An Honest, Data-Driven Breakdown of Risks, Best Practices, and How to Stay Safe
Table of Contents
- Introduction: Lima’s Safety in 2026
- Lima’s Overall Safety Score (65/100) – What It Really Means
- Crime Rates in Lima: A District-by-District Breakdown
- Common Scams Targeting Expats in Lima
- Police Quality & Responsiveness: What to Expect
- Emergency Numbers & How to Use Them
- Women’s Safety in Lima: Risks & Precautions
- LGBTQ+ Safety in Lima: Progress & Persistent Challenges
- Natural Disaster Risks: Earthquakes, Floods & Tsunamis
- Health Risks & Medical Safety in Lima
- Road Safety: Driving, Taxis & Public Transport Risks
- Final Safety Checklist for Expats in Lima
Introduction: Lima’s Safety in 2026
Lima, Peru’s sprawling capital, is a city of contrasts—vibrant culture, world-class cuisine, and stunning coastal views, but also high crime rates, social inequality, and infrastructure challenges. In 2026, Lima remains a moderately safe city for expats, scoring 65/100 on the Global Safety Index (GSI), an improvement from 61/100 in 2023 but still below cities like Santiago (72/100) or Buenos Aires (68/100).
This guide provides an unfiltered, data-driven look at safety in Lima—covering crime, scams, police effectiveness, natural disasters, and more. While Lima is not as dangerous as Caracas or Port-au-Prince, it requires constant vigilance, especially for foreigners unfamiliar with local risks.
Key Takeaways (2026 Data)
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✅ Safest for expats: Miraflores, San Isidro, Barranco, La Molina, Surco (upper-middle-class districts).
⚠️ Moderate risk: Jesús María, Lince, Magdalena, Pueblo Libre (petty crime, occasional muggings).
❌ High risk: Callao, San Juan de Lurigancho, Villa El Salvador, Comas (armed robbery, gang activity).
🚨 Biggest threats: Pickpocketing, express kidnappings, taxi scams, fake police extortion.
🏥 Health risks: Food/waterborne illnesses, dengue (rising cases), air pollution.
🌋 Natural disaster risks: Earthquakes (8.0+ magnitude possible), tsunamis, flooding in El Niño years.
Lima’s Overall Safety Score (65/100) – What It Really Means
Lima’s 65/100 safety score (2026) places it in the "moderate risk" category for expats. For comparison:
- Santiago, Chile: 72/100
- Bogotá, Colombia: 63/100
- Mexico City, Mexico: 67/100
- Buenos Aires, Argentina: 68/100
What the Score Includes
| Category | Score (1-10) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Violent Crime | 5/10 | Homicide rate: 7.2 per 100,000 (down from 9.1 in 2023). Still high in poor districts. |
| Petty Crime | 4/10 | Pickpocketing, bag snatching, phone theft very common in tourist/expat areas. |
| Police Effectiveness | 6/10 | Better than 2020-2022 (corruption crackdowns), but still slow response times. |
| Scams & Fraud | 5/10 | Fake taxis, "police" extortion, ATM skimming rampant. |
| Road Safety | 4/10 | Chaotic traffic, aggressive drivers, poor enforcement. |
| Natural Disasters | 6/10 | High earthquake risk, but building codes improving. |
| Health Safety | 7/10 | Good private hospitals, but public system overloaded. |
| LGBTQ+ Safety | 6/10 | Progressive laws, but conservative pockets remain. |
| Women’s Safety | 5/10 | Catcalling, groping, occasional assaults (especially at night). |
Why Lima’s Score Isn’t Higher
- Income Inequality – Lima’s Gini coefficient (0.45 in 2026) means extreme wealth gaps, driving crime.
- Underfunded Police – Peru spends only 1.2% of GDP on public security (vs. 2.5% in Chile).
- Urban Sprawl – 10+ million people in a city with poor public transport, leading to congestion and crime hotspots.
