Exercise increased caution due to crime, civil unrest, and the risk of kidnapping. Some areas have an increased risk. 

Do not travel to:

• The Colombia-Peru border area in the Loreto Region due to crime. 
• The Valley of the Apurímac, Ene, and Mantaro Rivers (VRAEM), which includes Vilcabamba, due to crime and threats of terrorism.   
• Some areas within the regions of Ayacucho, Cusco*, Huancavelica, and Junín, due to crime and threats of terrorism.   
• The city of Cusco and popular tourist sites nearby, like the Sacred Valley, the Inca Trail, and Machu Picchu, are not located in the affected area.   

Country Summary: Crime is common in Peru. Petty theft, carjackings, muggings, assaults, and other violent crime often happen even in daylight hours and with many witnesses around. Kidnapping is rare, but it does occur. The risk of crime increases at night. Criminal groups sometimes set up roadblocks to rob people in areas outside of Lima. 

• Demonstrations occur regularly throughout the country. Public demonstrations can take place for a variety of political and economic issues.   Demonstrations can shut down local roads, trains, and major highways. This often happens without warning or clear information on reopening times.  Road closures can limit access to public transportation and airports. Closures may also disrupt travel in and between cities. 
• Due to road safety risks, recommend not traveling during hours of darkness except within cities, between Lima and Huacho (to the north), and Lima and Paracas (to the south). Nighttime travel with commercial bus companies along the Pan-American Highway, to Huaraz, and on the Lima-Arequipa-Cusco corridor may be used cautiously.