Yes, it's safe to travel alone as a woman to Peru, but it's important to take precautions like any other destination. Peru offers a wealth of cultural experiences and beautiful landscapes, but it's also crucial to be alert and aware of your surroundings.
Peru is one of the most popular destinations in Latin America for its dreamy landscapes and delicious cuisine. But, as I mentioned above, the country unfortunately has a femicide rate that can make any woman shudder.
However, don't let this stop you; with the right precautions, your adventure can be unforgettable and safe. Furthermore, Peruvians are very kind, caring people, and not everyone has ulterior motives. Most of the people I met during my trip were incredibly hospitable and always willing to help.
Yes, traveling to Peru as a solo woman can be very safe. However, it doesn't hurt to take certain precautions. So, here are my 10 best tips if you're planning to travel alone to Peru:
If someone asks if you're traveling alone, you can say you're waiting for friends or that your group is somewhere else. This doesn't mean that Peru isn't safe for women to travel to, but it's a way to keep a low profile and avoid attracting the attention of people with bad intentions anywhere in the world.
This will also help dispel any malicious intent. A super useful idea I've seen from female travelers is to wear a (fake) wedding ring to give the impression that you're with your partner on vacation.
As with any other place in the world, avoid lonely places if you're alone, especially after dark or in the early hours of the morning. Instead, try to always travel in well-lit, crowded areas.
Dressing in a simple and discreet way can help you go unnoticed. Try not to wear ostentatious items such as necklaces, super-expensive accessories, or luxury clothing.
Always use registered taxis or recognized transportation apps. If you take buses, choose trusted companies and, if possible, book your tickets in advance. You can also ask where you're staying about the safest way to get around.
Don't hesitate to call the main security agency where you're staying. It's always good to know the emergency number and where to go if an emergency occurs as soon as you arrive.
It may sound a bit old-fashioned in the digital age, but carrying a notebook with emergency numbers, important addresses, and local contacts can be a great help in case your phone dies, you have no signal, or it's stolen.
Choose accommodations in safe, centrally located areas. Also, in this digital age, everything is online, so look for reviews of the place you plan to stay and be wary of those with few or no reviews.
You can also opt for accommodations like hostels that offer female-only dorms; this way, you'll feel more comfortable.
Keep your passport and important documents in a safe place. You can carry digital copies in your email and physical copies stored in different parts of your luggage. Believe me, you don't want to experience the ordeal of replacing your passport in the middle of your vacation.
Although it may be a great idea to carry your entire budget in cash to avoid fees, it's safer to use cards and only carry the money you need for the day. This way, you won't be easy prey for thieves or criminals.
If something doesn't feel right, it's best to walk away and seek help. Enjoy the scenery and experiences, but always remain alert. After all, it's safe to travel to Peru as a single woman, but a little extra attention never hurts.
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