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
Safety Guidance for Peru
Practical safety information for visitors, from US State Department country information (last updated May 15, 2025).
Terrorism
Terrorist groups and individuals inspired by them want to attack U.S. citizens outside of the United States. They are using simpler methods of attack like knives, guns, and vehicles to target crowds. They often go after unprotected or vulnerable targets. High-profile public events (sporting contests, political rallies, demonstrations, holiday events, celebratory gatherings, etc.) Hotels, clubs, and restaurants frequented by tourists Places of worship Schools Parks Shopping malls and markets Public transportation systems (including subways, buses, trains, and scheduled commercial flights) U.S. Embassy Lima enforces a Restricted Travel Policy for Embassy personnel traveling to the VRAEM (Valley of the Apurímac, Ene, and Mantaro Rivers) and specific areas of the Colombian border, which is based on its assessment of conditions and developments throughout the country.
Crime
Crime is a widespread problem in Peru. All types of crime occur in Peru. The most frequent are robberies and pickpocketing. Notably, sexual assaults and rapes can occur, even in tourist areas. Travel in groups. Do not leave food or drinks unattended, and use caution if a stranger offers you food or drink. Intoxicated travelers, including U.S. citizens, have been sexually assaulted, injured, or robbed while under the influence of drugs and alcohol. Cell phone theft is common. Keep your phone in a secure location when not in use to lower the chances of theft. Do not leave your cell phone unattended in public places. Avoid using your phone on the street or while walking. Use security features such as passcodes and tracking apps. Pick-pocketing, robbery, and hotel room theft are the most common crimes.
Demonstrations
occur frequently. They may take place in response to political or economic issues. They may also occur on politically significant holidays and during international events. Demonstrations can be unpredictable. Avoid areas around protests and demonstrations. Past demonstrations have turned violent. Check local media for updates and traffic advisories.
Scams
: Internet romance scams and financial scams are prevalent in Peru. Review the Department of State’s Protecting Yourself from Scams and the FBI pages for information. Be careful when using dating apps or online dating websites while abroad. Scammers may target U.S. citizens. Tell your friends and family where you are, meet in a popular public place, and avoid consuming suspicious food or drinks. Avoid traveling alone to bars or nightclubs.
Technology Usage Abroad
Mobile devices can be compromised, stolen, or damaged anywhere in the world. Before traveling abroad, it is best to keep all software (operating system and apps) updated. If possible, use a virtual private network and encrypted voice over IP (VoIP) applications. Make sure that all VPN/VoIP are reputable, and U.S.-based. Do not connect to unknown open Wi-Fi. GPS Navigation Apps are helpful in getting U.S. citizens around in a foreign country. Prior to using the GPS app make sure you research the route to make sure it is safe. GPS navigation apps may give you the shortest route without safety considerations. If using a GPS app while walking, step into a store or building to consult the map as thieves target cell phone users in public areas.
Victims of Crime
U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault are encouraged to contact the U.S. Embassy for assistance. Report crimes to the local police at 105 (National Police) or 0800-22221 (tourist police) and contact the U.S. Embassy at +51-1-618-2000. Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes. See our webpage on help for U.S. victims of crime overseas . We can: Help you find appropriate medical care. Assist you with reporting a crime to the police. Contact relatives or friends with your written consent. Provide general information regarding the victim’s role during the local investigation and following its conclusion. Provide a list of local attorneys. We do not endorse or recommend any specific attorneys. Provide information on victims’ compensation programs in the U.S.
Domestic Violence
U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence are encouraged to contact the Embassy for assistance. If you are in immediate danger, please contact the local police.
Tourism
The tourism industry is not well regulated. Safety inspections for equipment and facilities are rare. Dangerous areas/activities are not always labeled properly. Staff may not be trained or certified either by the host government or recognized authorities. If you get injured, you will likely find appropriate medical treatment only in or near major cities. First responders cannot reach areas outside of major cities to provide urgent medical care. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance. See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage .
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.