Cusco is renowned for its history and culture, and its influence on the area today.
It had an important role in a vast area of South America.
It was also the capital of the Inca Empire, known as Tahuantinsuyo.
The city is believed to be the longest continuously inhabited city in the Western hemisphere.
The Inca ruled Cusco until the Spanish conquered it in the 16th century.
The Spanish nearly annihilated the Incas and destroyed many of their artifacts and structures.
Still, when the Spanish conquistadors moved the capital to Lima, they left much of what was left of the Inca Empire where it stood until they themselves later experienced defeat.
The first attempt to defeat the Spanish came at the hands of the revolutionary Tupac Amaru II.
He likely had a firm hand in the eventual freedom from Spanish rule in 1821.
The remnants of the Inca Empire, much of what was untouched, along with efforts to preserve the treasures, were delayed when an earthquake that occurred in 1950 struck Cusco and destroyed many of the remaining Inca treasures.
Today, Cusco is a popular destination for travelers who flock to the area to see the many remnants of the Inca and other preserved areas in Cusco.
The city received the UNESCO designation of Cultural Heritage of Humanity during the 1980s.
Shortly thereafter, Peru named Cusco as Peru’s tourist capital.
Although efforts have been taken to protect Cusco and all that it has to offer, many people are still likely to wonder if it is safe for travelers to visit.
Learn about the safety of Cusco, safe places to visit, and what areas travelers should avoid when they visit Cusco.
Knowing the top safety tips and following them can also help tourists who visit Cusco to stay safe and have a great visit to this striking city.
Warnings & Dangers in Cusco
OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM
Cusco is a safe place to visit for most travelers. There are some safety risks, including mostly petty crimes like pickpockets and bag snatching. The country realizes that tourism is a primary source of income for Peru and for Cusco. They have spent a lot of resources improving safety for travelers.
TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: MEDIUM
Use an official, licensed taxi company when you need to call for a taxi. Be aware of the fact that there are some fake taxis operating in and around Cusco. Tourists have been robbed by the drivers.
PICKPOCKETS RISK: HIGH
The risk of pickpockets is the most common safety risk to travelers who visit Cusco. Use ATMs inside banks, not on the street. Pickpockets hang out at places frequented by tourists. Do not become their next target. Keep your belongings out of sight of pickpockets and other criminals.
NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM
Cusco has heavy rain that can lead to landslides and flooding. Travelers need to pay attention to weather reports and stay away from areas that are prone to landslides. Pay attention to the warnings and directions of local authorities for risks of earthquakes. Peru, including Cusco, is in an active earthquake zone.
MUGGING RISK: LOW
Muggings do not occur very often in Cusco. Tourists who are solo travelers or who are walking alone are usually the target of muggers, especially when they flash their cash or wear expensive jewelry.
TERRORISM RISK: MEDIUM
There are a couple of terrorist groups that are currently active in Cusco. That does not mean that travelers are going to be victims of terrorist acts. Travelers who visit Cusco are not usually the targets, but can become involved if they happen to be somewhere that is a target of these groups. Staying aware of what is going on around them can help travelers stay alert to activities that may indicate terrorism.
SCAMS RISK: MEDIUM
Taxi drivers are usually the people who commit scams against travelers who visit Cusco. Make sure that you get into a taxi that has a meter. Pay attention to the actual amount of fare that the meter displays at the end of your ride. Be wary of unlicensed, bogus taxi drivers. Do not get into any taxi that is not from a licensed company.
WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: MEDIUM
Women who travel to Cusco often have a safe trip with no threat to their safety. Women need to stay vigilant about watching their surroundings and staying in safe areas. Some women have been targets of criminals, especially if they were solo women travelers.
TAP WATER RISK: HIGH
Do not drink the tap water in Cusco. Most of the locals do not drink it, so travelers need to avoid drinking it. The distribution systems often have old pipes, which can cause contamination to get into the tap water. Drink bottled water when you visit Cusco.
