Demonstration Alert: U.S. Embassy Lima, Peru
Location: Peru
Event: Peruvian Government Sponsored Evacuation from Aguas Calientes/ Machu Picchu Village on December 17 (Issued December 16, 2022)
The Government of Peru is organizing an evacuation via four helicopters of the most vulnerable foreign tourists from Aguas Calientes/ Machu Picchu Village on December 17. If affected U.S. citizens choose to participate, they will need to personally visit the “Casa de la Cultura” (House of Culture) in Aguas Calientes TODAY, December 16 and must present their passports. Hotels in Aguas Calientes should be able to direct travelers to this location. Less vulnerable travelers who will remain at Aguas Calientes/ Machu Picchu Village should follow instructions from local authorities whether they choose to remain in place for assistance with travel to Cusco, as well as any travelers who may choose to travel by foot.
Curfews are in place for the provinces of Virú, Andahuaylas, and Chincheros from 18:00 to 04:00; Ica, Pisco, Tayacaja, Angaraes, and Cangallo from 19:00 to 04:00; Arequipa, Cusco, La Convención, Chumbivilcas, Espinar, Carabaya, and San Román (Juliaca) from 20:00 to 04:00. Please obey the curfews and follow instructions given by the Peruvian authorities.
The Cusco Airport (CUZ) is open and flights are departing. Travelers should not travel to the airport until they have a confirmed flight that indicates it will depart on time. Airports in Ayacucho (AYP), Arequipa (AQP), Juliaca (near Puno) (JUL), and Andahuaylas (ANS) remain closed. Local information indicates that the airport in Arequipa (AQP) may open for daytime flights only on December 19. The U.S. Embassy will distribute further information as soon as it becomes available.
The Panamerican Highway between Lima and Peruvian-Chilean border is open, including from Arequipa to Lima, but intermittent blocks may be placed without warning and may not entirely secure at this time. Travelers on the Panamerican Highway should use extreme caution, but we recommend that travelers wait to use the highway until the security situation improves.
Actions to Take:
· Avoid demonstrations.
· Monitor local media for updates.
· Follow traffic police instructions.
· Comply with instructions from the Peruvian National Police and local authorities.
· Register in STEP ( https://step.state.gov/) to receive alerts and messaging from the U.S. Embassy in Lima.
For Assistance:
U.S. Embassy Lima, Peru
Avenida La Encalada cdra. 17 s/n
Santiago de Surco 15023, Lima
+51-1-618-2000
State Department – Consular Affairs
+1-888-407-4747 or +1-202-501-4444
To receive alerts, enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).
Need help? Email: CASTEP@state.gov