Is Lima Peru Safe? A Backpacker's Guide to Staying Secure in Peru’s Capital
- Jack Thompson
- Mar 21
- 12 min read
Updated: Jul 12
Is Lima Peru Safe for Tourists and backpackers, we are guiding you through the key need to knows before hitting the Capital of Peru.
Lima, the vibrant capital of Peru, is a city rich in history, culture, and incredible food. Whether you’re exploring the clifftop views of Miraflores, the colonial streets of the historic centre, or the nightlife of Barranco, Lima offers a dynamic travel experience. This guide breaks down the question Is Lima Peru Safe, including the safest neighbourhoods, common scams, transportation tips, and real-world traveller advice. I will also tack on some common onward travel tips as your next destination is usually a fairly long journey from Lima, Iquitos or Cusco being some of the usual suspects. But generally, Lima is a metropolitan progressive city with a lot to offer especially around architecture and perhaps lesser known but also for its culinary delights.
IMPORTANT UPDATE ON LIMA AND CALLAO
On 17 March 2025, the Peruvian government declared a 30-day State of Emergency in the regions of Lima and Callao following security issues. This will see the police and army working together, and permit the restriction of some constitutional rights, for example, the police will be able to detain people without a judicial order if they deem it necessary. For more information make sure to check the following link.
For more information the following reporting from Al Jazeera covers the issues Peru is currently tackling 'Peru declares state of emergency as violent crimewave engulfs Lima'
Lima Safety Overview and Tips
Petty Theft: The most common issue for tourists is pickpocketing and bag-snatching, especially in crowded areas and public transport.
Express Kidnappings: While rare, there have been cases of tourists being forced to withdraw money from ATMs.
Taxi Scams & Unofficial Taxis: Unregulated taxis can be dangerous. Always use registered ride-hailing apps (see transportation tips below).
Is Lima Safe at Night? Yes, in safe areas (Miraflores, Barranco, San Isidro).
Most safety tips here ring to that of any city in the world:
Avoid dimly lit streets.
Travel in groups when possible.
Use registered taxis or ride apps after dark.
Watch out for drink spiking in bars & clubs.
Safety Data: According to the latest crime index from the World Population Review, Lima ranks moderate to high for crime, with issues like theft, corruption, and occasional violent crime affecting certain areas. It also does not rank well for safety, however as with all crime and safety data, the pendulum swings vastly depending on where you are in any given country, city, town, village. The touristy spots and more affluent areas are fun to explore and well patrolled. If you want a broad overview of Peru as a country then make sure to check out the blog post below,
🫶 The Safest Places to Explore in Lima
If you’re a backpacker, digital nomad, or traveller, sticking to the right areas can significantly enhance your safety, Miraflores is your best bet with some fantastic places to stay for backpackers and tourists alike (my tops picks below 👇). There is a lot to discover around these parts with a plethora of fantastic restaurants at your beck and call. So lets unveil the safest spots to explore.
🏠 The Safest Neighbourhoods in Lima
🏡 Miraflores (Most Tourist-Friendly & Safe): Miraflores is one of the safest and most tourist-friendly districts in Lima, offering a perfect blend of security, beauty, and convenience. Its well-maintained streets and clifftop parks provide stunning views over the Pacific Ocean, making it a great place for relaxed walks and sunset photography.
For architecture lovers, Miraflores showcases modern high-rises mixed with colonial mansions, reflecting Lima’s blend of old and new. One of the safest ways to explore is along the Malecón, a scenic oceanfront promenade that leads to landmarks like Parque del Amor, inspired by Antoni Gaudí’s curved mosaic designs in Barcelona. The district is heavily patrolled by tourist police, and crimes like pickpocketing are lower here than in other parts of the city. However, its popularity also makes it a target for overpriced services and minor scams, so be cautious when booking tours or taxis.
🎨 Barranco (Bohemian & Safe at Night): Barranco is Lima’s artistic and bohemian heart, known for its street art, colonial-era architecture, and lively social scene. If you love colourful, creative spaces, this is the place to be. Walking through Barranco feels like stepping into an open-air gallery, with murals, charming wooden balconies, and historic mansions turned into museums, cafés, and boutique hotels.
