Peru Crime Rate & Safety
Homicide statistics, crime trends, and travel safety for Peru
US State Department Travel Advisory
Exercise Increased Caution
Updated May 16, 2025
Peru recorded 8.6 intentional homicides per 100,000 people in 2021, a rate that is high by global standards. That places Peru #45 of 195 countries by homicide rate, compared with the Americas average of 20.8 per 100,000 and a world average of 5.2. Homicide rates have risen 56% over the past decade (from 5.5 in 2011). For travelers, the US State Department currently rates Peru at Level 2 of 4: Exercise Increased Caution.
Homicide Rate
8.6 /100k
Safety Rank
#151 of 195
Travel Advisory
Level 2 of 4
Data Year
2021
Homicide Rate Trend (2011-2021)
Intentional homicides per 100,000 people. Homicide rates have risen 56% over the past decade (from 5.5 in 2011). Source: UNODC via World Bank.
How Peru Compares
Intentional homicides per 100,000 people, latest available year per country.
Who Is Affected
In Peru, the homicide rate for men is 3.3× higher than the rate for women — 13.1 vs 4.0 per 100,000 (2021).
Homicide victims per 100,000 of each sex. Source: UNODC via World Bank.
Armed Conflict Context
Peru has recorded battle-related deaths in recent years. Conflict deaths are counted separately from homicides — a country can have a moderate crime rate but significant conflict risk, and travel advisories weigh both.
Battle-Related Deaths
5(2020)
Military Spending
0.9% GDP(2024)
Safety for Travelers
Summary of the current US State Department advisory for Peru:
Reissued after periodic review with minor edits. Exercise increased caution due to crime, civil unrest, and the risk of kidnapping. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory. Do not travel to: The Colombia-Peru border area in the Loreto Region due to crime . The Valley of the Apurmac, Ene, and Mantaro Rivers (VRAEM), which includes Vilcabamba, due to crime and threats of terrorism . Some areas within the regions of Ayacucho, Cusco*, Huancavelica, and Junn, due to crime and threats of terrorism .
Level 1
Exercise Normal Precautions
Level 2
Exercise Increased Caution
Level 3
Reconsider Travel
Level 4
Do Not Travel
About This Data
Homicide figures are intentional homicides per 100,000 people, compiled by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and published by the World Bank (indicator VC.IHR.PSRC.P5). Homicide is the most reliably comparable crime statistic across countries because definitions of other offences (assault, theft, robbery) vary widely between national legal systems and reporting practices.
Travel advisory levels are issued by the US Department of State and updated continuously. They reflect risks to travelers including crime, terrorism, civil unrest, health, and natural disasters — not only crime rates. Countries report crime data with different lags; the most recent available year is shown for each metric.
Peru Population & Demographics
Population of 34,217,848, growth trends, economy, and more.
Crime & Safety in Neighboring Countries
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Peru safe to visit?
The US State Department rates Peru at Level 2 of 4 (Exercise Increased Caution). The homicide rate of 8.6 per 100,000 is high by global standards.
What is the crime rate in Peru?
Peru has an intentional homicide rate of 8.6 per 100,000 people (2021, World Bank/UNODC), ranking #45 of 195 countries.
What is the US travel advisory level for Peru?
Peru is currently at Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution. Advisory levels range from Level 1 (Exercise Normal Precautions) to Level 4 (Do Not Travel).
How does crime in Peru compare to other countries?
Peru's homicide rate of 8.6 per 100,000 is above the world average of 5.2 and below the Americas average of 20.8.