Safest Places to Visit in Cusco
Travelers often visit Cusco to see the ancient ruins, to marvel at the architecture, and to see the Inca palaces.
There is something for travelers who want to see the historical sites, who want to experience the amenities of modern-day Cusco, or who want to be a part of the annual festivals in Cusco.
Visit the church of Santo Domingo, which is built on top of the Temple of the Sun.
It is dedicated to the Inca god Inti.
Many travelers visit the Inca fortress of Sacsayhuamán.
It is a fine example of the construction and masonry work of the Incas.
Qenqo is a nearby archaeological site of the Incas.
Take a horseback riding tour and enjoy the highlands.
People who take the horseback tour can see the mountain views of the city.
Visit the ancient ruins or just enjoy the peaceful nature.
Take a cooking class or have fun when you engage in a market tour.
The Plaza de Armas is the vibrant main square of Cusco.
Explore the shops, restaurants, or just watch the people.
Visit the Cochahuasi Animal Sanctuary.
The sanctuary is dedicated to rescuing and caring for various species of abused animals, along with those who have been trafficked in the past.
See the Andean Condor, Peruvian hairless dogs, alpacas, llamas, and many other animals.
Visit the restaurants that are located in the main tourist areas to experience the tastes and smells of authentic cuisines.
Go to restaurants that are frequented by travelers, not the ones where you see every other chair empty in the place.
Places to Avoid in Cusco
Stay away from Belén, a known place for trouble in Cusco.
Santiago also has dimly lit streets that can be dangerous for travelers.
Wancheq has a bad reputation for criminal activity.
Travelers should avoid this area.
Some other areas to avoid in Cusco, especially at night, include the neighborhoods San Cristobal and Poroy.
Be very careful in crowded markets, public transit stops, and plazas.
The crowds of people bring out the pickpockets and other criminals.
Watch your belongings, and do not display a lot of money.
If you do not feel safe, leave and consider coming back another day.
Safety Tips for Traveling to Cusco
- Do not flash your cash. Keep your cash out of sight. You may think you are showing that you are wealthy. Criminals will think that you are a great target.
- Stay away from areas that are known to be unsafe. It may seem like a good idea to visit places that other travelers may not get to see. Do not go anywhere that is not considered safe for tourists who visit Cusco.
- Dress Down. You may think people will be impressed by your fancy watch, your gold and diamonds, and your designer clothes. The people who will be most impressed are the criminals.
- Do not drink the tap water. Tap water is not safe to drink. Although the city treats it, the distribution systems are outdated and pose safety risks.
- Do not walk alone, especially at night. Travelers should not walk alone at night when they visit Cusco. This is especially true for solo women travelers.
- Do not leave your drink unattended. Leaving your drink unattended, even for a matter of seconds, can result in having your drink spiked. Keep your drink with you.
- Use reputable taxis. Do not get into a taxi unless you know that it is from a licensed and reputable taxi company. Cusco has fake taxi drivers offering to take travelers to their destination. Instead, they get robbed, or the bogus drivers take off with the travelers’ belongings in the trunk.
- Stay with your group. Tourists who visit Cusco with a group should stay with their group to avoid any safety risks. People who travel with friends or family members should stay with them.
- Consider the high elevation. Travelers need to take precautions when they visit Cusco because of the high elevation. The altitude of the city is at 11,150 feet, which can cause some people to become ill. Stay hydrated and use altitude sickness medication if you need it.
- Book tours with reputable companies. Make sure that you book your tour with a reputable company. You may find that you are the victim of a bogus trip or tour if you fail to check out tour companies before you book with them.
So... How Safe Is Cusco Really?
Cusco has a rich history, cultural significance, and other reasons why it is a popular place for tourists to visit.
Its designation as having a UNESCO title and its designation as being Peru’s Tourist Capital also contribute to the reasons why so many travelers visit Cusco every year.
Although there are many safe places to visit in Cusco, there are a few places that travelers should avoid for safety reasons.
Travelers also need to watch for petty criminals, fake taxis, and travel booking companies.