This district is generally safe, especially along the main avenues and the famous Puente de los Suspiros (Bridge of Sighs), where couples and travellers soak in the relaxed ambiance. Guided walking tours are a great way to explore its history while staying in well-patrolled areas. At night, the bars and live music venues are a huge draw, but it’s best to stick to well-lit streets and take an Uber rather than walking alone after dark, as some quieter areas can feel isolated.
🏛 San Isidro (Upscale & Business District): San Isidro is Lima’s financial and business hub, making it one of the safest areas in the city due to strong police presence and a generally affluent population. While it lacks the backpacker energy of Miraflores and Barranco, it offers a calm, upscale experience with beautifully maintained parks, embassies, and luxury hotels.
Architecture lovers will appreciate El Olivar Park, a green oasis surrounded by centuries-old olive trees and colonial-style mansions. While this district is very secure, it is quieter at night, so it’s better suited for travellers looking for a peaceful and high-end stay rather than nightlife and social backpacker scenes.
❌ Area in Lima to Avoid
Callao: As Lima’s main port district, Callao has high crime rates and gang activity, making it unsafe for tourists.
La Victoria & Rimac: These districts are known for theft, drug-related crime, and little police presence.
Comas, San Juan de Lurigancho: These areas are primarily local residential neighbourhoods with higher crime rates and few tourist attractions.
🛩️ The Best Stays for Holiday Makers
Lima is a city that has some fantastic architectural heritage as regular readers and subscribers know, I am an architect and for that reason I like to dig our the little gems that give you more than 4 walls using my architects eye. What does that mean ... Beautiful buildings and beautiful interiors that will give a bit more culture a bit more refinement and that will make sure you feel a part of the history and fabric of the city rather than someone just passing through. Lets look at my top picks for a beautiful stay in Lima below.
🏛️ Blueprint Architecture Rating → Out of 5 based on historical significance, design quality, and uniqueness.
🎨 Blueprint Interior Design Rating → Out of 5 based on style, aesthetics, and traveller experience
Villa Barranco by Ananay Hotels
In my top spot I am giving you a villa with a view of the ocean. This place has beautiful pediments, cornicing and cute balconies. It is located in a very safe spot and has first class service from the moment you step through the door. Or the moment you step off a plane if you book an airport shuttle! The flamboyant exterior is carried through to the interior with traditional windows and shutters leading to traditional floors, stairs and even a lantern roof light complete with bath below in the 'king suite'. Check it out on the link, its a stunner! Make sure to reserve in advance as this place gets booked up and understandably so! An architectural gem and little pieces of joy in Lima.
Architecture: 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ Stunning restored Republican-era mansion with ornate detailing and a rooftop terrace overlooking the ocean.
Interior: 🎨🎨🎨🎨 Perfect mix of classic Peruvian elegance & modern minimalist luxury.
Vibe: Romantic, intimate & intriguing
Ideal for: Solo travellers, couples, and weekend warriors.
Lima 18 Boutique
This cute little boutique is in a great part of town, comfy and cosy with nice big crital style doors or fully glass doors to let light pour into your room. Some rooms have nice balconies for you to enjoy your morning coffee on. There is an intimate courtyard for you to pull the map out and plan your day in a cool environment. The property is clean tidy and well maintained with a simply approach to interiors using warm materials and contemporary styling.
Architecture: 🏛️🏛️🏛️ A beautifully modernised heritage home, blending old Lima charm with sleek upgrades.
Interior: 🎨🎨🎨 Sophisticated, cosy, and thoughtfully designed - not ultra-luxury but very tasteful.
Vibe: This is a quiet and intimate place to stay for those looking for a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere in a clean and welcoming environment.
Ideal for: Solo travellers, couples, and weekend warriors.
