1

Bolivia is much safer than any place in Central America, Peru is similar I would say
You will have no problems, enjoy your stay!

2

I agree with ban_janti. As someone with prior travel experience, you should have no problems and generally know what to expect. Your common sense will carry you a long way.

As a general tip for your travels, I would just add the following:

The Andean nations are big (all of Central America could fit inside Peru) and the infrastructure is about on a part with what you'll have seen in Central America (some places better, some worse). That means that you shouldn't try to do too much or cover too much ground; it's easy to wear yourself out. Either give yourself plenty of time, or limit yourself to a few smaller regions that you'd really like to experience in-depth and fly between them. Your trip will be much richer if you don't stretch yourself too thin.

3

That "don't go out after dark" bit is somewhat exaggerated. At least in La Paz, there isn't much danger in walking the streets before 11pm-ish, when there's still lots of locals around doing shopping or just taking a stroll. When the streets get emptier, it might be wiser to walk in company, or use a radio taxi to get from hostel to bar or vice versa.

In bars, do be wary of strangers offering you drinks - good chance it's a pildorita feeding you diazepam in order to strip you of all your belongings when you're out... This trick is most commonly performed by goodlooking specimens of the female gender on unwary males, but has been known to be performed on women by some French mochilero kid that looks like a young Brad Pitt (or whoever else makes your clock tick) too.

4

I visited both Central America and Peru/Bolivia for quite a long time. Like Ban Janti already wrote I would say that Peru is about the same level of safety as central America (which means you have to look out at certain places and certain times). Bolivia is even more safe than the countries in Central America, but always use common sense.
So if you got a long in Central America it will be ok in Peru/Bolivia also. One advantage is these countries are cheaper (maybe except Machu Picchu), especially Bolivia (but this country is one the most beautiful in Latin America in my opinion).

5

Yeah, this "not walking after dark" thing is huge BS IMO, but I didn't want to mention it as I'm twice heavier than usual girl so my experience may vary ;-)

6

Thanks for the inputs, I will definitely take them into consideration!

7

hi,

yes. you will definitely be ok traveling/exploring the countries you are planning to visit. if you did well in nicaragua and other countries in central america you will definitely be ok in the southamerican countries. i myself have visited several of those. my most recent one was cuba, 3 months ago. it is just amazing how easily you can blend in with the people of any country... because, there people of all races in all countries!. well, i am mexican and it is easier for me to blend in in latin american places but when you are a foreigner in any country you just feel just odd... but that is just for the first couple days, after that you will feel a lot more confortable.

i will be going to peru next year. not sure when yet, still have to do some planning. i am sure it will be wonderful!

take care and enjoy your travels.

lucio

8

Thank you, does anyone have experiences with Lima?

9

Yes. Lima is a huge city of over 9 million people, so it encompasses all the range you would expect from grinding poverty right up through opulence.

I love Lima, personally. The oceanside suburbs (Miraflores and Barranco, for instance) are really lovely and quite safe, and the city has a ton of amazing restaurants, museums, and live music venues. Plus there are some great archaeological sites in the vicinity. There's a cool homegrown surf culture and great coffee. The only downside is that the city is quite large so getting from one side to the other can take a bit. Small price to pay, in my opinion.