Guide to Gay Lima, Peru

Si Ud. quiere traducir esta pagina a Castellano haga "click" sobre Google Language Tool

Now Some Words of Caution

People have the impression that Lima is a dangerous city; I don't believe it is any worse than any other major city, but it is different, and there are some precautions you should take and districts you should definitely not go. Crime falls into various categories.

Theft. Most crimes against gringo travelers are crimes of opportunity; don't give the crooks the opportunity. When out on the street don't wear a watch or any jewelry, keep your wallet and valuable documents in a neck or leg pouch (or, even better, in your hotel safe), only carry enough money for your immediate needs, don't carry your credit cards, keep an arm through the strap of your bag or pack and grip the body of your camera at all times, beware of distraction tricks, and never leave baggage unattended. Miraflores is safer than Lima center but don't make the mistake of thinking there aren't any snatch thieves in Miraflores because there are!
Deception. Never do business with someone in the street; always go to the company office. Always deal with a reputable business. If you hand over money for any service you must get a receipt (boleta) with the company name on it. If you book a tour ensure the receipt says exactly what is included and what is not included.
Violence. Violent crimes against gringos are normally very rare in Lima. However serious cases have occurred and precautions are essential.

In February 2002 a German tourist was murdered by a person who he had invited back to his guesthouse room. As recently as June 2007 an American tourist was befriended then kidnapped, held for about 30 hours, abused and robbed.

DO NOTE pick up any of the hustlers to be found in and around Kennedy Park in Miraflores or surrounding streets.
If you want to go out of the disco with your new friend try to tell someone who you are going with and where you are going. If you invite someone back to your hotel room make sure he hands his identity document to the receptionist. Alternatively, take your new friend to a love hotel (if you don't know of one ask one of the cab drivers parked outside the disco). Also, do not go back to the house or apartment of someone you don't know unless you are accompanied by somebody you know and trust.

In bars, discotheques, or anywhere, politely refuse an offer of drink, food, cigarettes, or even pamphlets from seemingly friendly strangers; their offer may be drugged. Buy your own drinks and collect them yourself.
ALL OF THESE WARNINGS ARE VERY IMPORTANT BUT CAN BE EASILY FORGOTTEN AFTER A FEW DRINKS. BE WARNED! BE CAREFUL!
Follow my advice, where given, for individual places, particularly Cuzco.
Drugs are fairly easily obtainable; on no account have anything to do with them. If you are caught, there is no bail while waiting trial (which can take well over a year), and the penalties are extremely severe.

Finally a few words about Lima traffic; it is anarchic, chaotic and ruthless. As a passenger in a taxi or bus you may as well sit back and enjoy the inevitable music and put yourself in the hands of fate, otherwise you will never leave the airport. You are much more at risk as a pedestrian; to Lima drivers you do not exist and you may as well be invisible. Assume that you are, and do not assume that drivers will stop at a red light or a stop sign, or indicate turns, or will not drive the wrong way on a one-way street or on the opposite carriageway. I have come close to being flattened more than once due to inattention.

For more advice see the travel advisories and warnings section on Peru at the website of South American Explorers or Foreign & Commonwealth Office.

Visitors are encouraged to use the local Tourist Protection Service, whose operators can handle calls and enquiries in English. They can be contacted on (01) 224-7888 24 hours a day.

top

This page last messed about with 23/July/2007. The contents of this page are copyright© 1999-2007, Syberian, Lima, Peru. All Rights Reserved. These pages may not be reproduced whole or in part without written permission from the author.
Page URL: http://lima.queercity.info/ Guide to Gay Lima & Gay Peru

Safety for Gay Visitors to Lima

Guide to Gay Lima, Peru
This web-site describes and reviews the best gay discos, bars, saunas,
beaches, meeting places, and hotels in Lima, Peru and much more.

Safety for Gay Visitors to Lima

Guide to Gay Lima, Peru This web-site describes and reviews the best gay discos, bars, saunas, beaches, meeting places, and hotels in Lima, Peru and much more.

Guide to Gay Lima, Peru
This web-site describes and reviews the best gay discos, bars, saunas,
beaches, meeting places, and hotels in Lima, Peru and much more.