Quinta Miraflores Boutique Hotel
A renovated early 20th Century home with classic decor, Quinta Miraflores Boutique Hotel looks like it is straight out of a film set. Well maintained with comfortable rooms this boutique is a little oasis within the big bad city. You will find traditional floors and decor with modern touches like light features. With a small garden area for a slow start to the day or just the perfect spot for an espresso before heading to the beach, you will have a fabulous unique stay.
Architecture: 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ A rare, beautifully restored early 20th-century Republican house - one of the most charming in the area
Interior: 🎨🎨🎨🎨 Feels like stepping into Lima’s past, with elegant wood furnishings, vintage décor, and a homely yet luxurious feel
Vibe: Perfect for couples and those looking to be by the beach
Ideal for: Solo travellers, couples, and weekend warriors.
🎒 The Best Stays for Backpackers
So good news and bad news here, good news Lima has some fantastic hostels, bad news is, how on earth do you pick one!? Well I have tried to narrow it down a bit for you below and using the Blueprint rating for architecture and interiors for added consideration.
🏛️ Blueprint Architecture Rating → Out of 5 based on historical significance, design quality, and uniqueness.
🎨 Blueprint Interior Design Rating → Out of 5 based on style, aesthetics, and traveller experience
Pariwana Hostel Lima
Established in the heart of Miraflores, Pariwana Hostel offers a vibrant atmosphere for travellers seeking both adventure and comfort.
Architecture: 🏛️🏛️ Classic colonial-era building with a lively atmosphere, but nothing architecturally outstanding
Interior Design: 🎨🎨🎨 Vibrant, colourful décor, strong Inca & Peruvian artistic influence, and great social spaces
Vibe: This is a legendary social hostel with huge communal areas, bar crawls, and nightly events, perfect for those who love to meet fellow travellers.
Ideal for: Solo travellers, party backpackers, and those who want to be in the centre of the action.
Viajero Lima-Barranco Hostel - Backpackers Blueprint Choice
Located in the bohemian district of Barranco, Viajero Hostel embraces the artistic and cultural vibe of its surroundings. The hostel's ethos centres on immersing guests in the local culture, offering spaces that reflect the artistic ambiance of the area. This place is absolutely gorgeous architecturally. If you want to feel a part of Lima then this is your choice.
Architecture: 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ Beautiful restored building in Barranco - preserves its historic charm while blending in modern touches.
Interior: 🎨🎨🎨🎨🎨 One of the most stylish hostels in Lima - bohemian murals, minimalist design, and great use of colour & light.
Vibe: A laid-back but stylish hostel, perfect for those who love creativity, art, and boutique-style hostels.
Ideal for: Digital nomads, couples, and backpackers who prefer a relaxed but social environment.
Waikiki Hostel
Situated in the Miraflores district, Waikiki Hostel caters to travellers seeking a relaxed and beachy atmosphere. The hostel's ethos focuses on providing a laid-back environment, encouraging guests to enjoy the nearby beaches and surf culture.
Architecture: 🏛️🏛️ Basic modern hostel structure, functional but not a standout.
Interior: 🎨🎨 Surf-inspired, laid-back aesthetic with cosy social areas, but lacks any strong design identity.
Vibe: A budget-friendly, beach-inspired hostel with a laid-back atmosphere, perfect for those who want to hit the waves.
Ideal for: Surfers, budget-conscious travellers, and those who want a quiet but fun place to stay.
Alpes Lima Kennedy Park
Located near Kennedy Park in Miraflores, Alpes Lima offers a cozy and welcoming environment for travellers. The hostel's ethos emphasises creating a homely atmosphere, with communal areas designed for relaxation and socialising.
Architecture: 🏛️🏛️ Traditional residential style but nothing particularly unique)
Interior: 🎨🎨 Funky backpacker-style décor, great common areas, but interiors feel slightly basic
Vibe: A solid all-rounder hostel, social but not too wild, comfortable but affordable.
Ideal for: Backpackers who want to be central, social, and in a safe, well-run hostel.
NAIA Miraflores Lima
Formerly known as Selina, NAIA Miraflores is situated in the vibrant Miraflores district. The hostel maintains a modern and eclectic ethos, offering stylish accommodations alongside communal spaces that host events like live music performances.
