Emergency Help Abroad – Peru

Crime & Legal Awareness

A concise overview of the key laws, legal expectations and enforcement practices travellers should understand before visiting Peru — including behaviours that may be acceptable in the UK but carry stricter penalties or different interpretations abroad.

1. STRICT DRUG, WEAPON & ALCOHOL LAWS

• Possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs is treated severely and can lead to long prison sentences.

• Carrying weapons, including knives, sprays or firearms, without lawful purpose is prohibited.

• Drink-driving is illegal and police conduct sobriety checks.

• Importing illegal substances into Peru results in immediate arrest.

• Airport drug checks are strict, especially in Lima and Cusco.

2. RESPECT FOR CULTURE, PUBLIC MORALS & ENVIRONMENT

• Peru has deep cultural traditions — respect local customs in villages, markets and archaeological sites.

• Littering or damaging cultural monuments is a criminal offence.

• Modest behaviour is expected inside churches and religious sites.

• Public intoxication may attract police attention, especially in historic areas.

• Sacred sites such as Machu Picchu have strict conduct rules.

3. PUBLIC BEHAVIOUR & CIVIL ORDER

• Police may request identification — carry your passport or a photocopy.

• Petty crime, including bag-snatching, taxi thefts and phone theft, is common in busy cities.

• Avoid walking alone at night in quiet streets of Lima, Cusco or Arequipa.

• Protests and roadblocks occur — avoid demonstrations completely.

• Attempting to bribe officials is illegal.

4. TRAVEL, TRANSPORT & ADMINISTRATIVE OFFENCES

• Only take licensed taxis or reputable apps — avoid hailing taxis off the street.

• Long-distance buses must be from reputable companies; avoid unofficial operators.

• Overstaying your entry allowance may lead to fines.

• Entering Machu Picchu without a valid ticket or guide can result in penalties.

• Driving without correct documentation leads to fines or vehicle seizure.

5. PHOTOGRAPHY, DRONE & SECURITY RESTRICTIONS

• Drone use is restricted at archaeological sites including Machu Picchu.

• Avoid photographing military bases, police stations or strategic government buildings.

• Ask permission before photographing people, especially in rural Andean communities.

• Museums and churches often restrict photography — follow signs.

6. ENVIRONMENTAL & SAFETY LAWS

• Removing stones, plants, fossils or artefacts from archaeological or natural sites is illegal.

• Hiking off marked trails in protected areas is unsafe and may incur penalties.

• Swimming in rivers, lakes or coastal currents can be dangerous — check local advice.

• Starting fires in protected parks or mountain zones is prohibited.

• Feeding wildlife in the Amazon or Andes valleys is discouraged and may be illegal.

7. RESPECT FOR NATURE, CULTURE & HERITAGE SITES

• Damaging archaeological sites, including Inca ruins, is a criminal offence with heavy penalties.

• Removing cultural artefacts is strictly illegal.

• Entering restricted temple or ruin areas without permission is forbidden.

• Buying items made from endangered wildlife species is illegal.

What You Shouldn’t Do - Behaviours Travellers Should Avoid.

These are important behaviours and actions to avoid to stay respectful, safe and aligned with local expectations. Remember that what feels normal or automatic in the UK may be approached very differently in Peru.

• Don’t underestimate altitude sickness, especially in Cusco, Sacred Valley and high Andean treks.

• Don’t touch or lean on ancient Inca stonework, which is protected and sensitive to damage.

• Don’t take shortcuts off marked trails at Machu Picchu, where preservation rules are strict.

• Don’t accept street offers for tours, and use reputable agencies instead.

• Don’t walk alone at night in unfamiliar districts, particularly in Lima and Cusco.

• Don’t drink tap water, and rely on bottled or purified water.

• Don’t ignore safety advice in the Amazon, where wildlife and river conditions can be dangerous.

• Don’t overpack for multi-day treks, as weight affects altitude performance.

• Don’t bring fruit, seeds or prohibited items across regions, due to biosecurity controls.

• Don’t take photos of military bases or police, especially near borders.

• Don’t get too close to llamas or alpacas without caution, especially if they are part of staged photo setups.

• Don’t ignore sun exposure, which is strong at high altitude even in cool temperatures.

• Don’t rely solely on cards, particularly in markets or rural areas.

• Don’t engage in aggressive bargaining, as polite negotiation is expected.

• Don’t ignore rainy season risks, when landslides can affect travel.

• Don’t swim in unfamiliar rivers, where currents or wildlife may pose hazards.

• Don’t trust extremely cheap treks or tours, which may lack proper equipment.

• Don’t underestimate distances between cities, as road journeys can be long.

• Don’t mishandle coca leaves or products when returning home, as they may be restricted.

• Don’t bring drones to archaeological sites without permission, as most prohibit them.