Lima Warning or Danger Tips by christian99

Safety & Dangers
Health Risks are few out of these tropical infectious diseases like malaria, yellow fever and hepatitis which are present in the Amazon Basin and Tumbes (malaria). If you are planning to visit the lowlands of the Amazon Basin is preferable to be vaccinated against yellow fever and malaria. Altitude mountain sickness, called soroche, happens at the higher andean areas. If you plan to bike for long distances, would be a good idea to have a rabies vaccination, because of the great number of dogs in each town and village. Travellers who follow the proper precautions will not have problems with food and drink.

Crime & Violence
Although physical violence in Peru is not as extreme in cities such as Rio de Janeiro, Bogotá or New Orleans, we cannot deny that it has problems with security. Thieves are "available" as pickpockets, muggers, bag and watch snatchers, razor-blade pack slashers and confidence tricky. Lima and big cities like Arequipa, Trujillo, Huaraz and Cusco are safe in average but offer their risks when care is not taken in account, especially in crowded, dark and lonely areas.

There have been a border dispute with Ecuador since 1942 which have resulted in multiple military conflicts. The area in dispute was the Cordillera del Cóndor. The last conflict was held in the area of the Cenepa river in the border region. Lastly, Ecuador respected history and recognised the original borderline. On October 1998, Ecuador and Peru signed a peace treaty to end with the long dispute and complete the settlement of landmarks along the border.

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Women
There are a lot of women requiring information about travelling alone in Peru. In fact, there are no great risks besides the ones mentioned in the topic of Violence & Theft. But, to add to this, there have been some reports (some, we said) about rapes to women, which mainly happened in dark and isolated areas. The general rule is to avoid these areas and to have a minimum common sense to by pass these situations. Some travellers have commented that it is really a matter of bad luck than a risk.
There is the strong belief that blonde hair attracts the attention of the southamerican men. This is partly true as they are not accostumed to see a blonde woman in their culture (only by TV). As long as visitors are increasing in number these fact would change in some years. But, this does not hide the matter that southamerican men are machist in great percentage (specially in lower classes). So, if you hear somebody throwing you a nice bouquet do not feel ashamed or get annoyed unless it is a bothersome one (also for men!). Anyway, it is a fact of our own culture that you should learn to accept.
Drugs
If you travel to Peru and think to recover your money by taking some "white stuff" to your country, please forget this, because these customs officers are the best hounds in the world!! The punishment for carrying, purchasing or using drugs (specially cocaine) is up to 15 years in a peruvian cold jail. Also, reject any intention of someone sending packs with you (to/from Peru), unless you know very well this person or what is inside the pack.

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