Country Risk Report
Peru
Lima
Spanish (official), Quechua and Aymara
Peruvian sol (PEN)
Executive Summary
Peru is classified as a HIGH risk destination amid a severe crime wave and chronic political instability. Reported extortion rose roughly sixfold between 2019 and 2024, homicides have doubled since 2019, and organised crime, including the transnational Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua, has expanded across the country. Contract killings and extortion now affect transport operators, small businesses and markets, especially in Lima and the northern coast. Political instability has been extreme, with a rapid succession of presidents, including the impeachment of Dina Boluarte in late 2025 and further changes into 2026, ahead of general elections scheduled for April 2026. The government has repeatedly declared states of emergency in Lima and Callao and other areas to respond to crime, suspending some civil liberties. Beyond urban crime, Peru faces a residual insurgent and trafficking threat in the VRAEM coca-growing region, illegal gold mining violence in the Amazon, and periodic large protests. Major tourist areas such as Cusco and Machu Picchu are generally safer but can be affected by protests and transport disruption. Cover for Peru is available on a specialist basis. Tourist areas are manageable with precautions, while high-crime urban zones, the VRAEM and illegal-mining areas require specialist advice.
Risk Matrix
| Category | Risk Rating | Commentary |
|---|---|---|
| Armed Conflict | Low | No national conflict, though a residual insurgent and trafficking threat persists in the VRAEM. |
| Terrorism | Moderate | Remnants of Shining Path operate in the VRAEM alongside traffickers. |
| Kidnapping | Moderate | Express kidnapping and some ransom kidnapping occur, concentrated in cities and mining areas. |
| Crime | High | A severe crime wave of extortion, contract killings and robbery, concentrated in cities and the north. |
| Civil Unrest | High | Frequent protests and political instability, with states of emergency and transport disruption. |
| Health & Medical | Moderate | Reasonable private care in Lima; limited elsewhere and at altitude. |
| Internal Travel | High | Crime, protests and roadblocks affect road travel; tourist rail and routes can be disrupted. |
| Digital / Cyber | Moderate | Extortion calls, scams and fraud are common. |
Essential Precautions
Security Situation
Peru faces a severe crime wave and chronic political instability. Extortion, contract killings and robbery are concentrated in Lima and the northern coast, a residual insurgent and trafficking threat persists in the VRAEM, and illegal mining drives violence in the Amazon. Tourist areas are safer but can be affected by protests.
Lima and Callao
The Northern Coast (Trujillo, Chiclayo, La Libertad)
The VRAEM (Coca-growing Region)
The Amazon and Illegal Mining Areas (Madre de Dios)
Detailed Risk Assessment
Armed Conflict
Peru is not in national conflict, but a residual insurgent and trafficking threat persists in the VRAEM, where remnants of Shining Path operate alongside drug traffickers and clash with security forces.
Terrorism
Remnants of the Shining Path insurgency operate in the VRAEM, primarily protecting drug trafficking and occasionally attacking security forces. The wider terrorism threat is low.
Kidnapping and Extortion
Express kidnapping and some ransom kidnapping occur, concentrated in cities and mining areas, and extortion has become pervasive, with transport operators and businesses heavily targeted and killed for non-payment.
Crime and Lawlessness
A severe crime wave of extortion, contract killings, robbery and homicide affects the cities and northern coast, driven by organised crime including Tren de Aragua. Policing is strained and public trust is low.
Internal Travel
Crime, protests and roadblocks affect road travel, and political unrest can disrupt transport, including tourist rail to Machu Picchu, at short notice. Vetted transport and app-based taxis reduce urban risk.
Health and Disease
Private healthcare in Lima is reasonable, but care is limited elsewhere and at altitude, and remote Amazon areas have minimal services. Serious cases may require transfer, and travellers should hold appropriate cover.
Cultural and Religious Sensitivities
Peru has rich Andean and Amazonian Indigenous cultures and strong Catholic traditions, and travellers are generally well received. Respect for Indigenous communities and customs, especially in the highlands and Amazon, is important.
LGBT Travellers
Same-sex relationships are legal but there are limited protections and conservative attitudes, particularly outside Lima. Discretion is advisable in rural and conservative areas.
Diplomatic and Government Situation
Peru has experienced extreme political instability, with a rapid succession of presidents and general elections due in April 2026, amid a de facto shift of power toward Congress. States of emergency are used against crime. Consular support is available.
Digital and Cyber Threats
Extortion calls, scams and fraud are common, and travellers should practise good digital and financial hygiene. Connectivity is generally functional in populated areas.
Vaccinations & Health Hazards
Strongly Recommended
- Yellow Fever
Recommended for the Amazon and jungle regions; carry certification.
- Hepatitis A and Typhoid
Recommended due to food and water risk.
- Hepatitis B and Tetanus
Recommended for many travellers.
- Rabies
Consider for rural or long stays.
Other Health Hazards
- Altitude: Cusco and the highlands are at high altitude; acclimatise and consider medication.
- Malaria and dengue: Risk in Amazon and some lowland areas; take bite-avoidance measures.
- Food and water hygiene: Take care outside reputable venues.
- Private care: Use reputable private facilities in Lima.
- Routine vaccines: Ensure all primary courses and boosters are up to date on the UK schedule.
Choosing the Right Insurance
Cover for Peru is available on a specialist basis. Tourist areas are manageable with standard precautions, while high-crime urban zones, the VRAEM and illegal-mining areas require specialist advice, and cover should include medical and evacuation provisions.
Annex A - Key Risk Dynamics
Checkpoints and Detention Triggers
Police and military checkpoints operate under states of emergency; cooperate calmly. Protests can close roads and rail at short notice. Carry ID and a clear travel purpose. Do not photograph security forces or operations.Kidnapping and Detention Dynamics
Express kidnapping occurs in Lima and cities. Extortion is pervasive against businesses and transport, with killings for non-payment. Trafficking and mining areas carry abduction risk. Risk is highest at night and with unvetted taxis.High-Risk Travellers
Business owners and transport operators are heavily targeted for extortion and killing. VRAEM and mining-area travellers face insurgent and trafficking risk. Night and unvetted-transport users face express-kidnapping and robbery risk. Travellers during unrest face protest and transport disruption.Annex B - Key Preparation & Checklists
Essential Preparation and Medical
Match plans to the area and favour safer tourist routes. Hold medical and evacuation cover. Use app-based or dispatched taxis. Prepare for altitude in Cusco and the highlands.Digital Security and Checkpoints
Guard against extortion calls and fraud. Be alert to virtual-kidnapping scams. Connectivity is generally functional in towns. Limit public location sharing.Movement and Operational Security
Avoid the VRAEM and illegal-mining areas. Monitor unrest and plan around roadblocks and rail disruption. Use reputable providers. Avoid unvetted taxis and night road travel.Conduct and Legal Compliance
Respect Andean and Amazonian Indigenous customs. Avoid displaying wealth. Never photograph security forces or operations.This report is provided for information only and does not constitute travel or security advice. Ratings are indicative and subject to change without notice. Confirm current conditions with Hotspot Cover before any deployment.
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