Self defense in Peru?

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Mr. BIG

Similar situation happened to me in Lima involving a cab driver. He looked like hammered dog $hit after I got done with him. No problems with the police since I too had several locals who backed up my story.

peru teacher

Don't get involved in other people's fights.

If someone ties to attack you, defend yourself, but realise things like knives, guns and mace can easily be used against you.

Giving up cash is the easiest way out. Keep a couple of soles in a purse or pocket, away from your main money.

Bob A

I was at the airport in Lima and ended up in the luggage area with a number of armed militares pointing their guns at me and another going through my single bag. They were about to throw me in jail until I gave them nearly all the cash I had. I was also almost thrown in jail while I was at the airport in Quito as the top ranked military guard on duty was drunk that day and I think that, if things had not been a bit different that day, he would have tossed me in jail just for fun. I am still here and I have more fun stories but NEVER take a chance like that in Latin America especially if you have white skin. They think American = Money. If you get in a fight in South America only do it this way: Grab something heavy (beer bottle or pitcher works well), immediately (do not threaten opponent) hit the guy on their head or temples, step over their unconscious body and disappear. The best fights in the world are the ones that are over the fastest and you never get hit or tossed in a Latin American prison. By the way - I have seen a Latin American prison and it is not where you want to be.

Aureen

I think that as long as you had two people who could support your story you would not have gotten into too much trouble -- although there is a good chance that you might have gone through some strenuous questioning afterwards. Of course the most important thing you have to think about is that the man could have had a concealed weapon (such as a knife), and if you had gotten into a fight with him you could have gotten very injured. When in situations like the one you described it is always better to play it safe because you never know what the other person might do. There is the possibility that he was just drunk or high, but even so people in those states of mind can be dangerous. I'm assuming that you were at the Jorge Chavez International airport in Callao... which isn't really the safest area around, especially outside at 3:00 in the morning. Trust me, you did the right thing by calling the security guard.

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