Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Safe Travel
There is no shortage of wild stories about traveling in Peru, including periodic protests,
thefts and bus drivers who act as if every bend in the road should be assaulted at Auto-
bahn speeds. Certainly, the country is not for the faint of heart. Buses are filled to over-
flowing - and then some. Violent political protests and roadblocks can shut down arterial
highways for days, even weeks. And Peru's grinding poverty - more than half of the
country lives under the poverty line - means that petty crime is rampant. The biggest an-
noyance most travelers will experience, however, is a case of the runs, so don't let para-
noia ruin your holiday.
As with every other place on earth, a little common sense goes a very long way.
GOVERNMENT TRAVEL ADVICE
The following government websites offer travel advisories and information on current hotspots.
Australian Department of Foreign Affairs
( 1300-139-281;
British Foreign Office
( 0845-850-2829;
www.fco.gov.uk/en/travelling-and-
Canadian Department of Foreign Affairs
( 800-267-6788;
www.dfait-
US State Department
( 888-407-4747;
travel.state.gov
)
Thefts, Muggings & Other Crime
The situation has improved significantly since the 1980s, especially in Lima. Yet street
crimes such as pickpocketing, bag-snatching and muggings are still common. Sneak theft
is by far the most widespread type of crime, while muggings happen with less regularity.
Even so, they do happen.
Use basic precautions and a reasonable amount of awareness, however, and you prob-
ably won't be robbed. Some tips:
