Machu Picchu was under a state of emergency after former President Pedro Castillo’s arrest in early December for allegedly seeking to dissolve Congress, prompting international warnings about travel to Peru. According to the mayor Darwin Baca, around 300 international tourists, including Peruvians, South Americans, Americans, and Europeans, are reported stranded in the city.
The mayor further explained the state of emergency in the country and their efforts to safely evacuate international tourists by helicopters with the support of the government, as the only way out of Machu Picchu, trains, were suspended.
The Municipal District of Machu Picchu announced on December 17, 2022, in cooperation with the National Police and the District Health Center, the evacuation of international tourists, especially children and vulnerable people, on humanitarian flights. On the other hand, the US Embassy revealed on December 16, 2022, that there were attempts by the Peruvian government to use the town of Aguas Calientes to drive out international tourists.
According to a US Embassy spokesperson, instructions for travelers to Aguas Calientes/Machu Picchu Village will be issued as relief plans are confirmed. The local authorities will announce the directions, and the rest will depend on the tourists whether they want assistance in their journey to Cusco or choose to go on foot.
The US State Department has urged travelers to sign up for STEP alerts at US embassies. It has issued a travel advisory for citizens traveling to Peru as protests have shut down roads, trains, and major highways without notice, limiting access to public transportation and airports. Listing the country as a third-tier “reconsider travel” destination.
On the other hand, the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office have warned British citizens on its official website to respect Peru’s curfew, avoid all protest-affected areas and stay safe. And keep an eye on local news and social media for more information.
Additionally, the FCDO warned travelers arriving in the capital city of Lima that there is a risk of severe disruption due to the protests and that there is zero travel capacity in many areas, including Cusco and Arequipa.
Canadian Global News reported that at least 20 people had been killed during the political protests, including the trapping of international travelers, mass attacks, looting, etc. Given these tragic occurrences, the Canadian Department of International Affairs has advised its citizens to exercise extreme caution in several areas of Peru and strictly refrain from non-essential travel.
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