Travel alert: US officials warn DO NOT TRAVEL to parts of popular South American destination
Peru is home to the famed archeological wonder of Machu Picchu as well as other popular destinations such as the Inca Trail and the Sacred Valley.
But crime, civil unrest and even kidnapping are all dangers in the country of Peru, particularly in certain portions, according to an updated travel advisory from Friday.
'Crime is common in Peru,' the warning reads. 'Petty theft, carjackings, muggings, assaults, and other violent crime often happen even in daylight hours and with many witnesses around.'
The notice said that kidnapping is 'rare,' but that it does occur, and that the risk of crime increases at night.
'Criminal groups sometimes set up roadblocks to rob people in areas outside of Lima,' the travel advisory continues.
The travel advisory told travelers not to travel to the Colombia-Peru border area in the Loreto Region, the Valley of the Apurímac, Ene, and Mantaro rivers and some areas within the regions of Ayacucho, Cusco, Huancavelica and Junín. Crime and terrorism are possible in those areas, the advisory continued.
Drug trafficking and poor infrastructure in the above regions make it difficult for Peruvian law enforcement to operate.
The advisory stressed that while portions of the region of Cusco are especially dangerous, the city of Cusco and popular tourist sites nearby including Sacred Valley, the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu are not located in the affected area.
The advisory stressed to travelers to avoid using the drugs ayahuasca and kambo, due to people having suffered serious illness and in some cases death.
The notice also warned that public demonstrations can take place for political and economic reasons and can shut down local roads, trains and even major highways.
The advisory stated travelers should keep the following in mind if they decide to travel to Peru:
Stay aware of your surroundings.
Visit the State Department website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.
Check local media for breaking news. Be prepared to adjust your plans.
Avoid demonstrations and large crowds.
Develop a communication plan with family or your employer or host organization (if you are traveling on business), so that they can monitor your safety and location as you travel through high-risk areas. Specify how you'll confirm you're safe (text, calls, etc.), how often, and who you'll contact first to share the information.
Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive messages and Alerts from the U.S. Embassy and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
Review the Country Security Report for Peru.
Prepare a plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler's Checklist.
Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel and return to the United States.
Buy insurance before you travel. Check with your travel insurance provider about evacuation assistance, medical insurance, and trip cancellation coverage.
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