Health & Safety
Most travelers’ health problems in Peru are related to drinking contaminated water or issues with altitude. If you will be visiting Cusco or any other high altitude area, read the information about altitude. Always check with your doctor or a travel clinic before traveling to Peru.
Peru is a safe country to travel in for foreigners, especially in areas with well known tourist attractions. Violent crime usually targets Peruvians though foreigners are bigger targets for pickpocketing.
The US Embassy classifies Peru’s threat rating for crime as “critical” though all of their crime information is about Lima. Smaller cities like Cusco, Arequipa and Huaraz are significantly safer.