Living in Peru : your everyday companion

Peru: protesters tried to take Cusco's airport

LivinginPeru.com
Isabel Guerra

Members of the Fight Committee in the province of Canchis (Cusco) gathered this morning in the vicinity of Alejandro Velasco Astete airport and tried to take control of it to prevent it from continue operating.

Carrying big banners, the protesters were neutralized by large police squads at Libertadores roundabout, which prevented them from actually achieving their goal.

Residents of Canchis arrived in the Imperial City (Cusco) to radicalize their protest and spread their claims, that include the repeal of the Water Resources Law, the annulment of the agrofuels project Salqa Pucara, and the revision of mining concessions in the area

Have other topics you'd like to see in our news section? If you or someone you know would like to contribute a news article to Living in Peru, whether it's translated or based on a personal investigation, send it to editor@livinginperu.com.

 | | | |

• Economy : September trade had a surplus of US$ 566 millions
• Business : Microsoft Peru will invest US $500,000 in its expansion
• Travel and Tourism : Prom-Peru to promote Southern Peru tourist destinations in Chilean fair
• Food : US gastronomic website praises Peru's food
• Mining/Energy : Peru: More natural gas found in Camisea

# jb says :
22 June, 2009 [ 13:53 ]

Just what Cusco needs.  Another black eye for the tourism business there.  I wonder if these thugs bothered to ask the poor families who depend on tourist's dollars how they feel about their trying to take over the airport?  Cusco shoots itself in the foot about 2-3 time per year.  And this comes at a time when toursim has ALREADY dropped off there.

# Cheryl says :
22 June, 2009 [ 15:52 ]

Would it be safe to travel to Cusco this week?  We've already bought plane tickets and booked everything but we don't want to spend our vacation in the middle of a political debacle.

# Rene says :
22 June, 2009 [ 16:00 ]

Cheryl, don't worry too much about that, in 3 months time I've seen 3 strikes and all of them were safe. Just don't provoke anything...

# Barry says :
22 June, 2009 [ 16:01 ]

Nice. We're supposed to be flying up there on Wednesday cause we couldn't get a bus :-(

# Mike says :
22 June, 2009 [ 16:33 ]

Yes, take Rene's advice - just stay out of the fracas and enjoy your vacation.  You'll be fine.

# David N says :
22 June, 2009 [ 17:05 ]

Cheryl and Barry,

If you don't absolutely have to travel to Peru, DON'T.  Everyone else on these boards will tell you how safe it is down here, and how everywhere in the world has problems.  DO NOT BELIEVE THIS.  I am in Lima, have been married to a Peruana for 20 years, and this is a very dangerous country with an incompetent, poorly trained police force.  Heck, even the POLICE will try to extort money from you down here.  Foreigners are TARGETS in Peru, and if you are not used to the people down here, you could very well end up in a lot of trouble and with no reliable law enforcement entity to turn to.  The US embassy is powerless here, too. 

The hinterland provinces like Cusco are VERY DANGEROUS for tourists.  Peru does a good marketing campaign but it is all BULL. 

You will be overcharged for everything because you are not Peruvian.  Change your ticket for someplace safer.  Downtown Bagdad would be better.  Losing your money would be preferable to traveling here. THERE IS NOTHING IN PERU TO SEE WORTH PUTTING YOUR SAFETY IN JEOPARDY.  Lima and the provinces are filled with criminals and thieves. 

# My 2 cents says :
22 June, 2009 [ 17:39 ]

I have been to Cusco five times over the past 10 years.  Stay on the beaten path and you're safe.  Get off the beaten path and you are fair game.

# cusco strike says :
22 June, 2009 [ 17:47 ]

Today the taking the Airport action was from the Sicuni protesters that have the Cusco Puno road blocked for 10 days now, they burned the bridge near Combopata, and the Aduanas house yesterday.   This is due to the Press Black out, no fun making protest strikes and not getting on the TV news.  No Twittering here.
The Cusco Aera and Sacred Valley Irragation groups are set to pull a indefinte stirke starting the 25th June  all transport roads will be blocked as well no train to Machu Picchu  at least for a few days.  
I hear Arequipa is nice this time of Year.

# Joseph Yerylad says :
22 June, 2009 [ 18:13 ]

I think that David N is a terrorist.
He would better be out of Peru.
We do not need this kind of comments.

