Outside of Miraflores and San Isidro, visitors to Lima should not walk alone at night or take solo taxi cabs. This is especially true of downtown Lima, which is still quite dangerous and impoverished despite significant restoration. Visitors should stick to well-lit streets and should not take taxis off the street, but rather call them ahead. Hotel taxis are generally the safest, although also the most expensive. Don't flash your expensive digital camera or jewelry, and always keep an eye on your belongings.
Dos & Don'ts
Do try ceviche. The combination of raw fish and seafood marinated in lime juice, onions and chilies is said to cure hangovers and is quite delicious.
Don't talk about how much you like Chile. Peruvians are very proud of their country and are especially standoffish about Chile, which defeated Peru in the War of the Pacific more than a century ago.
Do try to speak Spanish. Locals appreciate foreigners who make even a bad attempt.
