Peru safety

Travelling in Peru is generally considered safe but keep in mind that despite the fact that Peru is becoming an increasingly popular travel destination, it's still a developing country. The Peruvian economy is on the rise but depsite that large parts of the population are missing out on the benefits and unemployment remains high. 

On your travels in Peru you may experience road blocks and/or strikes that can interfere with your travel schedule. Be prepared and expect the odd delay, it's part of the way of life here.

Click here for the most up to date official Peru travel advice from the UK Foreign Office.

Crime
Crime is an issue in the larger cities where pickpocketing and armed robberies are commonplace. Be extra vigilant when leaving a bank, or withdrawing cash at a cash machine. Try to use the cash machine during daytime (before dark) as much as possible.

General safety
Its safe to travel by plane within Peru, though delays and cancellations are common. The larger cities are accesible by air, travelling to other cities is best done using reliable bus and taxi services. Travelling by road at night outside the major cities is not recommended.

Useful tips
• Leave valuable personal items like gold bracelets, necklaces and expensive watches at home
• laat geld, fotoapparaat of rugzak niet rondslingeren. Don't leave money, cameras or your rucksack lying around
•Carry your money under your clothes (using a money belt) and leave your valuables in the hotel safe wherever possible, even during multi-day excursions.

Having said this, there's no need to get paranoid and keep your valuable clutched to your chest throughout your trip. As always: keep your wits about you. On our travels in Peru we've experienced the Peruvians as sincere, hard-working people that make an honest living.

Bolivia safety

Like Peru, Bolivia is an increasingly popular travel destination, but also incredibly poor. An increase in tourism has lead to an increase in crime. Don't carry too much cash on you, travel in daytime as much as possible and keep a close eye on your belongings in e.g. bus stations and don't walk the streets alone at night.  

Pickpocketing and theft are commonplace in the larger cities especially around bus terminals, train stations and tourist attractions. However, the crime rate in Bolivia is very low compared to other South American countries. At bus and train stations you might be approached by people trying to sell you tickets. Don't, they're usually fake. Another popular scam is people posing as police officer or government representative asking for a tip. Decline and always ask for an ID.

Bolivia is safe to travel, but as the result of political unrest in the country you may experience road blocks and/or strikes that can interfere with your travel schedule. Be prepared and expect the odd delay, it's part of the way of life here. This applies particularly to the Altiplano plateau (including La Paz), Lake Titicaca, Santa Cruz and the Yungas.

Click here for the most up to date official Bolivia travel advice from the UK Foreign Office.