# Mike says :
22 June, 2009 [ 18:24 ]

Geez, David N, what part of Lima do you live in anyway?

# Tomas R. says :
22 June, 2009 [ 18:40 ]

David N, can be married to a Peruana and live in Lima , but his comments are the real BULL.
Over 1.8 million tourists came to Peru in 2008 and had no problems.
Machu Picchu is one of the Modern Seven Wonders of the World and its really worth visiting.
I actually think that the real terrorist is David N., shame on him for  providing false information on this forum.
Why does he live in Lima anyway ?

# cusco strike says :
22 June, 2009 [ 18:57 ]

well,,
in the last 2 months there were 4 days of stirkes in Cusco area.... each day Peru rail train to Machu Picchu is suspended for pasenger safety making ecah day from 1500 to 2000 tourists loose their day in the 7 wonder of the world and go home without seeing it,  total of 6000 to 8000 tourists in the last 2 months...  many lost their international connections as well having to pay out of pocket to get home,, where some had travel insurance to re inburse them later. 
Of cosure in Lima thre was a news black out on this so you guys in Lima would not have known....  but the roads between cusco and ollantaytambo were piled high with rocks tree trunks and burning tires   
amazing that the municapaltys provide their catapiller forunt end loader to help mount the road blocks 
no press covers this    no Twitter

# garrett forkin says :
22 June, 2009 [ 18:59 ]

Joseph hi , David N,I feel is not a terrorist but a victimised foreigner and I Feel for him I too am Married to a Peruana and have lived in Peru for 2 years so do not have the debth of experiance of David N , but in that time living in Lima, Cusco and now Mancora ( for the peace) I have been defrauded three times once by an abogado (Lawyer) once by a notary public, Robbed twice have had groundless denuncias against me when I complained I have 15 times been stoped by police who the first 5 times managed to extort money out of me once driving off with my passport( I now carry a camera with me to take evidence if need be) and I have found the Peruvian system, Justice police and most of it's busines operators to be corrupt and throughly preditory when it comes to foreigners. only when My spanish became proficient and I, way more street wise have I paid reasonable(still High) taxi fairs and costs for anything from accomadation to diapers for my baby. so David N, no not a terrorist just angry and rightly so. stop living in denial and do something about it guys ok? please we are not that bad or stupid

# garrett forkin says :
22 June, 2009 [ 19:01 ]

Of couse Joseph if you call David a terrorist you can kill him right thats the Peruvian logic?

# Cheryl says :
22 June, 2009 [ 19:41 ]

We contacted LAN and they state they are unaware of any situation in Cusco as far as they know all is fine.  The only news we've seen is the article here.  Does anyone know where we can find further information?  I can't believe that there isn't even news coverage. What do you mean by a Press Blackout? 

# Rene says :
22 June, 2009 [ 19:55 ]

Just found this, stating that everything is settled in Cusco now: http://www.elcomercio.com.pe/noticia/304239/gobierno-regional-cusco-garantizo-fiesta-inti-raymi-llegar-acuerdo-huelguistas

Inti Raymi is always a good moment to come out and protest, you're more likely to get what you want...

# cusco strike says :
22 June, 2009 [ 20:07 ]

yes the inti raymi is on the 24th, the strike with the irragation groups is to sart the 25th they tried for the 21 and were presuaded to postpone till the 25th...
press black out means there was no press TV radio or newspaper  in Lima given to the blockaded roads n strikes in april and May  protesting the privataizaion of the irragation water rights  that is what will be one of the theams for the indefanate strike starting 25th.  train to machu picchu will be suspended for pasenger safety
air flights on Lan will not be affected the airport is well portected by riot police  once outside the airport  is the problem you may have to walk to your hotel  sometimes they shuttel tourists in police buses to their hotels durning the strikes

# NN says :
22 June, 2009 [ 20:47 ]

We are in Lima at the moment. We were planned for a trip to Cusco on Sunday but were unable to get there due to roadblocks and protests. THis morning in the local paper there were pictures of the build-up to the larger protest on the 24th, with some people carrying weapons, and rumors of possible radicals infiltrating the local protests. We've talked to several tourists who made the trip in the past week and were turned back, or rocks were thrown at them. We decided to turn back to Lima and await our home trip from there. LAN will tell you nothing of all this, but the locals will, as well as local (honest) guides. I would not travel to Cusco this week. Other areas of Peru are OK.

