Crime and Pollution in Cusco

The following data and statistics on crime, pollution, and overall safety in Cusco are derived from a combination of trusted public sources and insights gathered from over 20 user contributions.

This comprehensive approach helps provide a balanced view of the city's crime rates, environmental concerns, air quality, and public safety. By aggregating information from government reports, environmental studies, and direct feedback from residents, we aim offer an up-to-date and thorough analysis of key factors impacting quality of life in Cusco.

Crime Data in Cusco

Crime Perception and Concerns

In 2024, Cusco's crime statistics present a balanced picture. The city enjoys a relatively moderate crime index, which indicates a stable environment for its residents.

Cusquenians generally feel secure, especially during the day, with nighttime offering moderate levels of personal safety.

Some notable concerns include:
  • Property CrimesConcerns about property crimes such as theft and burglary remain low, suggesting effective community or law enforcement measures in place.
  • Drug-Related IssuesThe community expresses relatively minimal concern about drug-related issues, which indicates a lesser impact on the locality compared to other global urban areas.
  • Violent CrimesViolent crimes are a low concern for Cusco residents, with relatively low levels of worry about being mugged or attacked in their everyday lives.
  • Public SafetyPublic safety is a key feature of life in Cusco, particularly during daylight hours. The confidence in safe, peaceful living is reflected in the city’s safety index.
Crime Trends and Safety
  • Rising Crime ConcernsThere is some concern about crime potentially increasing, underscoring the importance of continued vigilance and proactive safety measures.
  • Specific FearsThough general concerns about victimization based on ethnic or religious lines are among the lowest globally, it highlights the diverse and inclusive nature of Cusco.

Crime Rankings

The crime ranking by city for Peru is based on a continuously updated index, incorporating data up to 36 months old and calculated twice a year. Cities are ranked on a scale from "very low" to "very high" crime levels, with safety being the inverse, where a high safety index indicates a safer city.
Highest to LowestUpdated: Oct, 2025

Pollution Data in Cusco

Air Quality and Pollution Levels

Cusco stands out for its commendable air quality, characterized by minimal levels of particulate pollution, which favorably impacts public health.

The city's air quality scores are exceptionally high, evidencing an unpolluted atmospheric environment, which is rare among rapidly urbanizing locales.

  • PM2.5 (Fine Particulate Matter)Cusco maintains near-zero levels of PM2.5, an indicator of its clean air, contributing positively to the wellness of its residents.
  • PM10 (Coarse Particulate Matter)PM10 levels are also notably low, affirming the city's status as a locale with some of the cleanest air when compared to urban global counterparts.
Waste and Noise Pollution

Noise pollution presents a notable challenge in Cusco, with many residents expressing dissatisfaction due to ambient noise levels.

Despite these concerns, issues with garbage disposal are perceived with neutrality, indicating room for improvements in urban cleanliness.

  • Garbage Disposal SatisfactionWhile not overly problematic, garbage disposal satisfaction is an area with potential for enhancement, fostering an even cleaner urban image.
  • Noise and Light PollutionNoise and light pollution levels are a significant detractor, with residents desiring quieter, more serene environments.
Green Spaces and Water Quality

Cusco is praised for its exceptional green spaces, which provide residents with beautiful and rejuvenating areas for leisure and recreation.

The city enjoys commendable water quality, with accessibility that meets most residents' needs, contributing to overall life quality.

  • Green and Parks QualityThe quality of green spaces in Cusco is highly appreciated, with parks and gardens receiving accolades from locals for their maintenance and beauty.
  • Drinking Water QualityWater quality and accessibility in Cusco meet satisfactory levels, ensuring that residents are provided with safe drinking options.

Pollution Rankings

The pollution ranking for Peru is based on a combination of visitor perceptions and data from institutions like the World Health Organization. The Pollution Index estimates overall pollution levels by considering air and water pollution, garbage disposal, and other factors, with air pollution given the highest weight, while the Pollution Exp Scale uses an exponential function to highlight extremely polluted cities.
Hightest to LowestUpdated: Oct, 2025