Background: The metabolic syndrome (MS) has been shown to predict mortality due to cardiovascular disease. Currently, no population-based data on the prevalence of the MS is available in Peru. This study was aimed to assess the prevalence of the MS in urban Peruvian Mestizos, in the coastal districts of Lima, the capital of Peru. Methods: A cross-sectional, epidemiological survey was undertaken, including 612 unrelated subjects aged 30-92 years (68.3% females). Prevalence of the MS was defined by the National Cholesterol Education Program Expert Panel on Detection Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Cholesterol in Adults (ATPIII) criteria. Insulin resistance was estimated by the homeostasis model assessment (HOMA). Results: Age and sex standardized prevalence of the MS was 14.9% (13.2% in males, 16.5% in females). The MS was significantly more prevalent in females aged 45-59 years old (20.2% vs. 6.7%, p = 0.019). In individuals with the MS, the prevalence of insulin resistance (IR) was 45% in males/42% in females. Abdominal obesity (80% in males/92.8% in females), and low HDL cholesterol (55% males/75.4% females), but neither hypertriglyceridemia (85% in males/81.2% females) nor high fasting glucose (55% in males/36.2% females) were more common in females. Prevalence of arterial hypertension was similar in both sexes. Conclusions: In this Mestizo Peruvian population, prevalence of the MS is relatively low as compared to other ethnic groups; the higher prevalence in females is likely due to a higher prevalence of abdominal obesity. Overall, abdominal obesity and hypertriglyceridemia were the predominant combination of metabolic disorders in individuals fulfilling criteria for the diagnosis of the MS. © Mary Ann Liebert, Inc.