Safety in Cusco, Machu Picchu, and the Sacred Valley

By Amanda Massello

Cusco has the highest rate of crime targeted at tourists in Peru. That said, there a few precautions that you can take to avoid being robbed. Taxis tend to be the biggest danger. As in the rest of Latin America, it is important to only take registered (radio) taxis. It is best never to walk alone late at night or early in the morning, as these times are the most common times for attacks. Word to the wise, as dehydration is a common effect of altitude sickness, caffeine, smoke, or alcohol will only serve to intensify one´s symptoms. Drink lots of water. Even though you´re exhausted from just crossing the road at high altitude, don´t even think about reaching for the tap, be sure to buy bottled water! Chewing coca leaves or drinking coca tea is a good solution for symptoms of altitude sickness, or soroche. Also be cautious in bars, as drink spiking is frequently reported. Be especially careful in trains and busy markets, where pickpockets and bag-slashers easily conceal themselves amongst the throngs of people.