Do not give money to the children who ask for money on the streets of Cusco.
You can be sure that likely criminals are waiting to see you flash your cash near where the children ask travelers for money.
Most crimes that criminals commit that target travelers are petty crimes.
Tourists still need to stay aware of their surroundings and follow safety tips to reduce their risk of becoming crime victims.
How Does Cusco Compare?
| City | Safety Index |
|---|---|
 Cusco |
60 |
| Puno |
45 |
| Arequipa |
32 |
| Ayacucho |
44 |
| Iquitos |
71 |
| Lima |
55 |
 Reading | 58 |
| Coeur d’Alene | 84 |
| Concord | 74 |
 Exeter | 77 |
| Walhalla | 81 |
| Tahlequah | 83 |
Useful Information
Visas
Travelers do not need to have a visa to visit any area of Peru, including Cusco, as long as they do not stay more than 90 days.
Currency
The official currency in Peru is the Peruvian Sol.
Weather
The temperatures in Cusco are cool, averaging daytime temperatures of around 68 degrees Fahrenheit throughout the year. The temperatures can dip lower or increase by a few degrees during the warmer months. Travelers should keep a jacket with them, and consider dressing in warmer clothes when they visit cooler areas.
Airports
The Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport is the international airport that serves Cusco. The airport receives both domestic and international flights. It is often ranked as the second-most important airport in Peru.
Travel Insurance
Travelers who plan to visit Cusco should purchase travel insurance before they leave on their trip. The U.S. Department of State says that the U.S. Government does not pay for the medical costs of U.S. citizens who travel outside the country. The agency recommends that travelers meet with their travel insurance provider to purchase the travel insurance that is right for their needs before they leave on their trip.
Cusco Weather Averages (Temperatures)
Average High/Low Temperature
| Temperature / Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °C |
18 | 18 | 18 | 18 | 18 | 18 | 18 | 19 | 19 | 20 | 20 | 19 |
| Low °C |
6 | 7 | 6 | 5 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 6 |
| High °F |
64 | 64 | 64 | 64 | 64 | 64 | 64 | 66 | 66 | 68 | 68 | 66 |
| Low °F |
43 | 45 | 43 | 41 | 37 | 32 | 32 | 36 | 39 | 41 | 41 | 43 |
Peru - Safety by City
| City | Safety Index |
|---|---|
| Arequipa | 32 |
| Ayacucho | 44 |
| Cusco | 60 |
| Iquitos | 71 |
| Lima | 55 |
| Puno | 45 |
Can you please share the statistic of crime that support your article?
I believe your comments are not correct, indeed you might have the same risk of pickpockets as you have in europe or the US.
There is no terrorism at all in Cuzco, and women are as safe as men are.
Of course like any other tourists place, you need to be careful and look at your belongings , same as in new york or paris
What is Cusco like at the moment please-Has there been a shut down implemented due to Covid19?
Thankyou
O
Safest city in Peru
Cusco is the safest city in Peru. Especially compared to Lima. Cusco depends heavily on tourism and the locals know it. No way they would ruin the city’s reputation and risk detracting tourism. So I strongly disagree with your article.
The State department says Cusco is now a level 4. what can you tell us!
Cusco is SAFE
Cusco is extremely safe. Like in ANY OTHER COUNTRY, you should be careful with your stuff. However, you will not feel unsafe in this city at all. I’ve been to Cusco multiple times and I can assure you it’s very safe. People are very nice and it’s filled with tourists.
Love Cusco and people and shops. I felt safe and yes everyone should be mindful of their belongings as vendors can be overwhelming at times. Will visit here again.
Cusco has this amazing vibe where ancient history meets lively nightlife, and walking through those colonial streets is just magical.
Walking through the streets of Cusco feels like stepping back in time, with the mix of ancient ruins and colonial buildings all around, it really hits you how deep the history runs here.
It’s hard to believe a city with such rich history could ever feel unsafe, but I guess things can change in a heartbeat. Just makes you wonder what parts of the past are still hiding under all that tourist buzz, right?