let's talk about how to get around. There are several options available depending on your budget and itinerary:
Bus:
Buses are the most popular form of transport for travellers in Peru as they provide an inexpensive way to get around. I'd recommend booking your bus trip online in advance. It's also worth noting that the luxury-style bus companies usually have separate bus stations/terminals so make sure to turn up at the correct one!
Cruz del Sur and Movil are both great options for long-distance journeys. I travelled with Movil between Lima and Huaraz and couldn't believe how spacious the seats were!
If you like a mix between an organised tour and travelling at your own pace, Peru Hop might be a good option for you. It's aimed at tourists and is much easy to book.
Plane:
If you're limited on time, flying is going to be the best way for you to travel between major cities as it is often the quickest and most convenient option. The main airports are located in Lima, Cusco and Arequipa and flights between these three cities are usually very affordable!
Train:
Trains are not a popular option within Peru, with one exception being the train from Cusco To Machu Picchu. This is one of the most scenic routes in the world and it offers amazing views of the Sacred Valley - try to get a train that has an open carriage and make sure to book your tickets in advance as they often sell out quickly. Note: if you're doing one of the trekking tours, the company will usually book your return train trip back to Cusco.
Peruvian Cuisine
Get ready for a culinary adventure like no other! Peruvian cuisine is a melting pot of flavours and influences from cultures around the world. If you're a food lover, then you definitely need to try some of the amazing dishes that Peru has to offer. From ceviche, the country's most popular seafood dish, to lomo saltado, a mouthwatering beef stir fry that's a staple in most Peruvian households, you'll find there's something for everyone. And if you're feeling adventurous, why not try guinea pig, a delicacy that's been enjoyed in Peru for centuries. With bold spices, fresh ingredients, and a love for good food, Peruvian cuisine is sure to impress even the most discerning of palates. So grab a fork and get ready to indulge in some of the best food you'll ever taste!
Ceviche in Lima, Peru
How to Get a SIM Card
You can buy a local SIM card when you arrive in Peru from PeruSIM. However, over the years I’ve found it increasingly annoying to switch out SIM cards and attempt not to lose your personal SIM - happy days if you have a dual SIM phone!
If you’re lazy like me, I’d recommend getting an eSIM. They are slightly more expensive but in my opinion, it’s worth it for the convenience. It’s also worth noting that eSIMs are generally data only - meaning you can’t call local numbers. I generally only use data while travelling so this suits me.
There are a lot of eSIM companies out there, however, I found Airalo really easy to install and use. They have different options depending on the length of stay, and amount of data.
Tips to Enjoy Your Travels as a Solo Female
Travelling as a solo female can be one of the most rewarding experiences. From meeting new people to pushing yourself out of your comfort zone, there are so many benefits that come with travelling alone. Here are four tips for solo female travellers that will help make your travels more enjoyable:
Join group tours or walking tours – this way you can enjoy all the sights without having to worry about getting lost or feeling unsafe on your own;
If you're keen on meeting new people, stay at hostels – not only do they tend to be cheaper than hotels but they also provide an opportunity for socialising. If you're not keen on a dorm room, book a private room in a hostel for the best of both worlds;
Take books/magazines/electronic devices when visiting cafes or restaurants – these items will keep you occupied in case you feel uncomfortable being alone;
If you hate the idea of dining out alone, get takeaway and watch a movie in your hotel or Facetime a friend.
Tour Group on the Inca Trail, Peru
What to do if Something Goes Wrong
In case you become a victim of a crime, you may reach out to the Tourism Police (0800 22221). This branch of the police is specifically created to safeguard tourists and can often be found patrolling popular tourist spots.
Frequently Asked Questions
Taxi or Uber?
It really depends on your budget and preference. Taxis are usually cheaper, but they don't always have the same level of quality as Ubers. Ubers also offer more convenience with their booking platform, allowing you to book a ride from anywhere.
Do I need to tip?
In general, tipping is not expected in Peru, however, it is appreciated if you've had a good experience with someone. With organised tours it is expected that you tip the tour guides so make sure to incorporate that into the cost.
Is bargaining/bartering accepted in Peru?
Bartering is generally accepted in small stores and markets. All other places will have fixed prices.
Can you drink tap water in Peru?
No, it is not recommended to drink tap water in Peru. It's best to stick to bottled or filtered water for drinking and brushing your teeth.
Can you use a credit card in Peru?
It really depends on the place - in most larger stores, hotels restaurants you can use a credit card. However, it's always good to have cash on hand for other scenarios including tipping. I did not have any issues with credit card fraud in Peru.
Do you need a tourist visa to visit Peru?
Visitors from Australia do not need a visa to visit Peru. For all other nationalities, there is a helpful table here.
Sunset on the Inca Trail, Peru
Conclusion
All in all, travelling to Peru can be an exciting and amazing journey for solo female travellers. From its breathtaking landscapes to its vibrant culture, Peru is a great place for exploring and embracing differences. With just a little bit of planning and research, women can make the most of their trip and enjoy the beautiful places that Peru has to offer. Safety is always important when travelling alone, but this doesn’t need to stop you from having incredible experiences – being aware of your surroundings and using common sense are great guidelines which will help you make the most out of your time there. I hope that visiting Peru as a solo female traveller is now on your list!