Fallout from ongoing political protests, which have been raging in Peru for two months, has seen a state of emergency declared in several more regions – some serving as gateways to a handful of major tourism attractions.
The unrest prompted a fresh update from the UK Foreign Office on Monday (6 February) after measures to manage and quell the dissent were enacted in Cusco, the nearest major city to Machu Picchu; Arequipa, Peru’s second city; and Puno, which is situated on the shore of Lake Titicaca.
Measures have also been introduced in Madre de Dios, Apurimac, Moquegua and Tacna.
Operations at Puno’s Juliaca airport have been suspended since early January, while other airports are open only to passengers with valid ID and boarding passes. Arequipa airport is operating within limited hours.
The FCDO continues to warn travel to some parts of the country may not be possible owing to road blockades and the suspension of rail services.
According to the latest FCDO update, these includes trains and buses to and from Machu Picchu from Cusco and other services in the Sacred Valley. "We advise visitors to check with travel providers in advance," said the FCDO.
In addition, there have been sporadic closures of both the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu itself, as well as issues in capital Lima and on major highways.
The FCDO said protests often start with little notice and can potentially cause "lengthy disruptions" to travel and other services.
"Protests can disrupt road, rail, river and air travel and affect tourist areas like Lima, Ica, Cusco, Arequipa, Puno, Puerto Maldonado and Iquitos," said the FCDO.
"Protests in Puno can result in the closure of the border crossing with Bolivia, including Lake Titicaca. Protests in Machu Picchu can result in the suspension of train and bus services.
"Protests in the centre of Lima can disrupt access to the historical centre and to some public offices. Protests in Ica can result in the blockade of Panamericana highway.
"Protests in the Amazon area can result in the disruption of tour vessels in remote areas where access to food and water can be limited and evacuations are only possible by boat."
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