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Whether it be trekking through rugged terrain to witness the ancient Incan ruins of Machu Picchu or discovering the cultural delights of Lima and numerous vibrant mountain towns, there’s no doubt Peru sits atop many travelers wishlists.
In fact, I just booked a trip myself, and it appears I’ll need to keep a keen eye on what’s going on here in the coming months.
For now, though, the U.S. Embassy is highlighting the next 30 days to be extra cautious traversing certain regions of Peru.
In line with Peru’s official state of emergency, the U.S. Embassy issued a new travel security alert focused on the next 30 days from March 18th, so time is already ticking.
For what it’s worth, the U.K. also issued their own alert, but it reads more like a pamphlet on ‘How to politely avoid fisticuffs’ with a recipe for Yorkshire pudding on the back, so we’ll still with the American advisory.
Lima Will Look Noticeably Different This Spring
Lima is a massive city. Despite its size, fascinating architectural marvels, and world-class eats, travelers often bypass Lima or use it as a springboard.
That said, even if Lima isn’t your main destination, you’ll still need to be aware of what’s happening here.
Lima’s uptick in violent crime has triggered swift police action to the point of joining military forces on the frontlines.
Tourists will surely notice more manpower dispersed throughout the city. In all likelihood, the show of force won’t interrupt your travel plans, but the Embassy does warn that the Peruvian National Police (PNP) have the right to restrict movement and assembly.
According to the Associated Press, Peruvian President Dina Boluarte’s official state of emergency decree outright states both police and the army will be able to detain passersby without a judicial order.
While unlikely to be detained simply for walking down the street, there are endless travel horror stories about being in the wrong place at the wrong time, so it’s best to avoid interactions if at all possible.
An Important Reminder To All Travelers Visiting Peru
To avoid any unnecessary headaches, the U.S. Embassy is reminding travelers the importance of carrying their documents with them.
To be fully transparent, I’m a seasoned traveler with nearly 40 countries under my belt, and I’ve never had a clear answer as to whether it’s okay to leave my passport in the hotel safe and bring a photocopy with me; it seems to range country to country.
In this case, the Embassy makes it clear that you should have official documents with you at all times.
It’s expected armed forces will be making random arbitrary stops and tourists won’t get a free pass.
If stopped by police or military, the Embassy is urging all Americans to remain respectful, follow orders, and present their passport (if requested).
Warnings For Callao
The port city of Callao joins Lima as the only two specific destinations travelers should be wary of when traveling to Peru this spring.
Callao itself isn’t often found as a main stay on travelers’ itineraries, so why is this important?
Jorge Chávez International Airport, Peru’s main airport, calls Callao home.
Therefore, you’ll want to be aware of your surroundings once leaving airport grounds and it’s possible there will be unannounced checkpoints where you will need to present your documentation and travel plans.
Safe Destinations To Visit In Peru This Spring
With so many connections, it’s a tough sell to pass up Lima as your gateway to Peru. Given the uncertainty over the next month or so, it’s reasonable to bypass Lima for other destinations.
Yes, Machu Picchu is still safe to visit. In fact, most of Peru is safe to visit as the U.S. State Department hasn’t updated their last travel advisory since 2023.
Besides Machu Picchu, one ideal getaway is Cusco, a charming colonial city nestled high in the Andes with budget-friendly stays, a vibrant and immersive culture, ancient ruins, and stunning nature.
Or there’s Arequipa, known as Peru’s ‘White City’. It’s a gleaming cityscape is a sight to behold and best of all, it’s super cheap!
While I haven’t finished my aforementioned trip to Peru just yet, I’ve had my eyes on Iquitos for a long time; a city unlike any other as it’s only reachable by boat or plane deep in the Amazon.
Other than pesky mosquitos, Iquitos are largely deemed safe except for petty crime in the bustling markets.
Tips For Staying Safe During State Of Emergency
It’s par for the course for the U.S. Embassy to enter “Mom Mode” when issuing alerts, but it’s all part of keeping American travelers safe as possible.
These are 6 valuable tips the Embassy has provided to stay safe in Peru during the state of emergency period:
- Remain aware of your surroundings
- Keep a low profile and follow instructions of local officials
- Stay alert in popular tourist areas (including banks and ATMs)
- Do not flash signs of wealth
- Do not resist robbery attempts
- Refer to this Embassy website for the latest alerts
Sam Sears
Sam, our Lead Writer & Journalist based in San Diego has visited 30 countries and written over 400 articles with a focus on sharing his own travel experiences and shining a light on lesser-known gems.
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