Living in Peru : your everyday companion

"Do you know what the number one rule is for ensuring your personal safety?" he asked me.

"Always maintain an awareness of your surroundings," I replied taking a stab at it.

"No, but that's good," he said with a smile, "that's the second rule. The number one rule is to keep a low profile."

I nodded, as it was one of those statements that had the instant ring of truth. You might be the wealthiest person in the world, but as long as you walk down the street in a old pair of blue jeans and a battered baseball cap, chances are, nobody's going to bother you.

The concept of security is an interesting one as it requires cultivating a state of readiness for virtually any potential situation. Everyone is aware of the common threats of robbery or assault, but most likely, few people have considered exactly what is the best thing to do in scenarios such as earthquakes, building fires, or even for something as simple as having your car break down while in the middle of a long journey.

"If you're on your way to Machu Picchu and the train stops, what do you do?" Walter asked.

I didn't have an answer, but I got the impression that these were the types of scenarios Walter thought about all day long. In short, he thinks about it so that we don't have to.

As we enjoyed our coffee, Walter gave me a brief summary of his professional life; from his training with the Peruvian military, to the courses he took in America at Washington D.C. and Alabama. At the embassy, his duties involved such things as inspecting apartments to insure they were safe against earthquakes, had adequate fire response equipment and safety zones, and that there would be no electrical problems. He also managed a group of professionally trained drivers who he still maintains contact with today.

"When we had international visitors," he said, "I was responsible for them. Nothing could happen, and nothing ever did."

A change in US policy was responsible for Walter leaving the embassy, but he is currently enjoying working as a security specialist in the private sector. The more I talked to him, the more he opened my eyes to events and scenarios I never otherwise would have considered.

"Do you know where the best place to stand is during an earthquake?"

By now I'd given up guessing.

"The doorways," he said, "or next to the elevator, the elevator shaft is extremely well-constructed, but if you stand by the elevator, remember that the doors can open during an earthquake, and that too can be dangerous."

Again, it made sense, but I found my head had started to spin slightly. When you look at the world in terms of threats, it seems that one always follows another. As we finished our coffee, Walter graciously agreed to offer LivinginPeru two monthly articles. One will be a short "do's and don'ts" piece (that will appear in our newsletter), and the other will be a short article explaining the best way to act in a given situation.

And as for what to do in case the train stops on the way to Machu Picchu? I guess you'll have to contact Walter directly for the answer to that:

Walter Raffo A. International Security Consultant
e-mail: walterraffo@yahoo.com
Phone: 511-241-0617
Nextel: 417-9896
Cellular: 511-985-585-916

Services offered:
Advisory professional services
Consulting on general safety and security issues
Trip advisory related to domestic traveling within Peru
Security studies and/or audits
Biweekly bulletins

tags : security lima machu picchu

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8 Comments

# Rodney Dodig says :
11 June, 2009 [ 08:40 ]

Nice article Ben. I am looking forward to reading his submissions.

# Ivan Llanos Vidal says :
11 June, 2009 [ 06:50 ]

Good advice. It’s very important to keep a Low profile.  
Ivan

# Cecilia says :
16 June, 2009 [ 12:14 ]

Are  you kidding me??????? This is the best advice that " an expert can give"???

As a woman who has traveled extensively throughout the world. I was very disappointed to hear to insignificant minor "glips" on how one should protect themselves in Peru.

My father who had his own security company in Peru and had a huge clientele in all sectors would have wondered was this article a PR advertisement for this gentleman's company?

Our family has now been in the Security business installing high security systems in a residential, business and commericial capacity in Peru for over 30 years.

I would recommend travelers to walk around in Lima, without looking like your going on safari - denim - tshirts. Very Casual. I would suggest no real jewelry and wear an inexpensive watch. Do not drag out a large video camera in the streets. Have a small camera that discreetly fits in your pocket.

Never tell anyone that you are traveling alone and as a couple - say you are traveling with other couples.

Smile be nice but don't be easily taken in by people.  If they are too nice - there is usually a reason.

# Maria says :
17 June, 2009 [ 03:44 ]

Cecilia,

The bitter and jealous tone in your response is tacky. I don't mean it as a criticism, it is simply something you should be aware of.

Before you react with an indignant response, of how much better you and your family are, you should think twice of how it somes across.

Your opinions can't be taken seriously unless they are supported by facts, and you really didn't have anything impressive to add to the subject.

You simply come across as an envious person. Not good.

# Marlon Munoz says :
28 June, 2009 [ 02:00 ]

I'm a peruvian born that haven't been to Peru in 16 yrs. My wife, who was born in the US, is a little nervous about going with the kids.   

Mr. Raffo is right. Keep a low profile, know where you are and be nice but cautious.  Peru can't be as bad as when I left it in 1990.. with that said we'll make sure we travel with family members and just have fun. 

:) 

# Paris says :
8 July, 2009 [ 02:43 ]

Hello for the ones that don't know Peru and for the ones that had forgotten Peru. It is just my opinion every body that travel outside their country need and have to take care of their security. Nobody know a 100% what are the actual rules of security in each country. But that is a good tip "To keep a low profile" for not to put in risk  our security in any place not only in Peru. I've been in some countries in southamerica and Europe and it is almost the same. And also to avoid talking to extrange people very deep. I mean not provide extra information just the basic and to talk about simple subject about the places, travel etc. Not become confidence so quickly any place. Peru in the time is less dangerous than it was in the past.  In peru there are levels of services : cheap and expensive.  I advice to pay to expensive that is done for tourist people non residence ..foreing.. the issue is when one foreing people want to ask for cheap service ..then complain about the service and complain about the security that is not for them... that is for national citizens. You know the economical crisis and the idea of saving money make us to create cheap services but that is for us for peruvians.  If you want to come "You are welcome" I know you will enjoy very much.. I am sure.  but please bring the necessary money to pay a good service made for the level of the foreign tourist not for us just exclusive for you friend VIP. Ask for a Taxi service for a real company etc, good hotel, good restaurant and go shopping to a very nice store. Even if you will do that you will be paying very little less than other places of the world  less than the amount of euros and dollars multiple by four of more for our price by the same or less level of service and security. I said it by experience I have passed the same issue outside my dear Peru.  Do not be afraid any way just come and enjoy. Every credit card is welcome too. Bye bye

# Victor Zambrano says :
16 July, 2009 [ 05:09 ]

This a very interesting opinion Mr. Raffo becouse it teach to all people who travel and visit Peru specially Lima, the rules for your personal safety. I was born in Peru but travel regularly to Lima and other regions into Peru and always keep a low profile and take cautions.

# Gringito says :
25 July, 2009 [ 03:29 ]

@ Maria:
@Cecilia:
Unfortunately, one never gets good advice for free!

PS:
Nonetheless: regarding his advice in this article Mr. Raffo indeed "kept the profile low".

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