MACHU PICCHU: Peru – Australians stranded because of protests
Nine newspapers report that about 20 Australians amongst roughly 300 tourists are stranded in Machu Picchu and Cusco, Peru, due to political protests in the light of the Peruvian president being impeached and imprisoned.
According to the SmartTraveller.gov.au website on 18 December, 2022:
“A nationwide State of Emergency and local curfews have been imposed due to the civil unrest and protests. Cusco, Arequipa and Puno airports remain temporarily closed, and roadblocks are widespread, limiting transport options,”
Content of this Post:
Who to contact
If you or someone you know is having difficulty getting out of Peru due to the state of Emergency and consequent protests, you can call the IPerú number (+511) 574 800, 24/7, or email iperu@promperu.gob.pe for official tourist information. Alternatively, there is an Australian Embassy in Lima that you can go to or contact at:
Av. La Paz 1049
Miraflores
Lima 18
Peru
Telephone: +511 6300500
Background
Things have got a bit unnecessary in Peru since the former President, Pedro Castillo, was arrested and impeached earlier in December after announcing plans to dissolve the democratically elected congress. If you want some background on the State of Emergency that is currently in place, head over to the ABC’s website for some more information.
2PAXfly Takeout
This is another timely reminder to wear your seatbelt when seated. Holding you close to your seat will protect you from the sort of injuries sustained on this flight, when unsecured passengers flew to the ceiling of the aircraft, and then came crashing down once the ‘drop’ ceased.
The hope will be that this is an anomaly – a ‘freak accident’ in casual parlance. If it is a systemic error either mechanical or electronic, then this is a larger concern for the airlines that fly Boeing Dreamliner 787 aircraft. Let’s hope it isn’t. If it is, it will pile on the woes to Boeing’s existing stack.
Machu Picchu, Cusco and Peru are immensely beautiful places to visit, where people are generous and welcoming. I had the pleasure of visiting back in March 2019 as part of my honeymoon. We stayed in Cusco and completed a wonderful walking tour on the Salkantay route, staying overnight in cosy lodges and experiencing exceptional hospitality and extraordinary landscapes. The entire experience was one of the highlights of our honeymoon and one I will never forget.
Like much of South America, the disparity in wealth is immediately apparent, so the different desires of the rich and the poor often lead to political tension. I hope the current turmoil is quickly resolved so Peruvians can return to their lives and tourists can enjoy the country’s splendour.
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