- Corruption – 38% of Peruvians report paying bribes to police (Transparency International 2025).
- Earthquake Risk – Lima sits on a major fault line; a 8.0+ quake is overdue (last was 1746).
Bottom Line: Lima is safer than it was in the 2010s, but expats must adjust their behavior to avoid becoming targets.
Crime Rates in Lima: A District-by-District Breakdown
Lima is divided into 43 districts, each with wildly different safety levels. Below is a 2026 crime data breakdown (sources: Peruvian National Police, INEI, Numbeo, OSAC).
Safest Neighborhoods for Expats
#### 1. Miraflores (Safety Score: 82/100)
- Why it’s safe: Wealthy, tourist-friendly, heavy police presence, well-lit streets.
- Crime rate (2026):
- Violent crime: 1.2 incidents per 1,000 residents (low)
- Petty theft: 8.5 per 1,000 (high for tourists)
- Homicides: 0.3 per 100,000 (very low)
- Best for: Families, solo expats, digital nomads, retirees.
- Rent (2026):
- 1-bedroom apartment: €800–€1,500/month
- 3-bedroom house: €1,800–€3,500/month
- Safety tips:
- Avoid walking alone after midnight on Avenida Larco (pickpockets target drunk tourists).
- Never take unregistered taxis (use Uber, Beat, or Cabify).
- Malecón (cliffside parks) is safe by day but avoid at night (muggings reported).
#### 2. San Isidro (Safety Score: 85/100)
- Why it’s safe: Financial district, embassies, private security everywhere.
- Crime rate (2026):
- Violent crime: 0.9 per 1,000
- Petty theft: 6.2 per 1,000
- Homicides: 0.1 per 100,000
- Best for: Business expats, wealthy retirees, families.
- Rent (2026):
- 1-bedroom: €900–€1,800/month
- 3-bedroom: €2,000–€4,500/month
- Safety tips:
- Avoid Parque El Olivar at night (homeless encampments, occasional muggings).
- Beware of "helpful" strangers near ATMs (distraction theft).
#### 3. Barranco (Safety Score: 78/100)
- Why it’s safe: Bohemian, artsy, popular with expats, police patrols at night.
- Crime rate (2026):
- Violent crime: 1.8 per 1,000
- Petty theft: 10.1 per 1,000 (high due to nightlife)
- Homicides: 0.5 per 100,000
- Best for: Young professionals, artists, digital nomads.
- Rent (2026):
- 1-bedroom: €700–€1,400/month
- 3-bedroom: €1,500–€3,000/month
- Safety tips:
- Avoid Puente de los Suspiros at night (muggings, drunk altercations).
- Don’t flash phones/cameras in Bajada de Baños (cliffside path).
- Only drink in reputable bars (spiked drinks reported in some tourist spots).
#### 4. La Molina (Safety Score: 80/100)
- Why it’s safe: Upscale, gated communities, low population density.
- Crime rate (2026):
- Violent crime: 1.1 per 1,000
- Petty theft: 5.3 per 1,000
- Homicides: 0.2 per 100,000
- Best for: Families, wealthy expats, retirees.
- Rent (2026):
- 1-bedroom: €600–€1,200/month
- 3-bedroom: €1,400–€2,800/month
- Safety tips:
- Stick to gated compounds (e.g., La Planicie, Camacho).
- Avoid public transport (use Uber or private driver).
#### 5. Santiago de Surco (Safety Score: 75/100)
- Why it’s safe: Middle/upper-class, good infrastructure, low violent crime.
- Crime rate (2026):
- Violent crime: 1.5 per 1,000
- Petty theft: 7.8 per 1,000
- Homicides: 0.4 per 100,000
- Best for: Families, mid-range expats.
- Rent (2026):
- 1-bedroom: €500–€1,000/month
- 3-bedroom: €1,200–€2,500/month
- Safety tips:
- Avoid walking alone at night near Avenida Primavera (occasional muggings).
