Going to Peru in September! (dangerous, safe, to eat)

[belmont22]

We're gonna stay with my friend in Lima and also go to Machu Picchu. I have some questions, though:

*Will I need malaria shots to go to Machu Picchu? From what I understand, it's technically in the Amazon.
*What are things that are must-sees in Lima and Peru in general?
*Is Peru safe for the most part?

[recycled]

Machu Picchu is not in the Amazon basin, it is located at around 7000 feet elevation in the Urubamba River Valley about 80 or 90 km from Cuzco. Cuzco is higher than Machu Picchu, at over 8500 feet elevation.

There is no such thing as a malaria vaccine. There are malaria pills that are taken if someone contracts malaria, but no vaccine. The vaccines most people need are yellow fever and hepatitis A & B.

Malaria and dengue fever are mosquito transmitted diseases that typically occur at lower elevations in tropical zones. Along the coast in Lima, you will be in the world's driest desert so risk of contracting either of these is less likely than in a tropical forest zone.

[Perpetual Burn]

I won't talk about Cuzco,I mean there's a lot of information on the web about that city.Lima,on the otherside,is a hiding treasure.I strongly recommend to visit,as much as you can,the old part of the city.The architecture there is among the best in South America cities.And by old part I mean the "traditional" site of the city.Barranco and Centro Historico de Lima.But if you want to see different places beyond the typical spots,Capon street is the best for you.It is the biggest Chinatown in all the Americas,but not that big as the one in San Francisco,I think-not that sure-.Also,you must go to the museums.There was one with a catacomb.Really an impressive experience.
Miraflores,located in the modern part of the city,is the only 'distric' I would recommend to visit in that area.You can find and do some interesting things there.By the way,Surquillo Market is quite a paradise for those who enjoy to eat,smell,touch and see exotic tasteful Peruvian food.
One thing that I find particulary annoying is the traffic.I mean it is really bad.Be aware of it,lol.
About safety,it is of course not as safe as Japan,obviosly,but for the Latinamerican standar,it is quite 'safe'.In fact,you can check that on the Internet.Avoid dangerous places,specally at night,just like everywhere.I'm pretty sure Peruvians will tell you what to do and not to do when you are there.Just use your common sense.
I almost forgot,there's an interesting place-with some good seafood-in the city next to Lima,Callao.There are no real boundaries between those cities.Is like crossing a street to another.Near La Punta,located in Callao,you can swim together within sea lions.The place has some great architecture.Last but not least,in Callao,you can see the Real Felipe fortress,built to defend the city from pirates and corsairs.Make you to contact someone who knows Callao(a guide).It is not dangerous,but certainly there are places you don't want to go,of course like any other city.
Hope that helps.I wrote all this pretty fast,I'm kinda tired now.

[oregonwoodsmoke]

I don't think that Peru is particularly dangerous. There is a lot of petty theft, so keep your belongings in such a way that they can't be grabbed by a runner or a pick pocket.

Every country has areas that are run down and potentially dangerous. Stay out of the poverty areas and dangerous areas and be aware of your surroundings and you should be fine.

It sounds like a wonderful vacation to take. Enjoy yourself.