The Sabancaya volcano in the south of the country is so active again that the Peruvian authorities declared a state of emergency in some districts of Caylloma province; A so-called ash litter alarm was triggered for residents in the region. The volcano is located about 80 km northwest of Arequipa and about 30 km southeast of the Colca Gorge, both tourist destinations in Peru. So far there have been no restrictions on travel in this region. Travelers should nonetheless follow the local media and these travel and safety notices to keep abreast of the latest developments and to follow instructions from local authorities.

Country-specific safety information

Crime

According to youremailverifier, in Peru, compared to EU countries, tourists are at higher risk of being victims of theft or assault. On the Panamericana (main north-south connection), an increase in attacks on intercity buses has been registered for some time, especially in the regions around Ica and Arequipa. In Lima, particular caution is advised in the inner city in the evenings. Thefts are common in markets and bus stations.

In Cusco a digital video surveillance system was installed around the Plaza de Armas; Nevertheless, it is recommended to exercise particular caution and, as in other cities, not to walk alone through the city at night.

Particularly in Lima, Arequipa and Cusco, great caution is required when choosing taxis, as taxi drivers have been involved in numerous crimes such as robbery and rape. There are regular cases of so-called express kidnappings, especially in places that are popular with tourists. The victims are usually overwhelmed in the taxi and held for up to 24 hours – during this time, money is withdrawn from ATMs using their credit cards. Visitors to discos are particularly at risk. A taxi can usually be ordered free of charge in the bars and restaurants. Doormen in front of discos are also often familiar with reliable taxi drivers. Most restaurants are now also directly connected to taxi offices via radio, so there is no need to take a taxi from the street.

It is generally recommended to only use official, registered taxis that have been reserved by telephone if possible and whose drivers can identify themselves or whose ID is visible in the taxi. Smartphone users also have the option of ordering taxis using the appropriate apps (e.g. Easy Taxi and Taxibeat).

Unfortunately, even after arriving at Lima Airport, tourists are repeatedly robbed during the taxi transfer or when arriving at their destination. It is strongly recommended that all luggage, handbags, etc. in the taxi out of sight of passers-by, as there are often robberies at congested intersections and red lights, in which the window of the taxi is broken. Occasionally, taxi drivers are involved in robberies. It is therefore advisable to take a taxi from the taxi companies located in the arrivals area for the airport transfer from Callao Airport (“Jorge Chavez”) to Lima (detailed information under external link, opens in new window http://www.lap.com. pe /) and always be vigilant.

It is also recommended:

• Always pay attention, if possible not to travel alone and, above all, not to travel at night or to stay alone at night and always in well-lit streets and zones;
• in no case to resist or provoke the perpetrators in the event of an attack;
• pay attention to security aspects (night watchman, hotel safe, room telephone) when choosing accommodation;
• When traveling by train or bus, do not carry valuables in hand luggage but on your body; Thefts in buses and at bus terminals are far more common than in cheap hotels;
• Not carrying credit cards with you all the time, especially in the evenings and at night; Only take the required amount of money with you and deposit valuables, travelers checks and documents in the hotel safe;
• Backpacks and bags not to be hung over the back of chairs in restaurants or in public places; Always carry bags and rucksacks close to your body;
• To only exchange money in banks and exchange offices and to avoid showing large amounts of money or valuable jewelry and watches, etc. in public;
• To avoid poor areas in big cities;
• to refrain from night long-distance journeys because of the traffic and crime risks;
• to refrain from any contact with drugs of any kind (high penalties, see below), to exercise caution towards people who want to arouse your trust during the trip, and never to leave luggage unattended;
• only use the services of known / recommended travel agencies and guides and not buy tours on the street; To be identified accordingly
• to contact the tour guide and / or tourist information and possibly the police or tourist police for questions and help.

Travel over land

In the fight against drug trafficking, the state of emergency was expanded to include the Ramón Castilla and Yavarí districts in the border areas with Colombia and Brazil. The usual restrictions in travel are to be expected from these measures.

The main toll transit route “Panamericana” leading from Ecuador to Chile is well developed. Travelers who are traveling with a private vehicle should keep the tickets issued at the toll stations (“Peaje”). In the event of accidents or breakdowns, travelers are entitled to free help by paying the toll; the emergency numbers are printed on the toll ticket.

In the interior of the country, some other main roads are well developed, but in remote areas the connections between larger towns are usually not paved and in the highlands – especially during the rainy season in the summer months of November to April – they are difficult or impossible to drive due to landslides.

Driving at night in your own car is generally not recommended because of the risk of accidents and assaults.

In Peru there are regional social unrest across the country that can escalate quickly. Often there are short-term organized and unannounced road blockades and the use of violence or threats of violence against travelers. The freedom of movement in the affected areas is severely restricted in terms of time and space. More recently, the regions around Puno on Lake Titicaca and Cusco as well as the Cajamarca region have been particularly hard hit.

Heavy rains, especially in the months of November to April, can lead to rivers turning into torrential streams, roads, bridges and the track bed of trains flooding or being washed away, landslides blocking roads, etc. This can prevent vehicles from continuing on overland journeys or overland not be accessible by land for several days. The popular train connection from Cusco to Machu Picchu is also occasionally affected. For current official weather warnings, the homepage of the Servicio Nacional de Meteorologia e Hidrologia (corresponds to the German Weather Service) is recommended: External link, opens in a new windowhttp: //www.senamhi.gob.pe/. In the event of natural disasters, the state authority for civil protection (INDECI) provides current information in Spanish and English: External link,

Travelers in Peru should always follow the media reports carefully, obtain reassurance from their travel agents and adjust their travel plans accordingly, even at short notice. The more than 30 nationwide offices of “iPeru” (state tourist information and assistance) usually help very quickly and reliably with current information. Contact: 24-hour phone: +51 1 574 8000, external link, opens in new windowhttp: //www.peru.travel as well as external link, opens in a new windowOffers-des-Maklerburos for an overview of the regional offices, e-mail: [email protected]

In some provinces, e.g. B. in the valley of the rivers Ene, Apurímac and Mantaro (in Spanish abbreviated VRAEM), a state of emergency was imposed to combat drug cultivation and counter terrorism. The police and armed forces have extensive special rights.

In the VRAEM, armed groups occasionally attack members and facilities of the security forces. A risk to travelers cannot be ruled out. It is recommended to avoid the named region. The route from Huánuco via Tingo Maria – Tocache to Tarapoto and on to Yurimaguas or Pucallpa should also be avoided. The danger for overland travelers is particularly high there.

In the remote area on the Choquequirao-Machu Picchu trek (Vilcabamba district) in the Cusco region, there were several attacks on tourist groups by heavily armed, apparently politically motivated groups in 2011. Travelers planning a hike or tour in this area are urged to exercise the utmost caution. It is strongly recommended that you consult with local experts when preparing.