Ongoing political protests in southern Peru have prompted the government to declare states of emergency or curfews in several regions, including Cusco, which is the gateway for tours to Machu Picchu, and Puno on the bank of Lake Titicaca.

The Foreign Office is continuing UK travellers to avoid all areas of large gatherings and protests in the country.

It adds: “Travellers arriving in Peru should be aware that travel to some parts of the country or the return to Lima may not be possible.

“Protests have led to road blockades, suspension of train services, disruption in immigration services of land borders and airport closures in different parts of the country.

“Plan for disruption and allow extra time to reach your destination. You should ensure you travel with a sufficient supply of food, water, cash in local currency and personal medication.

“You should liaise with your local airline, hotel or tour operator for further advice and assistance that they may provide to mitigate disruption, and for information on alternate arrangements that may need to be made for onward travel, including bus and rail journeys.

“Due to these protests, the following States of Emergency and curfews are in place, which amongst other things allow the military forces to assist the local police and authorities in maintaining law and order:

• A 60-day State of Emergency came into force on 4 February 2023 in Madre de Dios, Puno, Cusco, Apurimac, Arequipa, Moquegua and Tacna regions.
• A 10-day curfew from 8 pm to 4 am came into force on 4 February 2023 in Puno region.
• A 30-day State of Emergency came into force on 19 January 2023 in Amazonas, and La Libertad regions.
• A 30-day State of Emergency came into force on 15 January on the following roads: the Carretera Panamericana Sur, the Carretera Panamericana Norte, the Carretera Central, the Corredor Vial Sur Apurimac-Cusco-Arequipa and the Corredor Vial Interoceanica Sur.

The Inca site of Machu Picchu, Peru’s most iconic attraction, and the Inca Trail to the site were temporarily closed last month due to local protests.