# Irene says :
22 June, 2009 [ 21:03 ]

Hello guys,

I've been wondering where David N. and Garret's wives are when someone wants to extort money out of them or just when someone is trying to foolish them.
Peru like any other country around the world has everything and when I say everything it includes good things and bad things.  However, let's be positive and enjoy the good part of Peru from the deepest part of your heart and I am sure everything will be great for you.
My only advice for these two guys is to ask yur peruanas wives to teach you Castellano and be close to you most of the time.  
To live in a foreing land is not as beautiful and perfect as everyone think; however, it would always be an unforgetable adventure.

God bless you and I wish you the best of everything in Peru from the deepest part of my heart.

Sincerely,

Irene (una peruana who live in a foreing land)

# garrett forkin says :
23 June, 2009 [ 08:42 ]

Irene , for your information I speak good castellano, my problem and a running joke with my wife is the change in Peruvians when they encounter a Gringo , they actually start what we call ''La Baba avariciosa'' ( the greedy drool) this is where they, Lawyers or taxi drivers see an opportunity to up the price. and always unfailingly , god love them try. For us,It is very stressful, to encounter from the head of goverment to the most lowley civil servant a nation of such uniform selfishness and dishonesty. Once again I ask you to admit it, and encourage your sons and daughters ( my son is peruvian and will have a very different set of (Irish) Values) to stop to be better people.Treat the tourists better and the foreigners you need them . Its not the theives on the street that we need to worry about it is the theives in the shops businesses  and taxis.

# Joseph Yerylad says :
23 June, 2009 [ 08:44 ]

Hello Irene, well said.
I live in Urubamba, Cusco and everything is ok.
There is no strike, no roadblocks, and the people from Canchis are returning to their homes.
Bad peruvians and politicians from Bolivia and Venezuela keep telling lies to the people of the communities and causing all the trouble.
Peru has many problems but we have never been in a better situation and a light can be seen at the end of the tunnel.
This kind of protests brings only more confrontation between peruvians and poverty to areas were we should be working to bring progress.
  

# Dave D says :
23 June, 2009 [ 08:45 ]

I have been in Peru, most of the time for the last 4 years, I have never been robbed, if you are being robbed, I would guess you are going to places you should not go, ( the same applies in usa. or any other country). or maybe it is possible some people have the face of a easy mark, hahha

# Joseph Yerylad says :
23 June, 2009 [ 09:41 ]

I have to agree with David N in his comment.
I think Garret will have problems in any country he chooses to live.
Sorry

# strikes says :
23 June, 2009 [ 09:43 ]

today is June 23,,, Yes all is clear,, for Today...
strikes are all set to start in the sacred valley Urubamba on the 25th
the Irragation comittee president of Puma Huanca (450 members strong) was persuaded ($$$)  to post pone it from the 21st to the 25th,,,   so count on having open roads for tommrow 24th  Inti Raymi day,, then the 25th  all roads will be blocked  indefinite strike   that means at least 2 days so count on 25th 26th to be very quite in the sacred valley,, no trian to machu picchu for passenger safety untill strike is called off.

# Uwe Pomowski says :
23 June, 2009 [ 11:05 ]

For a foreigner who wants to come to Peru next month this news and all the comments show a strange picture of this country. 

In the european news Peru mostly do not exist except in case of an earthquake or actually the trouble in the north. 

The today´s daily official bulletin of the german foreign office wrote about Peru: high probability of strikes, blocked roads and local trouble with hostility to foreigners also in the centres of tourism. 

What´s to believe?

For myself i can´t believe, that all news about the strikes are wrong.

And it´s not funny to pay a lot of money for a trip to Peru and then maybe you´re not able to visit the highlights of the country.

It´s not good for the tourism. This people never come back.

# jb says :
23 June, 2009 [ 12:09 ]

Uwe, you are correct.  The people in Cusco continuously shoot themselves in the foot when they drive tourists away.  The people who suffer are the Peruvian families (many indigenous) whose livelihood depends on tourism.  The people from SUTEP and other troubling groups never consider anyone but their own narrow interests.

# fred says :
23 June, 2009 [ 12:10 ]

I agree with David D., not to be confused with David N., who's still probably angry that he ended up marrying a tranny but looks to have settled down anyway.

Garrett, Peru's not the only country in the world who has individuals that will descend and mark some sappy-looking gringo for greed purposes.