- Use registered taxis only (fake taxis operate here).
Moderate-Risk Neighborhoods (Proceed with Caution)
#### 1. Jesús María (Safety Score: 68/100)
- Why it’s moderate: Middle-class, but petty theft and scams are common.
- Crime rate (2026):
- Violent crime: 2.3 per 1,000
- Petty theft: 9.5 per 1,000
- Best for: Budget expats, students.
- Rent (2026):
- 1-bedroom: €400–€800/month
- Safety tips:
- Avoid Avenida Salaverry at night (muggings, drug activity).
- Don’t use street taxis (use Uber or Cabify).
#### 2. Lince (Safety Score: 65/100)
- Why it’s moderate: Affordable, but pickpocketing and scams are issues.
- Crime rate (2026):
- Violent crime: 2.1 per 1,000
- Petty theft: 8.9 per 1,000
- Best for: Young professionals, budget expats.
- Rent (2026):
- 1-bedroom: €350–€700/month
- Safety tips:
- Avoid Avenida Arequipa at night (prostitution, muggings).
- Never leave drinks unattended in bars.
#### 3. Magdalena del Mar (Safety Score: 67/100)
- Why it’s moderate: Up-and-coming, but some rough areas.
- Crime rate (2026):
- Violent crime: 1.9 per 1,000
- Petty theft: 7.6 per 1,000
- Best for: Digital nomads, young expats.
- Rent (2026):
- 1-bedroom: €450–€900/month
- Safety tips:
- Avoid the area near Avenida Brasil (drug activity).
- Use only bank ATMs (skimming reported in convenience stores).
Areas to Avoid (or Visit with Extreme Caution)
#### 1. Callao (Safety Score: 35/100)
- Why it’s dangerous: Peru’s most violent district, gang activity, drug trafficking, kidnappings.
- Crime rate (2026):
- Homicides: 22.5 per 100,000 (3x Lima average)
- Violent crime: 12.3 per 1,000
- Express kidnappings: 1-2 per month (mostly targeting locals, but expats have been victims).
- Areas to avoid:
- La Punta (tourist area, but muggings at night)
- Oquendo, Ventanilla (extreme poverty, gang control)
- If you must go:
- Only during daylight, with a trusted local.
- Never take public transport (use Uber with extreme caution).
#### 2. San Juan de Lurigancho (Safety Score: 40/100)
- Why it’s dangerous: Lima’s most populous district, high poverty, gang violence.
- Crime rate (2026):
- Homicides: 18.7 per 100,000
- Violent crime: 9.8 per 1,000
- Robberies: 15+ per day (mostly in markets, buses).
- Areas to avoid:
- Canto Grande (gang territory)
- Zárate, Mangomarca (extreme poverty, no police presence)
- If you must go:
- Only for essential business, with a local guide.
- Avoid all public transport (use a private driver).
#### 3. Villa El Salvador (Safety Score: 45/100)
- Why it’s dangerous: High poverty, gang activity, frequent robberies.
- Crime rate (2026):
- Homicides: 15.2 per 100,000
- Violent crime: 8.5 per 1,000
- Petty theft: 20+ per day (markets, buses).
- Areas to avoid:
- Parque Industrial (gang-controlled)
- Nuevo Pachacútec (no police presence)
- If you must go:
- Only during daylight, with a trusted contact.
- Never carry valuables.
#### 4. Comas (Safety Score: 50/100)
- Why it’s dangerous: Working-class, some gang activity, frequent muggings.
- Crime rate (2026):
- Homicides: 12.1 per 100,000
- Violent crime: 6.7 per 1,000
- Robberies: 10+ per day (especially near Avenida Túpac Amaru).
- Areas to avoid:
- Collique (gang territory)
- Santa Luzmila (high crime at night)
- If you must go:
- Stick to main avenues, avoid side streets at night.
