Demonstration Alert: U.S. Embassy Lima, Peru
Demonstration Alert: U.S. Embassy Lima, Peru
Location: Peru
Event: Update for Travelers in Aguas Calientes and Arequipa (December 17, 2022)
The Government of Peru is organizing an evacuation via four helicopters of the most vulnerable foreign tourists from Aguas Calientes/ Machu Picchu Village. Initial attempts the morning of December 17 to reach Aguas Calientes were prevented by weather conditions. We understand that the Peruvian government will attempt again as the weather improves. 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 to reach follow-on transportation to Cusco. The Peruvian government has informed the U.S. Embassy that plans are in progress to assist all travelers in Aguas Calientes/Machu Picchu Village with departure. The U.S. Consular Agency in Cusco is open for special emergency services on Saturday, December 17 and Sunday, December 18, from 8:00 to 4:00 pm. The Consular Agency is located at Avenida El Sol 449 in Cusco.
Travelers in Arequipa should be advised that the Peruvian government is no longer planning special humanitarian flights out of Arequipa, and is instead recommending travelers proceed by road to Tacna, where the airport is open and flights to Lima are available. Peru’s tourist assistance office, iPeru, can assist travelers in Arequipa with bus travel to Tacna. They can be reached via telephone or WhatsApp at +51-959-432-983. The airport in Arequipa is currently scheduled to reopen on Monday, December 19.
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 at a normal volume; most travelers report that they have been able to secure flights out over the next two days. 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. The U.S. Embassy will distribute further information on airport operations as soon as it becomes available.
The Panamerican Highway between Lima and Peruvian-Chilean border is open, including from Arequipa to Lima, but intermittent roadblocks may be placed without warning and routes 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
U.S. Consular Agency Cusco
Avenida El Sol 449, Cusco
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