And, Uwe, there's a flip side of your issue. Poland, Finland or wherever you're from doesn't exactly spring HEADLINES in Peru or anywhere in Latin America unless you all have some sort of natural disaster happen too. :)

Have a nice day.

# Uwe P. says :
23 June, 2009 [ 14:10 ]

Thank you "fred" from Germany for the "sappy-looking gringo". ;-)

But what i want to say is, that it is very difficult to get fair and up-to-date news from Peru and you are not Iran!!! This is the only good webside i´ve found. Most sides a touristic sides and show of course only the sunny side of Peru.

We have such a small world, internet ... but we have such difficulties to get real informations.

Tourism is a sensitive business. There are many interesting spots in the world, not only Macchu Picchu. Nothing is more difficult to change then a bad reputation.

# c.schmidt says :
23 June, 2009 [ 14:49 ]

You know David-N- I quit start losing patience here-I can tolerate anything- any constructive harsh critic based on facts - but you speak with so much hate about Peru-Peruvians are basically good people- foreigners should know that - the countries problems are well known-there are many foreigners here who try to make things better, to get critics and ideas out- from very different fews- all fews- as more as better.   I ask you very much to get active engaged in a constructive way, with your words- with your actions how ever- there are thousands of ways.You live here- it is your choice- Felicitations for having a nice Peruvian couple – so do I.  If both of you are planning to stay here-BECOME THE CHANGE YOU WANT TO SEE IN PERU-

# Barry says :
23 June, 2009 [ 14:59 ]

Can we all calm down and take a breath here please people?

I've been in Peru for over 2 weeks now and in Latin America for nearly 3 months. While I must admit that Peru isn't my favourite Latin American country so far (Guatemala or Colombia take that honour!), I've not felt any more unsafe here than any of the others. Even Lima, that I've heard so many horror stories about, was safer than I expected (at least in the touristy areas like Mira Flores). I do hear stories of police corruption a lot more here but, touch wood, haven't been affected yet myself.

I think any traveller in any foreign country needs to take extra care as they will be unfamiliar with the place and the language. While, I do not blame travellers who get into trouble, it can often be avoided by learning a little of the lingo, finding out the dodgy areas and not walking on your own flashing your cash and your expensive camera. Yeah it's a shame you have to chan ge your behaviour and, in an ideal world, you wouldn't have to. It's also a shame that a few people will be unlucky enough to get into trouble even if they do all the "right" things. Yes, Peru, if you can make your country a bit safer that would be appreciated - but that goes for lots of places.

While I agree you shouldn't put yourself in deliberate danger, and maybe with these strikes Peru, and in particular Cusco, is best avoided at the moment, I can't give up on a whole country because of the actions of a few (be they robbers, or protesters). As others have commented, Peru has millions of visitors each year and the majority have no problems. There is also a lot to see in Peru (particularly Machu Picchu since it is so world famous) and, personally, I'm one for living my life and seeing new cultures and experiences, instead of hiding in the safety of my home country or even my home, panicing about that bus which might hit me if I step outside. I won't take stupid risks but I don't believe Peru is such a risk.

Anyway, I fear we've drifted off topic, as I guess most people visiting here (myself included) are wondering about whether we're gonna make Cusco and Machu Picchu, rather than in starting an all out war of words on how safe/unsafe Peru is in general and throwing personal insults to some of the posters here and their families. Particularly as there does seem to be somewhat of a news drought on the subject and this website seems to be one of the few places to give info. For myself I've a flight tomorrow (Wednesday 24th) morning to Cusco which still looks to be running and, from reports here and elsewhere looks reasonably safe at the moment. I then have a week in Cusco before doing the Trek and am hoping, somewhat optimistically, all will have calmed down by then. It's not ideal to go there now, however with everything booked and other travel plans later on, I reckon it's worth a try to see if I can stick to my original plans.

Will let you know how it goes so anyone else travelling in next few days has some idea.

Barry

P.S. Probably tempted fate now and will be mugged, extorted and killed in next few days. Oh well...

# Cheryl says :
23 June, 2009 [ 15:10 ]

We've contacted LAN and they are issuing refunds (or change of dates)for booked flights for today and tomorrow to go to Cusco.  Unfortunately, we are scheduled to head to Cusco Thursday and they have not made any decisions for those dates as of this morning.  I have small children and I'm just not willing to risk their safety under these uncertain conditions.  So much for saving up these past few years and making this our big family vacation.  Sadly, for my mother she has waited all these years to show us her home country and we picked this week to come.  Maybe it'll be better in another 30 years. 