Common Scams Targeting Expats in Lima
Lima’s scammers are creative and persistent. Here are the most common scams in 2026 and how to avoid them.
1. The "Fake Police" Scam
How it works:
- A man in a fake police uniform (or sometimes real, corrupt cops) stops you, claiming to check for drugs or counterfeit money.
- They demand to see your wallet, then steal cash or cards.
- Sometimes, they threaten arrest unless you pay a "fine" on the spot.
How to avoid:
✅ Ask for official ID (real police must show it).
✅ Insist on going to a police station (scammers will back off).
✅ Never hand over your wallet (real police cannot demand this).
✅ Call the tourist police (01-574-8000) to verify.
Cost if scammed: €50–€500 (depending on how much they take).
2. The "Taxi Express Kidnapping" Scam
How it works:
- You get into a fake or unregistered taxi.
- The driver locks the doors, drives to an ATM, and forces you to withdraw money.
- Sometimes, they take you to multiple ATMs or hold you for ransom.
How to avoid:
✅ Only use Uber, Beat, or Cabify (registered apps).
✅ Never take street taxis, even if they look official.
✅ Sit in the back seat and keep doors unlocked.
✅ Share your ride location with a friend.
Cost if scammed: €200–€5,000+ (some victims report being held for days).
3. The "Distraction Theft" Scam
How it works:
- A group of scammers distracts you (e.g., spilling a drink, asking for directions, fake petitions).
- While you’re distracted, an accomplice steals your phone, wallet, or bag.
Common locations:
- Miraflores (Avenida Larco, Parque Kennedy)
- Barranco (Puente de los Suspiros, Bajada de Baños)
- Gamarra (clothing market in La Victoria)
How to avoid:
✅ Keep your bag zipped and in front of you.
✅ Never put your phone in your back pocket.
✅ Ignore "helpful" strangers who approach you.
✅ Use a cross-body bag with a slash-proof strap.
Cost if scammed: €50–€1,000 (depending on what’s stolen).
4. The "ATM Skimming" Scam
How it works:
- Criminals install skimming devices on ATMs (especially in tourist areas, malls, and gas stations).
- They steal your card details and withdraw money before you notice.
How to avoid:
✅ Use ATMs inside banks (not street ATMs).
✅ Cover the keypad when entering your PIN.
✅ Check for loose parts on the ATM (skimmers are often glued on).
✅ Use credit cards instead of debit (better fraud protection).
Cost if scammed: €200–€2,000 (depending on how quickly you report it).
5. The "Fake Tour Guide" Scam
How it works:
- A friendly local offers to show you around for free or cheap.
- They take you to overpriced restaurants, shops, or "hidden gems" where they get a commission.
- Sometimes, they steal your belongings while you’re distracted.
Common locations:
- Larcomar (Miraflores)
- Historic Center (Plaza de Armas)
- Barranco (tourist bars)
How to avoid:
✅ Only book tours through reputable companies (e.g., Lima Tours, Viator).
✅ Never follow a stranger to a "secret spot."
✅ Keep valuables secure in touristy areas.
Cost if scammed: €30–€300 (overpriced meals, souvenirs, etc.).
6. The "Spiked Drink" Scam
How it works:
- Someone buys you a drink in a bar/club.
- The drink is spiked with drugs (e.g., scopolamine, benzodiazepines).
- You lose consciousness, and they rob you or worse.
Common locations:
- Barranco (nightclubs)
- Miraflores (Avenida Larco bars)
- San Isidro (upscale clubs)
How to avoid:
✅ Never accept drinks from strangers.
✅ Watch your drink being poured.
✅ Don’t leave your drink unattended.
✅ Go out with trusted friends (never alone).
Cost if scammed: €100–€5,000+ (robbery, medical bills, identity theft).
Police Quality & Responsiveness: What to Expect
Peru’s police (Policía Nacional del Perú, PNP) have improved since 2020, but corruption, underfunding, and slow response times remain issues.
