Safety in Cusco: Tips for a Peaceful and Worry-Free Trip

Safety in Cusco: Tips for a Peaceful and Worry-Free Trip

Cusco, the ancient capital of the Inca Empire, is a city that enchants travelers with its rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning Andean landscapes. Millions visit every year, and most experience a safe and unforgettable journey. However, like any popular tourist destination worldwide, it’s wise to be informed about common safety practices and take proactive steps to ensure a peaceful and worry-free trip.

This guide provides essential safety tips specifically tailored for visitors to Cusco, helping you navigate the city confidently and focus on making incredible memories.

1. General Personal Safety: Be Aware of Your Surroundings

While Cusco is generally a safe city for tourists, petty crime, like pickpocketing or bag snatching, can occur, especially in crowded areas.

• Stay Vigilant: Always be aware of your surroundings, particularly in crowded places like markets (e.g., San Pedro Market), bus terminals, or busy plazas (like the Plaza de Armas).
• Secure Your Belongings: Keep your wallet, phone, and passport in a secure, difficult-to-access place, such as a money belt worn under your clothing or a cross-body bag worn to the front. Avoid carrying large sums of cash.
• Backpack Awareness: If you’re wearing a backpack, consider wearing it on your front in crowded areas, or ensure all zippers are secure.
• Avoid Flashing Valuables: Try not to openly display expensive cameras, jewelry, or large amounts of cash. Keep your phone out of sight when not in use.
• Nighttime Safety: When walking at night, stick to well-lit, populated streets. It’s best to walk with a companion. If unsure about an area, take a taxi.

2. Money and Valuables: Smart Practices

How you handle your money and valuables can significantly reduce your risk of theft.

• Divide Your Cash: Don’t carry all your cash in one place. Distribute it in different pockets or bags.
• Use Hotel Safes: Utilize the safe provided by your hotel for passports, extra cash, and other important documents or non-essential valuables. Carry a photocopy of your passport if you need ID for tours or purchases.
• ATM Use: Use ATMs located inside banks or in well-lit, busy areas. Be discreet when withdrawing cash and put it away immediately. Avoid using ATMs late at night in isolated areas.
• Credit Card Security: Be cautious when using credit cards. Always keep your card in sight during transactions and check your bank statements regularly for any unauthorized activity. Inform your bank of your travel plans before you leave to avoid card freezes.

3. Transportation Safety: Taxis and Buses

Getting around Cusco is generally easy, but knowing how to use local transport safely is important.

• Official Taxis: When hailing a taxi on the street, look for official, registered taxis. They usually have a taxi sign on the roof, a company name/number on the side, and a visible taxi license.
• Agree on Fare First: Always negotiate and agree on the fare with the driver before starting your journey, as meters are rarely used.
• Ride-Sharing Apps: Apps like Uber or InDrive operate in Cusco and offer a safer, more transparent alternative with fixed prices and ride tracking.
• Public Buses: While very cheap, public buses can be crowded and confusing for first-time visitors. They’re also prime spots for pickpockets. If you choose to use them, be extra vigilant with your belongings. Taxis are generally a safer and more convenient option for tourists.
• Airport Transfers: Arrange airport pick-up with your hotel or a reputable tour agency, or use official airport taxis. Avoid unsolicited offers from individuals inside or outside the terminal.

4. Altitude Sickness (Soroche): A Health and Safety Concern

Altitude sickness is a common issue in Cusco due to its high elevation. While not a crime risk, it’s a significant health and safety concern that can severely impact your trip if not managed properly.

• Acclimatize Slowly: This is the most crucial tip. Plan to take it easy for your first 24-48 hours. Avoid strenuous activity, heavy meals, and alcohol upon arrival.
• Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water or coca tea.
• Eat Light: Opt for lighter, easily digestible meals.
• Consult Your Doctor: Talk to your doctor about preventative medications like Diamox before your trip.
• Listen to Your Body: If you experience severe headaches, nausea, dizziness, or shortness of breath, rest, drink water, and seek medical attention if symptoms persist or worsen. Many hotels can provide oxygen tanks.

5. Food and Water Safety: Preventing Travel Sickness

Experiencing an upset stomach can put a damper on your adventure. Follow these tips to keep your digestive system happy.

• Drink Bottled Water: Always drink bottled or purified water. Avoid tap water, even for brushing your teeth, unless your accommodation explicitly states it’s purified.
• Be Mindful of Street Food: While delicious and an authentic experience, exercise caution with street food. Choose vendors with high turnover, good hygiene practices, and food that is cooked fresh and served hot.
• Wash Produce: If buying fresh fruits or vegetables from markets, wash them thoroughly with purified water before consuming.
• Ice: Be wary of ice in drinks, as it might be made from tap water.
• Hand Hygiene: Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, especially before eating.

6. Avoiding Scams and Common Tourist Traps

Most interactions in Cusco are genuine, but some individuals or situations might try to take advantage of tourists.

• “Free” Gifts/Bracelets: Be wary of people who try to give you “free” gifts like bracelets, then demand payment or become aggressive. Simply decline and keep walking.
• Overly Friendly Strangers: While Peruvians are friendly, be cautious of strangers who approach you with unusual stories or overly helpful offers.
• Unsolicited Help: If someone offers unsolicited help with your bags, directions, or translation, be firm but polite in declining.
• Tour Bookings: Always book tours and treks through reputable, licensed tour agencies (like Ausangate Trail) with good reviews. Avoid booking from individuals on the street who offer extremely low prices.
• “Official” Lookalikes: Be wary of individuals posing as official tourism police or plainclothes officers who ask to see your passport or wallet. They might be trying to distract you. You are generally not required to show your passport to anyone other than official police in uniform or at checkpoints.

7. Emergency Contacts and Important Documents

Being prepared for emergencies is a crucial part of travel safety.

• Emergency Numbers: Know the local emergency numbers:
  • Police: 105
  • Tourist Police (highly recommended for tourist-related issues): +51 84 249626 (or visit their office near the Plaza de Armas)
  • Ambulance/Fire: 116
• Keep Copies: Keep photocopies or digital copies (on your phone/cloud) of your passport, visa, flight tickets, and hotel reservations separate from the originals.
• Inform Loved Ones: Share your itinerary with family or friends back home.
• Travel Insurance: Purchase comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and lost luggage.¹ This is highly recommended for any international trip, especially to a high-altitude destination like Cusco.

Cusco offers an unparalleled travel experience, and with a bit of awareness and preparedness, you can enjoy all its wonders without unnecessary worries. By following these practical safety tips, you’ll be well-equipped to have a peaceful, enjoyable, and truly unforgettable adventure in the heart of the Inca Empire.

Ready to explore Cusco with peace of mind? Ausangate Trailis committed to your safety and comfort. We partner with responsible local providers, ensure our guides are trained for emergencies, and handle all logistics so you can focus on the magic of your journey.

Contact Ausangate Trail today to plan your secure and extraordinary Peruvian adventure!