Architecture: 🏛️🏛️ A revamped building that was previously a Selina, with a modern boutique vibe
Interior: 🎨🎨🎨 Stylish, contemporary, with beautiful open spaces and great natural light
Vibe: A boutique backpacker spot with a bar at ground level offering live music and events.
Ideal for: Music lovers, digital nomads, and travellers who want something a little more upscale but still fun.
🕵️♂️ Common Scams In Lima
Like so many cities there are always scams on the go, some of the more common to look out for in Lima are:
Fake Taxi Scams - Only use Uber, Cabify, or hotel-arranged taxis.
ATM Skimming - Use ATMs inside banks or shopping malls, not street ATMs.
Distraction Techniques - Thieves may spill something on you or create a scene to steal your belongings.
Counterfeit Money - Always check notes when receiving change, especially from street vendors, not right in front of there face as this could cause offence but subtly.
🚌 Transport Tips for Lima
Uber - Your best option in Lima for getting around is an Uber, its not overly expensive and quick.
Uber Note ... I did get caught out with Uber ... I do not know if this was a scam or just unlucky, however, something happened that lead to my ride 'continuing' after I got out the cab. It ran up a charge of around $40 instead of $10. I noticed and ended up having to get refunded through Uber by proving I was not in the taxi, I was in fact on a bus going in the other direction to Cusco when I realised the application was still showings that I was in the taxi! I attempted to stop it but it seemed not to work ... all in all ... I was shown to be in the taxi for a whopping 2 hours 40 minutes! I do not know how this happened but the moral of the story is ... Make sure your trip has been 'completed' once you are out of the taxi. This only happened on one occasion, I had used multiple Ubers for getting around Lima before this unfortunate encounter!
Other Taxi Note ... Only use official Taxis from Hotels or Apps
Metropolitano Buses - Rapid bus system, but watch out for pickpockets (see safety tips below).
🤓 Safety Tips for Lima
No.1 As always my first tip is talk to your hostel/ hotel staff on arrival about places you should not venture into.
No.2 Is ... Take a walking tour. Why? Because you can ask your guide about the best spots in the City. I endorse this activity beyond a safety hack as holy smokes does Lima have some beautiful architecture, do not miss it.
No.3 - Stay in reputable hostels or hotels - Check the safe stays above if you are not digging my selections then please look for well-reviewed places in Miraflores or Barranco.
No.4 - Use a cross-body bag or anti-theft backpack - Avoid carrying valuables in your pockets. I often safety hack this for major cities and lima is no exception.
No.5 - Don’t flash expensive gear - Keep cameras and phones secured when not in use. This is actually another reason to do a walking tour with a group, I have a DSLR that I like to carry on me and I feel a lot safer using it when with a tour group!
No.6 - Have a digital copy of important documents - Passport, travel insurance, and credit card info. If you are a backpacker/ solo explorer and heading across borders then use Lima as an opportunity to get new printouts if you have already had them collected by an immigration officer.
No.7 - Know emergency numbers - Save these into your phone before you go and check your service provider to ensure you have data and call time in Peru. If not then consider getting an E Sim like an Airalo link below 👇.
Police: 105
Tourist Police: 460-1060
Ambulance: 106
-- Is Lima Peru Safe? Final Thoughts --
Lima is a safe city for travellers if you stick to the right neighbourhoods and take standard precautions. Most visits are trouble-free, and by using common sense, safe transport, and keeping valuables secure, you can explore Lima with confidence.
Would I recommend it? Absolutely, just stay aware, and you’ll have an amazing time in Peru’s capital. Whilst Lima is great, Peru has so much to offer, make sure to read our related posts on Lima, Cusco, Iquitos so you can make the most of your time in Peru.
📌 Related Backpackers Blueprint Blogs:
🇨🇴 Is Bogotá Safe? A Traveler’s Guide
💬 Have you been to Lima? Drop your safety tips in the comments!
🚀 Stay safe & happy travels!
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