Is Cusco Safe? Your Local Expert Guide For 2027
Are you wondering if Cusco is safe for travel at this current time?
One of the most popular destinations to visit in all of South America, let alone just in Peru, Cusco is full of exciting Andean hikes, mysterious ancient Inca ruins, charming city architecture and much more. However it’s worth learning what the real safety situation is here before your visit, the different risks to keep in mind, as well as planning properly to ensure you have the most relaxing and enjoyable trip possible here.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about the topic of is Cusco safe. This includes the safest areas to stay in and to explore, what the city is like during both the day and night, as well as our very own expert recommendations based on our experience here. Later we’ll also answer your most frequently asked questions in our FAQ section.
Is Cusco Safe? A Current Overview For Travelers
As of this current time, Cusco is a very safe destination to visit for travelers who plan their visit properly and follow the proper precautions. Frequency of crime against tourists is very rare when staying in the right areas such as the Historic Center and San Blas, where it’s safe to walk around these areas both during the day and evenings – and are also overall great base points for your excursions and activities across the city.
It’s important to know that, as well as staying in the best areas, planning properly and taking the right precautions is also highly recommended. Leaving expensive valuables or flashy accessories back in your hotel during tours or market visits is suggested, given petty theft can be a risk in crowded areas. Taking it slow during your first two days as you acclimate to the high altitudes of Cusco is also important – which we’ll cover in better detail later in this guide.
Everything You Need To Know About Cusco Safety
First we’ll cover the most important safety points that you need to know about Cusco, which will help you plan your upcoming vacation properly.
The Safest Areas For Tourists To Stay Within Cusco City
Cusco is a moderately large city, and as such choosing the right area or district for a stay is crucial – both for your safety and overall experience.
The Historic Center is one of the most popular options, which is the bustling heart and soul of Cusco. Here we can enjoy a stay in one of many premium and luxury-focused hotels, with areas like the Plaza de Armas being the most popular. Here we can walk along the cobblestone streets and enjoy colonial plazas and important sites such as Qorikancha and the San Pedro Market – while there are an endless choice of gourmet restaurants and dining experiences to choose from here.
The San Blas district is the other highly recommended area for a stay for tourists. Located immediately east of the Plaza de Armas in the Historic Center, San Blas is much quieter – and is best for those who want a more relaxed and exclusive-feel stay. There are also many fine hotels and restaurants here, and tourists can wander along the narrow colonial passageway and enjoy sites such as the ancient Twelve-Angled Stone as well as the Museo de Arte Precolombino.
Is Cusco Safe During The Daytime?
When staying in and exploring the two areas mentioned above, then they are extremely safe for tourists during the daytime. You can easily walk around in a group or alone and be completely fine, only making sure to take care with your belongings when exploring local markets or busy plazas. Other areas such as Wánchaq (where one of the train stations that head to Machu Picchu are located) are also fine to visit during the day, although taking licensed taxis here is recommended given the distance from the city center.
Is Cusco Safe At Night?
During the evenings, the atmosphere in Cusco remains bustling and is great to explore by visiting its endless restaurants or nightlife options, or by walking around the streets and plazas of the Historic Center or San Blas. Again both areas are completely fine for walking at night, although you’ll need a few extra layers ready as it can get quite cold during the evenings. Taking taxis is also recommended for further distances or if dressing up for an evening out. We don’t recommend visiting other, non-touristy areas of Cusco at night unless heading with an experienced local guide or friend.
The Biggest Safety And Comfort Risks During Your Stay In Cusco
Altitude Sickness In Cusco
Sat deep within the Andean foothills, Cusco is located up at an elevation of 3399m above sea-level. For those who are not used to high altitudes or are arriving directly from Lima, altitude sickness can often be a worry – which include symptoms such as headaches or nausea – however there are proven methods to help prevent it. Diamox or local Soroche Pills are two medications that can help you acclimate quicker if cleared for use by your doctor, while keeping your initial activities light during your first two days is recommended as your body acclimates naturally during this period.
Crime In Cusco
Compared to many other parts of Peru or South America in general, Cusco is a very safe destination – and virtually all travelers have enjoyable and trouble-free stays. However, with that said, petty crime such as pickpocketing can sometimes occur, so it’s important to take precautions when visiting busy markets and crowded plazas. We highly suggest leaving expensive valuables back in your hotel if they are not needed, as well as avoiding walking with your phone or wallet in your hand. Again, while most incidents happen outside the tourist zones, it’s always important to take necessary precautions wherever you travel.
