Lima remains Peru's most visited city but struggles with street crime and organized theft targeting tourists, particularly in historic districts and near public transport hubs. Political protests can disrupt neighborhoods unexpectedly, and healthcare quality varies significantly between private and public facilities.
Safety overview — Lima 2026
Risk score
6.5/10
Night safety
Be careful
Tap water
Bottled recommended
Country
Peru
Safety tips for Lima
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Warning
Avoid the 'express kidnapping' scam in Miraflores and San Isidro—never accept rides from unmarked taxis; use official apps like Uber or Beat only
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Alert
Centro Histórico (Plaza Mayor area) sees organized pickpocketing gangs; keep valuables hidden and avoid crowded metro stations during peak hours
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Caution
Avoid displaying cameras, jewelry, or expensive phones in public; the 'friendly stranger' scam offering fake tourist tours near Parque Central is common
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Safety
Use registered hotels with safes in Miraflores, San Isidro, or Barranco neighborhoods; these districts are safer but significantly more expensive
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Health
Drink only bottled water and avoid ice cubes; eat at established restaurants, not street vendors, to prevent waterborne illnesses common in Lima
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Travel
Check for sudden road closures due to political protests before traveling; avoid large gatherings and government areas (Congress, Palace of Government)
Best neighborhoods to stay in Lima
Miraflores
Upscale, trendy, modern · Luxury · $120-250/night USD
Culture seekers, museum visitors, local experience, families
💡 Home to Peru's best museums; genuinely local feel with less tourism markup; fewer tourists = fewer scams
⭐ Top pick: Miraflores – Best balance of safety (rating 4), modern amenities, Pacific views, excellent Metro/bus access, and genuine tourist infrastructure without sacrificing authenticity.
Getting around Lima
✈️ Airport transfer — Best option: Metro Line A for budget; Uber for convenience
Metro Line AS/ 2.50 (~USD 0.70)· 45-60 mins to city center
Uber/BoltS/ 45-70 (~USD 12-19)· 30-40 mins to Miraflores
Taxi colectivoS/ 15-25 (~USD 4-7)· 40-50 mins shared van
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Metro de Lima S/ 2.50 (~USD 0.70) per ride
3 lines covering north-south-east corridors, modernized system
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Bus (Corredor Azul/Rojo) S/ 2.50 (~USD 0.70) per ride
BRT rapid transit corridors through city, extensive network
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Uber/Bolt S/ 35-80 (~USD 9-22) typical fare
App-based ride-hailing, available 24/7
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Taxi colectivo S/ 3-5 (~USD 0.80-1.40) per ride
Shared minivans following fixed routes, economical
Sunday ciclovía on Paseo de la República; bike-share expanding
Health and medical in Lima
Lima, Peru's capital, offers world-class healthcare facilities comparable to developed nations, particularly in private hospitals in upscale districts. The city has excellent restaurants and water safety in central areas, making it relatively safe for travelers regarding health concerns.
Recommended: Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Yellow Fever, Polio booster
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Clínica Anglo Americana
Private · English spoken
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Clínica Delgado
Private · English spoken
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Hospital Nacional Cayetano Heredia
Public
🚨 Dial 106 for ambulance services. Private ambulances via hospitals are faster and more reliable. Emergency rooms in private hospitals operate 24/7 with excellent response times in central Lima.
Lima remains Peru's most visited city but struggles with street crime and organized theft targeting tourists, particularly in historic districts and near public transport hubs. Political protests can disrupt neighborhoods unexpectedly, and healthcare quality varies significantly between private and public facilities.
Is Lima safe at night?
Night safety in Lima: Be careful. Always take standard precautions in any major city.
Is tap water safe to drink in Lima?
Tap water status in Lima: Bottled recommended.
What is the best area to stay in Lima?
Our top pick for staying in Lima is Miraflores – Best balance of safety (rating 4), modern amenities, Pacific views, excellent Metro/bus access, and genuine tourist infrastructure without sacrificing authenticity.. Book Metro Card on arrival for unlimited transport ($3 USD); Miraflores hotels near Parque Kennedy offer walkability to restaurants/bars; avoid Historic Center overnight despite iconic appeal due to security risks.
Do I need vaccinations to visit Lima?
No required vaccinations for most nationalities. Recommended: Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Yellow Fever, Polio booster.
How do I get from the airport to Lima city centre?
Best option: Metro Line A for budget; Uber for convenience. Metro Line A: S/ 2.50 (~USD 0.70), 45-60 mins to city center. Uber/Bolt: S/ 45-70 (~USD 12-19), 30-40 mins to Miraflores. Taxi colectivo: S/ 15-25 (~USD 4-7), 40-50 mins shared van
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