We went for Thanksgiving (2 adults). Fist plane to land after the ‘plane crash’ at LIM. We were then met with two days of transportation disruptions, including the day we were supposed to leave for MP. It all worked out in the end, but chose another location. We met so many people who were out thousands and had not seen any of their itenrary!

I love Peru and have been several times, including studying abroad there in the late 90s with the shining path. I wouldn’t go now, things are too disruptive.

I just watched a bunch of tiktok videos of a photographer who filmed his trip trying to get out of Peru. It involved walking through several towns because there was no public transportation running, paying locals to drive him on motorcycles through fields to avoid protestors on the roads who then chased them through the fields, and finally getting robbed. So no, I wouldn’t go anytime soon.

Anonymous wrote:We have a trip to Peru (Cusco, Machu Picchu) planned for April. Given recent events there, we are wondering when/if we should look at alternative destinations this year. Anyone with insights into the politics there have thoughts on this? Thanks!

I would postpone. A coworker went a week ago because she is from Peru. Only she and her DH are here in the US. She has not seen her family, including her adult children in three years due to the pandemic. She was assured that things were safe, however, so far extra security is making it hard to do anything they planned. They aren’t even sure they can go to Christmas Mass where they planned.

Problems in Cusco the last few days/weeks with protestors closing off roads/railways/airports and tourists unable to leave for a time. Now, demonstrations have returned, causing food/fuel shortages, etc.

https://www.nytimes.com/2022/12/19/world/americas/peru-cusco-unrest-tourism.html

World is uncertain. When we went to Peru a few months back, there were usual crowds of peaceful prptestors chanting slogans in the capital. We were still able to tour the historical areas including the cathedral and monastery etc.

Frankly, who knows? We were with a touring company and went on a luxury package. Our trip was very smooth. I would think that Cusco would be safer and far removed from every thing. But really, who knows?

I have a friend who left for Peru a few days ago with her family. They assessed the risks and decided to continue with the trip, although they will be visiting/staying with her (Peruvian) husband's family there.

She specifically mentioned they would not be going to Cusco, obviously a problematic area.

I was stranded once in Peru when there were protests out of the blue. Some tourists were killed when protesters put boulders in a road frequented by tourists. It was pretty miserable. I would avoid (hopefully you can go another time since it really is a beautiful country).

Did you see the news about all the travelers stranded at macchu picchu?

I’d never take this chance. Cancel now.

Peru has had issues like this on and off for a long time. When I studied abroad in the late 90s, the Shining Path was active and the president absconded with a fortune. The government didn’t collapse.

I understand not wanting to go but it’ll probably be fine by April.

OP you want to change plans. Definitely.

Anonymous wrote:We have a trip to Peru (Cusco, Machu Picchu) planned for April. Given recent events there, we are wondering when/if we should look at alternative destinations this year. Anyone with insights into the politics there have thoughts on this? Thanks!

Yeah I would steer clear

Anonymous wrote:We have a trip to Peru (Cusco, Machu Picchu) planned for April. Given recent events there, we are wondering when/if we should look at alternative destinations this year. Anyone with insights into the politics there have thoughts on this? Thanks!

Also I realize that nobody has a crystal ball and that little is probably knowable at this point. But I just don't have ANY sense as to whether the current unrest is something that indicates the government is collapsing into anarchy and will take years to recover (as one article I read suggested) or just temporary and tourists will be fine going there again soon.

We have a trip to Peru (Cusco, Machu Picchu) planned for April. Given recent events there, we are wondering when/if we should look at alternative destinations this year. Anyone with insights into the politics there have thoughts on this? Thanks!