Lima, the coastal capital of Peru, is one of South America’s most fascinating cities—filled with colonial plazas, world-class gastronomy, dramatic ocean cliffs, historic museums, and lively districts. Yet because Peru frequently appears in global news regarding protests, petty crime, and political changes, many travelers ask the essential question: Is Lima safe to visit in 2025?
Yes — Lima is safe for tourists in 2025 as long as you stay in secure neighborhoods, use reliable transportation, and avoid high-risk areas late at night.
Most tourist issues involve pickpocketing, phone theft, taxi scams, and isolated street robberies. Violent crime rarely affects foreign visitors who follow standard precautions. Popular districts like Miraflores, Barranco, San Isidro, and parts of Lima Centro remain safe, walkable, and heavily patrolled.
This enhanced 2025 guide includes a text-based crime map, a district-by-district safety breakdown, long-tail safety questions, solo female guidance, night safety, transport advice, and an updated “Is Lima Safe RIGHT NOW?”.
Is Lima Safe for Tourists in 2025?
Yes — Lima is safe for tourists in 2025, especially within the city’s main tourist districts. Miraflores, Barranco, San Isidro, and parts of Lima Centro are well-lit, monitored, and patrolled by local and tourist police. Most tourist experiences in these areas are smooth and trouble-free. Safety risks increase in crowded markets, busy transport systems, and poorer outlying districts that visitors have no reason to enter.
Lima’s government continues improving lighting, security patrols, and surveillance along popular coastal areas, shopping avenues, and major parks.
Is Lima Safe RIGHT NOW? (2025 Update)
Yes — Lima is safe right now in 2025.
Following nationwide improvements in security, Lima has increased police visibility, expanded CCTV systems, and reinforced safety in tourism hotspots such as Kennedy Park, Larcomar, Plaza Mayor, and the Barranco waterfront. Political protests have decreased significantly, and tourism operations are stable and functioning normally.
2024–2025 updates include:
- More policing around Miraflores and San Isidro
- Better lighting along the Malecón coastal walking paths
- Stronger monitoring around Plaza Mayor and the historic center
- New security checkpoints at key intersections in Miraflores
- Improved tourist police presence in Barranco
Most Common Tourist Risks in Lima
1. Phone Snatching
Phone theft is the most frequent tourist issue in Lima. Thieves often target people using phones while walking or sitting near streets. Keep your phone secure and avoid displaying it near traffic edges, bus stops, or dark side streets.
2. Pickpocketing
Pickpockets operate in crowded plazas, markets, buses, and busy shopping streets. Use a cross-body bag, keep zippers closed, and avoid keeping your phone in your back pocket.
3. Taxi Scams
Street taxis can overcharge, take longer routes, or in rare cases attempt petty theft. Ride-hailing apps (Beat, Uber, Cabify) are safer and track your trip.
4. ATM Skimming
Some ATMs outside banks have skimming devices. Only use ATMs inside banks, malls, or supermarkets. Avoid accepting help from “friendly strangers.”
5. Express Robbery
On rare occasions, tourists in isolated neighborhoods can face grab-and-run robberies. Always stay in recommended districts at night and use ride apps.
Is Lima Safe at Night?
Lima is safe at night in its major tourist districts—Miraflores, Barranco, and San Isidro remain active, well-lit, and patrolled.
Nightlife areas attract many locals and travelers, and restaurants stay open late. However, nighttime walking in quieter residential streets, isolated coastal pathways, or unofficial neighborhoods should be avoided.
In practical terms: use ride apps after dark, especially for long distances or when leaving bars, restaurants, or the beach area.
Is Lima Safe for Solo Female Travelers?
Yes — Lima is safe for solo female travelers in 2025 when staying in modern districts and using ride apps at night.
Miraflores and Barranco are filled with cafés, coworking spaces, parks, and coastline viewpoints, offering secure and friendly environments. The main risks include unwanted attention, petty theft, and nighttime walking in quiet areas.
- Stay in Miraflores, Barranco, or San Isidro
- Avoid walking alone at night in non-tourist streets
- Use ride apps instead of street taxis
- Keep valuables hidden and secure
- Avoid wearing flashy jewelry in crowded areas
Is Lima safe for solo female travelers? Yes — especially within recommended districts and with proper transportation choices.
Safest Areas to Stay in Lima
- Miraflores: The safest and most popular district for tourists. Clean, coastal, modern, filled with shops, parks, cafés, and heavy tourist police presence.
- Barranco: A trendy, bohemian, artsy district with nightlife, murals, and coastal paths. Safe in main areas and well-lit streets.
- San Isidro: A business and upscale neighborhood with luxury hotels, embassies, and excellent security.
- Lima Centro (select streets): Safe during the day near Plaza Mayor, museums, and government buildings.
- Magdalena: Calm, residential, and safe for longer stays.
- Surco (Santiago de Surco): Family-friendly, relaxed, and secure residential district.
Areas to Avoid in Lima
- Callao (except airport): High crime rates, not suitable for tourism beyond the airport zone.
- Ate, San Juan de Lurigancho, and Villa El Salvador: Outlying districts with high crime levels and no tourist attractions.
