In Lima, what procent of the population lives in elegant districts as Miraflores, Surco?
I agree with you. A big reason that those people visit “tourist” areas is because they are usually more accommodating for tourists. Many travelers that go to Peru are also stongly advised to stick to these districts for safety purposes. Even those that would want to visit other “uglier” districts often stick out like sore thumbs in doing so, unless they understand how to and/or are willing to blend in with the natives. In poorer areas this means dressing down considerably (no fancy clothes) and very little if any make-up. Even a tourist’s skin color or facial features can make him stand out in an area where the majority of people come from the same native Peruvian roots. Keeping all of this in mind, uninformed tourists can and sometimes do become victims of theft or other criminal acts in poorer neighborhoods. (For the record this is not to say that crimes aren’t committed in more elegant districts as well, just that they are considered to be less risky.) As you mentioned, a very small
