Peru - Lonely Planet Publications [456]
Staring, whistling, hissing and catcalls in the streets are run-of-the-mill – and should be treated as such. Many men make a pastime of dropping piropos (cheeky, flirtatious or even vulgar ‘compliments’). However, these are generally not meant to be insulting. Most men rarely, if ever, follow up on the idle chatter (unless they feel you’ve insulted their manhood). Ignoring all provocation and staring ahead is generally the best response. If someone is particularly persistent, roll your eyes or try a potentially ardor-smothering phrase such as soy casada (I’m married). If you appeal directly to locals, you’ll find most Peruvians to be protective of lone women, expressing surprise and concern if you tell them you’re traveling without your family or husband.
It’s not uncommon for fast-talking charmers, especially in tourist towns such as Cuzco, to attach themselves to gringas and be surprisingly oblivious to a lack of interest from their quarry. Many of these young Casanovas are looking for a meal ticket (see boxed text, Click here), so approach any professions of undying love with extreme skepticism.
Use common sense when meeting men in public places. In Peru, outside of a few big cities, it is rare for a woman to belly up to a bar for a beer, and the ones that do tend to be prostitutes. If you feel the need for an evening cocktail, opt for a restaurant instead. Likewise, heavy drinking by women might be misinterpreted by some men as a sign of promiscuity. When meeting someone, make it very clear if only friendship is intended. This goes double for tour and activity guides. When meeting someone for the first time, it is also wise not to divulge where you are staying until you feel sure that you are with someone you can trust.
In highland towns, dress is generally fairly conservative and women rarely wear shorts, opting instead for long skirts. Slacks are fine, but note that shorts, miniskirts and revealing blouses may draw unwanted attention.
As in any part of the world, the possibilities of rape and assault do exist. Use your big city smarts (even in small towns). A few tips:
skip the hitchhiking
do not take unlicensed taxis, especially at night (licensed taxis have an authorization sticker on the windshield)
avoid walking alone in unfamiliar places at night
if a stranger approaches you on the street and asks a question, answer it if you feel comfortable – but don’t stop walking as it could allow potential attackers to surround you
avoid overnight buses through bandit-ridden areas, since women have been known to be raped during robberies (Click here for more on this and other personal safety issues)
be aware of your surroundings; attacks have occurred in broad daylight around well-touristed sites and popular trekking trails
when hiring a private tour or activity guide, seek someone who comes from a recommended or reliable agency
choose your hotel wisely; there have been reports of women being sexually harassed at cheap hotels
Travelers who are sexually assaulted can report it to the nearest police station or to the tourist police. However, Peruvian attitudes toward sexual assaults favor the attackers, not the survivors. Rape is often seen as a disgrace, and it is difficult to prosecute. Until recently, a rapist could avoid punishment by marrying the woman he attacked, something survivors were often pressured into doing by their own families. Because the police tend to be unhelpful, we recommend calling your own embassy or consulate (Click here) to ask for advice, including on where to seek medical treatment, which should be an immediate priority.
On a far more mundane note: tampons are difficult to find in smaller towns, so stock up in major cities, or investigate purchasing The Keeper (www.thekeeper.com), which could change your traveling life. Birth-control pills and other contraceptives (even condoms) are scarce outside metropolitan areas and not always reliable, so bring your own supply from home. Rates of HIV infection are on the rise,