- Rimac: Some historic charm but risky at night.
- Certain parts of Lima Centro at night: Streets become empty and less safe.
These areas should be avoided unless visiting with locals who know the area well.
Lima Crime Map 2025 (Overview)
The safest areas in Lima in 2025 include Miraflores, Barranco, San Isidro, Surco, and Magdalena. Medium-risk zones include Lima Centro during daytime and coastal walkways at sunset. High-risk areas include Callao (outside the airport), some parts of Rimac, and eastern outskirts such as Villa El Salvador and San Juan de Lurigancho.
Safety by District (2025 Breakdown)
Miraflores
The safest district in Lima, with police patrols, CCTV cameras, pedestrian paths, parks, and busy commercial streets. Ideal for solo travelers, families, and business visitors.
Barranco
Trendy, artistic, and safe in main streets. Popular with backpackers and artists. Some side streets get quieter at night but remain safe with awareness.
San Isidro
Upscale, clean, and highly secure. Embassies, business towers, and luxury hotels dominate this district. Very safe for walking during the day.
Lima Centro
Safe during the day for sightseeing around Plaza Mayor and museums. Not recommended at night when streets become empty and security decreases.
Magdalena
A calm, residential district popular with long-term visitors. Safe, quiet, and comfortable.
Surco (Santiago de Surco)
A family-friendly district with malls and peaceful neighborhoods. Safe both day and evening.
Callao (Airport Area Only)
The airport zone is safe and protected. The rest of Callao has elevated crime levels and should be avoided.
Is Public Transportation Safe in Lima?
Metropolitano Bus
Safe during the day but crowded. Pickpocketing can occur. Not recommended for late-night travel.
Standard Buses (Colectivos)
Cheap but inconsistent. Not ideal for tourists due to complex routes and occasional crime incidents.
Uber, Beat, and Cabify
The safest transport option in Lima. Reliable, affordable, trackable, and recommended at all times of day and night.
Street Taxis
Less reliable and occasionally unsafe due to scams and overcharging. Prefer ride apps.
Is Lima transport safe? Yes — when using ride apps and avoiding crowded buses at night.
Is Lima Safe for Families?
Yes — Lima is safe for families when staying in Miraflores, Barranco, Surco, or San Isidro. These districts are calm, walkable, and near parks, safe coastal views, and family attractions like Larcomar, Kennedy Park, and circuit parks.
- Use ride apps instead of walking long distances
- Visit parks only during daytime
- Avoid busy local markets with small children
- Choose hotels in modern districts with good lighting
Is Lima Safe for Driving?
Driving in Lima is possible but stressful due to heavy traffic, aggressive drivers, and complex road layouts. Most tourists avoid driving and rely on ride apps.
- Keep doors locked and windows up
- Use guarded parking lots only
- Avoid driving at night in unfamiliar areas
- Do not leave valuables inside the car
Scams in Lima (2025 Updated List)
1. Taxi Meter Scams
Some street taxis overcharge or take longer routes. Always use ride apps for accurate pricing and safe routes.
2. ATM Skimming
Use ATMs inside banks, malls, or supermarkets. Avoid anyone offering help with withdrawals.
3. Fake Tour Guides
Unauthorized individuals may approach tourists at historic sites. Choose official tours only.
4. Friendly Stranger Distraction
Someone may “accidentally bump” you to distract while another person steals a phone or wallet. Stay aware in crowded areas.
5. Street Vendor Overpricing
Vendors sometimes quote inflated prices to tourists. Always confirm prices beforehand.
Lima Safety Questions
Is Lima safe right now?
Yes — security has improved significantly in 2024–2025, especially in Miraflores and Barranco. Issues occur mainly in high-risk districts.
Is Lima safe for Americans and Europeans?
Yes — tourists from the US and Europe visit daily with minimal problems when staying in recommended areas.
Is Lima safe at night?
Yes — in popular districts, but avoid dark, quiet areas and always use ride apps after dark.
Is Lima safe for solo female travelers?
Yes — especially in Miraflores and Barranco. Basic precautions ensure a safe stay.
Is Lima safe for walking?
Yes during the day in recommended districts. Avoid walking at night in non-tourist zones.
Final Verdict — Is Lima Safe to Visit in 2025?
Yes — Lima is safe to visit in 2025.
When you stay in recommended districts, use ride apps, keep valuables secure, and avoid high-risk areas at night, you can explore Peru’s coastal capital confidently. Millions of international tourists enjoy Lima each year without problems. The city is vibrant, historic, culinary, cultural, and absolutely worth visiting.
FAQs
Is Lima safe for tourists?
Yes — especially in Miraflores, Barranco, and San Isidro. Most issues involve petty theft.
Is Lima safe at night?
Yes — in busy nightlife zones. Avoid quiet or poorly lit streets and use ride apps.
Is Lima safe for solo female travelers?
Yes — recommended districts are safe and tourist-friendly. Ride apps are best for nighttime travel.
Is Lima safe right now?
Yes — tourist districts are stable with improved police presence throughout 2024–2025.