Is Peru safe enough for the average english speaking white guy?

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vanfan

Peru is notorious for the fastest, craziest drivers in South America, but it is definitely safe. It is very popular for North Americans (and Europeans to a certain extent) to study Spanish there. You still have to beware of the usual problems when travelling in a less developed country - keep your passport and credit cards under lock and key or in a body belt if you're on the move, ask hostel owners about the safe/unsafe parts of the city or town, don't get too drunk if you're on your own...

If you have the opportunity (depending on budget and time) take an intensive Spanish course when you arrive into Lima, two weeks or even a week would be beneficial. Knowing the language won't just make you feel safer, but it will also make getting around a bit easier and positively more enjoyable. I lived in Ecuador with a family and learned Spanish for a few months before travelling round the rest of South America for about 7months. I was mugged in Ecuador, but they didn't take my bag after I told them it was only my school bag for spanish class!

I'm not sure about visas because I travel on an Irish passport, but from memory the British people I was with didn't have to get a visa.

You'll know Iquitos is in the rainforest. It is easy to get there by bus from Lima and there are numerous businesses in Iquitos offering english-speaking tours into the forest. You should really try to get to MachuPicchu while you are out there... you travel up from the historic town of Cusco, which is a brilliant place for food, markets and clubs and bars. Man, I wish I was back there.

Good luck and have fun on your trip!

Make sure to have the yellow fever shot. I believe its a requirement to go to Iquitos and as far as I know, it takes min 10 days to take effect.

phil_sick

Yeah its fine as long as your careful, some Sth American countries
(Brazil, Columbia, Argentina) can be dangerous if you stand out as a backpacker/holidaymaker usual involves your passport being taken at gunpoint and the only way to get it back is to empty your bank account

Isaac

yea. its safe.theres people from all over the world there

princess_tootoo

its perfectly safe! Just be aware of the snakes!!!! lol my mum goes on work holidays all the time!!
x

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