# Cheryl says :
23 June, 2009 [ 15:16 ]

Does anyone know much about Parcas?  Would that be a nice alternative option for now?

# fred says :
23 June, 2009 [ 15:42 ]

Uwe,

With all due respect, I don't think it's possible to label the Internet as being a "small world" since it's an endless means of bringing said world together.

Ever heard of Google? Type in Peru and look for the up-to-date news. Shoot, I live in the States but am more familiar with Peruvian news as well as other Latin American countries than here. :)

As for Cheryl, I assume you mean Paracas, Pisco and the Ballesta Islands. I went there with family years ago and had a blast. A couple of gringas from my job also travelled through Peru and also enjoyed that area as well.

Research it. You may be surprised.

# David N says :
23 June, 2009 [ 16:16 ]

I am so intelligent and clever.

I should be respected by all you guys on this forum, and you should take my word as the Gospel, believing all that my divine mouth speaks out!

As I have said before, I should be made ruler of Peru, with me at the helm I will have everythnig running correctly.

# fred says :
23 June, 2009 [ 16:31 ]

An old fogey whose pelotas are held in his wife's purse should not be deemed intelligent nor clever. :)

# c.schmidt says :
23 June, 2009 [ 17:10 ]

David N- it cant be serious what you are writing in some of your comments - is someone paying you for doing it that some other people are losing interest in the page- ( lately seems to be full of interesting newcomers and new readers who can spread the word of different perceptions of living in peru ????
On personal level I don’t mind if you get master chief ore king- go for it sweat heart – if you come down to little bit and not frame around anymore- big promise -  I buy you your plastic crown.

# Dave D says :
23 June, 2009 [ 18:07 ]

I am sure that anyone that reads these post know that , David N. is a lonely person looking for attention, and has found that he gets it on this website,,,

# Blanca says :
23 June, 2009 [ 23:06 ]

To David N

My husband is an American and he has never had a problem in the 4 years here. We grab taxis off the street everyday, and every night and nothing ever happened.

Why do you live here? You can go to Kiladelphia, alas Philadelphia. It might be safer for you. The United States was just rated today as the top nation with the most crime. My husband always says they might rob you of a chain from your neck here but they do not kill you for it. Is your last name Humala? Are you a relative? In summary, go back to your own country so you can be happy. Peru doesn't need your terroristic comments. If you don't have plane fare back I'll pay for your ticket. Remember though it is one way only. Adios enemigo!!!

# David N says :
23 June, 2009 [ 23:54 ]

Hmmm, let's see.  A whole bunch of replies and even an impersonator. 

"ask yur peruanas wives to teach you Castellano and be close to you most of the time"

Well, Irene, fortunately I don't need my wife to hold my hand in Lima.  I am perfectly capable of telling these c holos down here exactly like it is, in their own language, if a bit broken.  Doesn't mean I enjoy it.  Bunch of ill mannered savages.

As for all the comments about the kind, polite people of Peru -- I just had to laugh.  Ever notice nobody holds the door for the next person down here?  Or when I open a door to enter an establishment, some c holo piece of filth will barge on through ahead of me and my spouse.  There is no teaching the people down here even basic politeness, they are barbarians and that's that.

Someone asked me where in Lima I reside.  Well, I spend 3 months a year in one of the nicest parts of the city.  However, the nicest part of Lima is the equivalent of some lower middle class neighborhood back in the United States.  Crime?  Well, heck.  Just last week some filthy c holos broke into my garage and stole the mirrors off my Jeep Grand Cherokee.  Security guard?  Heck, probably in on it for all I know.  Bunch of thieves.  The seranazgo are a joke, and so are the police.  Totally clueless.  Except that they are very adept at harrassing motorists now in Miraflores.  Writing tickets for any little infraction.  Parking tickets everywhere.  Only place I've ever been where the police ride a bus, and don't know how to drive, but write tickets to motorists.  That's screwed up.