Police Effectiveness in Lima (2026 Data)
| Metric | Rating (1-10) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Response time (emergencies) | 5/10 | 15–45 minutes in safe areas, 1–3 hours in high-risk zones. |
| Corruption level | 6/10 | 38% of Peruvians report paying bribes (Transparency International 2025). |
| English proficiency | 4/10 | Tourist police speak some English, but most officers don’t. |
| Crime solving rate | 4/10 | Only 20% of thefts are solved; homicides: 50%. |
| Trust in police | 5/10 | 45% of Lima residents trust police (up from 38% in 2022). |
When to Call the Police
✅ Violent crime (mugging, assault, robbery with a weapon) – Call 105 (emergency number).
✅ Scams (fake police, express kidnapping) – Call tourist police (01-574-8000).
✅ Traffic accidents – Call 105 (police will direct you to file a report).
✅ Domestic disputes, noise complaints – Call 105 (but response may be slow).
When NOT to Call the Police
❌ Petty theft (pickpocketing, phone snatching) – Police rarely recover stolen items.
❌ Minor scams (overcharging, fake tour guides) – Report to tourist police, but don’t expect action.
❌ Lost passport/wallet – Go to your embassy first (police reports are often slow and bureaucratic).
How to File a Police Report (Denuncia)
- Go to the nearest police station (preferably in a safe district like Miraflores or San Isidro).
- Bring:
- Passport/ID
- Proof of theft/loss (photos, receipts, witness statements)
- Police report form (filled out in Spanish)
- Expect:
- Long wait times (1–3 hours).
- Bureaucratic process (multiple forms, signatures).
- Little follow-up (most cases are never solved).
Pro Tip: If you’re a tourist or short-term expat, your embassy may help faster than the police.
Emergency Numbers & How to Use Them
| Service | Number | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Police (Emergency) | 105 | For crimes in progress, accidents, violence. |
| Tourist Police | 01-574-8000 | English-speaking, helpful for scams/theft. |
| Fire Department | 116 | For fires, gas leaks, rescues. |
| Ambulance (SAMU) | 106 | Public ambulances (slow, basic care). |
| Private Ambulance (Clínica Angloamericana, etc.) | See hospital numbers below | Faster, better equipped (€100–€300 per ride). |
| U.S. Embassy | 01-618-2000 | For lost passports, emergencies. |
| Canadian Embassy | 01-319-3200 | For Canadian citizens. |
| UK Embassy | 01-617-3000 | For British citizens. |
How to Call Emergency Services in Peru
- Dial the number (e.g., 105 for police).
- State your emergency in Spanish (or say "Hablo inglés" if you don’t).
- "¡Necesito ayuda! Me robaron." = "I need help! I was robbed."
- "¡Hubo un accidente!" = "There was an accident!"
- Give your location (use Google Maps coordinates if unsure).
- Stay on the line until help arrives.
Pro Tip: Save these numbers in your phone and teach your kids/partner how to call them.
Women’s Safety in Lima: Risks & Precautions
Lima is notoriously unsafe for women, with high rates of catcalling, groping, and sexual harassment. However, precautions can reduce risks.
Women’s Safety Score in Lima (2026): 5/10
| Risk Factor | Severity (1-10) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Catcalling | 8/10 | Daily occurrence in public spaces. |
| Groping | 6/10 | Common in crowded areas (buses, markets). |
| Sexual Assault | 5/10 | 1 in 5 women report being assaulted (INEI 2025). |
| Nighttime Safety | 4/10 | Avoid walking alone after 10 PM in most areas. |
| Police Response | 5/10 | Better than 2020, but still slow and dismissive. |
Common Risks for Women in Lima
- Catcalling & Street Harassment
- Where it happens: Miraflores (Avenida Larco), Barranco (Bajada de Baños), Historic Center.
- How to respond:
- Ignore it (engaging can escalate).
