Solo Female Travel in Peru: Staying Safe and Mobile
Prioritize registered bus lines and official radio taxis, and stick to well-traveled tourist routes like the Gringo Trail. Always share your live location with a trusted contact and avoid walking alone in city centers after dark.
- Use reputable, long-distance bus companies. Avoid budget microbuses for long hauls. Book with Cruz del Sur or Peru Hop. They have secure terminals, GPS tracking, and require ID for boarding, which keeps unauthorized people off the bus.
- Vet your taxi services. Never hail a taxi on the street. Use apps like Cabify or Uber, which track your route, or ask your hostel/hotel reception to call an 'official' radio taxi. Always confirm the license plate matches the app before getting in.
- Secure your cash and documents. Use a neck wallet or a hidden money belt underneath your clothes for your passport and backup credit card. Keep only 100-200 soles in your accessible wallet for daily spending.
- Master the art of the 'No'. If street vendors or unsolicited guides approach you, keep walking without eye contact. A firm 'no, gracias' is sufficient. Don't feel obligated to be polite if you feel uncomfortable.
- Check in daily. Designate a 'check-in person' at home. Send them your location at the start and end of every day, and share your accommodation details before you check in.
- Is it safe to hike alone?
- No. Never hike remote trails like Salkantay or Ausangate without a certified group tour. Stick to crowded, popular paths.
- How do I handle unwanted attention?
- Dress modestly to blend in. If you are followed or harassed, enter the nearest shop, hotel lobby, or police station immediately.