The United States has reissued its travel advisory for Peru, urging travelers to exercise increased caution due to crime, civil unrest, and the risk of kidnapping. Specific regions have been designated as high-risk areas.
The advisory states that U.S. citizens should avoid traveling to the Colombia-Peru border area in the Loreto Region because of crime, as well as the Valley of the Apurímac, Ene, and Mantaro Rivers (VRAEM) due to crime and terrorism threats. Some parts within Ayacucho, Cusco, Huancavelica, and Junín are also considered risky.
Despite these warnings, it is noted that popular tourist sites such as Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley remain unaffected by these advisories.
Crime in Peru is a concern with incidents such as petty thefts, carjackings, muggings, assaults occurring even during daylight hours. The risk increases at night when criminal groups may set up roadblocks outside Lima. Although kidnappings are rare, they do occur.
U.S. travelers are advised against using Ayahuasca or Kambo due to health risks and instances of assault or robbery while under their influence.
Demonstrations frequently happen across Peru for various political and economic reasons which can disrupt local roads and transportation without warning. As a result of road safety concerns, U.S. government employees in Peru are restricted from driving at night except within certain areas.
Travelers considering visiting Peru should stay informed through local media updates and avoid large crowds or demonstrations. It is recommended to develop a communication plan with family or employers for monitoring safety while traveling through high-risk zones.
Those planning travel are encouraged to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) for alerts from the U.S. Embassy in Lima which cannot provide emergency services in certain high-risk areas like VRAEM or near the Colombia-Peru border.
For further information on safety precautions or health guidelines related to travel plans involving Peru or returning home afterward consult relevant pages provided by authorities including insurance options covering evacuation assistance if necessary.
Contact details for both U.S. Embassy in Lima and Consular Agency in Cusco along with other resources have been made available for additional guidance on navigating these circumstances safely during visits to Peru.