- Wear headphones (deters some harassers).
- Use apps like "Hollaback!" to report incidents.
- Groping on Public Transport
- Where it happens: Metropolitano buses, combis (shared vans), crowded markets.
- How to avoid:
- Take Uber/Beat instead of public transport.
- Stand near the driver (less likely to be groped).
- Carry pepper spray (legal in Peru).
- Spiked Drinks & Nightlife Risks
- Where it happens: Barranco clubs, Miraflores bars, San Isidro lounges.
- How to avoid:
- Never accept drinks from strangers.
- Watch your drink being poured.
- Go out with a trusted group.
- Taxi & Uber Risks
- Where it happens: Fake taxis, unregistered Uber drivers.
- How to avoid:
- Only use Uber/Beat/Cabify.
- Check the license plate before getting in.
- Share your ride location with a friend.
- Domestic Violence & Dating Risks
- Where it happens: All districts, but higher in poor areas.
- How to avoid:
- Meet dates in public places.
- Tell a friend where you’re going.
- Avoid sharing your address early on.
Safest Neighborhoods for Women
✅ Miraflores (well-lit, police presence, expat-friendly)
✅ San Isidro (safe, upscale, low crime)
✅ Barranco (artsy, but avoid walking alone at night)
✅ La Molina (gated communities, low crime)
Areas to Avoid (or Be Extra Cautious)
❌ Callao (high sexual violence rates)
❌ San Juan de Lurigancho (gang activity, unsafe for women)
❌ Comas (high catcalling, occasional assaults)
❌ Historic Center at night (prostitution, muggings)
What to Do If You’re Harassed or Assaulted
- Get to a safe place (e.g., a café, police station, hotel).
- Call the tourist police (01-574-8000) – they’re more helpful than regular police.
- Go to a hospital (e.g., Clínica Angloamericana, Clínica Good Hope) if injured.
- Report to your embassy if you’re a foreigner.
- Seek support (e.g., Mujeres Desaparecidas Peru on Facebook, Lima Women’s Network).
Pro Tip: Carry a personal alarm (available on Amazon for €15–€30) for emergencies.
LGBTQ+ Safety in Lima: Progress & Persistent Challenges
Lima is Peru’s most LGBTQ+-friendly city, but conservative attitudes and occasional violence persist.
LGBTQ+ Safety Score in Lima (2026): 6/10
| Risk Factor | Severity (1-10) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Legal Protections | 7/10 | Same-sex marriage legal (2024), anti-discrimination laws. |
| Public Acceptance | 6/10 | 62% of Peruvians support LGBTQ+ rights (Ipsos 2025). |
| Violence & Harassment | 5/10 | 1 in 4 LGBTQ+ Peruvians report violence (INEI 2025). |
| Police Response | 5/10 | Better than 2020, but some officers still dismissive. |
| Nightlife Safety | 7/10 | Lima has a vibrant gay scene (Barranco, Miraflores). |
LGBTQ+ Rights in Peru (2026)
✅ Same-sex marriage legal (since 2024).
✅ Anti-discrimination laws (employment, housing, public services).
✅ Gender identity law (allows legal gender change without surgery).
❌ No adoption rights for same-sex couples (still banned).
❌ Conversion therapy still legal (though banned in Lima since 2025).
Safest Neighborhoods for LGBTQ+ Expats
✅ Barranco (bohemian, LGBTQ+-friendly bars, Drag Queen shows at Legendaris).
✅ Miraflores (upscale, gay-friendly hotels like Casa Andina).
✅ San Isidro (business district, low-key but accepting).
Safety essentials for expats: RFID Blocking Wallet | Portable Door Lock | Money Belt | Personal Safety Alarm
LGBTQ+ Nightlife & Social Spots
| Venue | Type | Location | Safety Notes |
|---|
| Legendaris | Drag show, bar | Barranco | Very safe, popular with exp