A single female, mid-20s, will travel to Lima and on to Cusco and Machu Picchu for a week or so. Are there any particulars she should be aware of, in order to stay safe? Recommendations for hostels or inexpensive hotels? Getting cash from ATMs is best way to go?

Thank you!

Lokihostels.com

Or

Walkoninn.com

Ninoshotel.com

Apulodge.com for SV

Or KB Tambo hostel

No fee credit cards like capitalone.com

Travel.state.gov for safety

Insuremytrip.com always wise stikes unrest theft not uncommon

Still quite safe overall for me if careful

Spirit.com cheap flights FLL LIM saves me a tonne

Have fun

Parts of Lima and Cusco can be considered unsafe but are unlikely to be visited by tourists unless by accident. keep to the toursisted well lit areas. Take the usual precautions;
- do not speak to strangers who stop you in the street
-do not carry valuables watches, handbags, jewllery
-if someone tries to steal your stuff let them! - do not put up a fight an risk ijury or death
-try not to look like a potential victim - look as thougn you know what you are abou/where you are going and if you need to look at a guide book or map, go into a shop or somewhere to do it.
- When using ATMs be aware of your surroundings and the people about- use machines inside banks if possible
-Alaways pre book taxis particularly from airports/stations (your hostal will usually arrange this)

Always book accomodation in advance, do not accept recommendations of taxi drivers etc. We found teh following sites to be efficient, cheap and are mainly used by single traveller;

www.hostelbooker.com
www.hostelworld. com

www.saexplorersclub.org is excellent for single travellersas they have clubhouse facilities in both Cusco and Lima but as c$40 I am not sure a week is worth joining.

Peru is a fantastic but still developing country, with high levels of poverty which can lead to crime issues. We were there for 2 months or so and did not have any problems and found it to be a great place with very friendly people but you do need to be extra aware when going about your daily business to keep yourself safe. If you feel at all unsure about a particular situation juts get yourself away from it even if you risk offending someone.

Thank you both!

Peru is a pretty safe country – especially if you’re traveling to the main tourist areas. I’m a female in my mid-20s living in Lima and I usually feel very safe here.
A few recommendations:

Stay in a nice hostel (others already provided some good suggestions). That way you’ll have a built-in group of fellow travelers to explore with.

Don’t carry your credit card/ATM card around with you.

Never carry around anything you’re not willing to part with (ie: if someone tries to rob you, just give them your stuff). Also, keep a copy of your passport and extra money hidden somewhere in your stuff in case of emergencies.

Try to travel during the day.

Walk around like you know where you’re going, and don’t feel you need to be polite and talk to every random guy who tries to chat you up (it will happen!).

By taking these basic precautions, you’re sure to have a great time! Peruvians tend to be very friendly and helpful, and Cusco is a major tourist hub, so if you need it, you’ll always be able to find someone to help you out.

Good luck!
Laura (Peru For Less)

Good tips, I was recommended not to wear any jewelry or watches, even cheap ones, and to leave the Passport in the hotel safe when possible. If just out for the day, I only carry cash for the day in a few places (some in my shoe). Don't flash or use electronics such as I-pod in public places. In fact I try not to travel with them.

Take reputable taxis and use the ATMS inside the bank lobby, and be aware of your surroundings, walk with confidence. I prefer not to carry a backpack, I think it screams "tourist with a lot of stuff."

Thanks again. I am feeling much more comfortable with DD being there. She is meeting a Venezuelan friend in Cusco and then is taking an SAS three-day tour. She is a smart cookie and has traveled a lot. I will try not to worry!

Cusco has a few issues, mainly with unregulated taxis. Also she shouldn't walk back to her lodging after 10pm (some of the side streets are impossible for taxis). And just keep an eye her stuff.

It is always better to have 'someone' hail/call a cab for you.
Someone from your hotel or hostel, the doorman, someone in a restaurant or a shop.