Food And Water Safety In Cusco
One of the best parts of a visit to Cusco is trying the incredible cuisine and variety of Andean dishes on offer here, such as Lomo Saltado and Pachamanca. Within hotels or nicer restaurants (either luxury or tourist focused), food quality is exceptional. The only risk comes when eating street food or in local venues – where heading on a tour with expert local guides is important for choosing the safest places. For water, you should only drink from sealed bottles of water or drinks bought from restaurants. Tap water is not treated in Cusco city, and while many hotels do use their own clean supplies, it’s not worth taking the risk during your vacation here.
Our Expert Tips On How To Stay Safe In Cusco
Below we’ll now outline some of our very best Cusco safety tips from experience with our own guests, which will help you to have the most relaxed and trouble-free experience.
Take It Slow With The Altitude
Safety also means looking after your own body properly during your visit, and especially in Cusco where the elevation is 3399m above sea-level. It’s vital to spend your first 48 hours relaxing and avoiding strenuous activity, where you can also stay in the lower altitudes of the Sacred Valley for a more gentle acclimation experience.
Book Your Hotel Within The Historic Center And San Blas Districts
The two most popular areas of Cusco, the Historic Center and San Blas are the very safest for a stay – where you can comfortably walk around the colonial streets and pretty plazas during both the day and night. Some of the best luxury Cusco hotels for a stay here include the Belmond Palacio Nazarenas as well as the JW Marriott.
Use Caution With Your Valuables
While the most touristy areas are generally safe, there is always the risk of a pickpocketer or two in busy areas. For this reason it’s best to leave any valuables not needed back in your hotel as you explore the city and surrounding Andes, such as spare credit cards or expensive jewellery.
Join Privately Guided Tours For Both Comfort And Expert-Led Experiences
Professional and private tour guides not only help to keep you and your party in safe hands during city tours and overland travels, however also provide authentic tour experiences. Here at CuscoTransport our guides are locals from Cusco, and as such are experts in providing the very best guided tours and trips.
Be Careful With Local Food And Drink Choices
While most upscale Peruvian and international restaurants in Cusco are very safe and follow the most thorough hygiene processes, other venues and establishments may lack this. For this reason it’s wise to only dine within popular restaurants or those that are busy with tourists – while online restaurant guides or asking our team for expert advice is also highly recommended.
Frequently Asked Questions About The Topic Of Is Cusco Safe
In this section we’ll now explore the most frequent questions we get about the question of is Cusco safe, as well as anything else you need to know.
Is Crime Common In Cusco?
Crime is extremely rare within the touristy areas of Cusco, given police presence is high while locals pride themselves on traditional cultural values. However sometimes incidents can happen, and especially petty crimes such as pickpocketing or scams. For this reason it’s important to always leave valuables back in your hotel when heading out for this day – and to also consider joining a private Cusco day tour with our experienced guides for the most relaxing experience.
Is It Safe To Walk At Night In Cusco?
Yes, it’s very safe to walk at night in Cusco – and especially when sticking to the main tourist areas which include the Plaza de Armas and surrounding Historic Center, as well as the San Blas district. However it’s still recommended to follow standard safety advice when heading out for the evening, such as leaving valuables in your hotel, not walking with your phone out in your hand, and taking taxis between destinations that are outside of these zones.
How Likely Is It To Get Altitude Sickness In Cusco?
Given Cusco is located up at an altitude of 3399m in the Andes, altitude sickness is a risk for many travellers who visit. And while there is no way to guarantee you won’t get some symptoms, there are certain methods that help to minimise the risk. This includes taking doctor-prescribed medications like Diamox for the altitude or ibuprofen to prevent headaches, while taking it slow during your first two days is also vital as your body acclimates.
Overview Of Is Cusco Safe
And that’s all for this guide on everything you need to know about the topic of is Cusco safe.
From enjoying private day tours around the historic Center and to nearby ruins like Sacsayhuamán and Q’enqo, to enjoying guided tours around the Sacred Valley region and upper Andes, Cusco is one of the very best destinations to visit on any journey around Peru. Thankfully this Andean city is one of the safest places to visit in Peru thanks to its traditional cultural values and heightened police presence – however it’s still important to follow key safety tips outlined in this article.
Ready to explore the very best highlights of Cusco in the most seamless and comfortable way possible? Take a look at our Cusco Day Tour now, which includes expert guides, complete private transport between all destinations, as well as a flexible itinerary where you can choose the itinerary speed and time spent at each destination as you prefer.