Oh, and as for the poster that said Mexico City had worse air pollution than Lima...who cares?  I wouldn't give you five dollars for both cities on a silver platter.  But you need to look at the reports from the World Health Organization.  Lima is 14 times their max limit for air pollution.  No wonder everyone down here has cancer, tumors, asthma, and respiratory problems.  Lima beautiful?  Don't make me laugh.  Yes, Larco Mar is a decent shopping center.  So what?  Doesn't make up for all the rest of the nasty parts of town down here, and the ever present animals that pass for humans on the streets.  The best part of Lima is the departure gate at Jorge Chavez.

I bought a home down here for my wife to visit her family part of the year.  Other than that, I'd leave this third world cesspool and never give it a second thought.

THE REAL DAVID N

# Blanca says :
24 June, 2009 [ 08:23 ]

Well David N.

Can you wife read English? Probably not! If she could read your idiotic comments on various issues on this site she would get rid of you in a heartbeat. She then would be free to meet someone who loves her country as much as she does. Why did you marry a lady from Peru if you hate it here so much? You knew you"ll have to go back and fourth.
Why didn't you marry some polite woman from the USA? You don't have to answer that question because I know the answer. No lady in their right mind in the USA would have you, so you come to Peru and wooo a lady probably by promising her everything. I'll bet she regrets her decision now.
Talking about being polite go to NYC and ask some people the time, they would tell you I am not Big Bend go buy a watch.
All the taxi drivers and all the front desk personel in high rise apartment buildings help you with your bags and groceries. If the taxi driver has to wait for you they do not charge you extra.
As a solution since you detest this country so much why don't you move your wife's family to the USA or at least bring them there for an extended vacation? This way you"ll never have to return. I would love to hear your response.

# David N says :
24 June, 2009 [ 08:39 ]

LMAO - what makes you think she likes Lima??  That's why she moved to the United States in the FIRST PLACE.  Lima was a different place 30 years ago.  She got out when it started it's downhill slide.  Oh, and I didn't come down here looking to 'woo' a Peruana, lol, we met many years ago in college in the US.  Unlike these loser gringos walking the streets of Miraflores thinking they hit it big with some c hola straight out of the jungle.

Don't care much for NYC, either.  Lived there six years.  But there are some nice suburbs, with nice homes and leafy streets, unlike the filthy shacks falling off the desert hillside we have down here.

Bring the family??  Again, I am LMAO.  Half of them are living on my dime and can't get a visa.  The other half have already moved away from here to either the US, Germany or Spain. 

BTW, she reads this stuff all the time.  Thinks it's hilarious. 

# Mike says :
24 June, 2009 [ 09:03 ]

Blanca:

1) You fall in love with a person, not where they are from.

2) Plenty of Peruvians have a pretty strong love/hate relationship with their country.

# living IN Peru says :
24 June, 2009 [ 09:31 ]

need to make a new web site 
Living outside of Peru . com
 for the Peruvainas that escaped from peru,,

so they have a fourm to make angry comments to gringos who are living inside Peru

# Mike says :
24 June, 2009 [ 09:37 ]

I don't think there are any rules, or person, against them doing it right here.  There are forums on this site, too, you know.  Start a thread and make your point/opinion heard.

# Blanca says :
24 June, 2009 [ 09:58 ]

David. N
You are SOOOOOOOOOOOOO NASTY!!! Is not worth my time anwsering your letters but I feel compelled, I hope you don't come back to Peru.
GOOD BYYYYYYYE!!!

# Uwe P. says :
24 June, 2009 [ 10:54 ]

Please stop this stupid discussion! Think we all agree in opinion ...and such people you can find everywhere.

# c.schmidt says :
24 June, 2009 [ 14:01 ]

I like you Mike- you sound  always so calm and in I dont doubt it - you must be very balanced and quit as a person.

# Barry says :
24 June, 2009 [ 16:46 ]

Back to the original topic (though I do see form another topic here that it's apparently all sorted so maybe not a problem anymore). Flight to Cusco today was fine. Load of police outside airport but never felt unsafe. Cusco itself feels fine so far. Loads of police about because of the festial here today but sooo glad I came and, apart from having to pay for a flight rather than the bus I planned to take, everything's working out as planned. Roll on the Inca Trail!

# fred says :
24 June, 2009 [ 17:14 ]

To la Senora David N---


Pobrecita usted por aguantar el pobrecito de tu viejo. :D


Si necesitas un hombre, pero un hombre de verdad, comunicase conmigo.

# Paul says :
24 June, 2009 [ 19:45 ]

DAVID N - Ever hear of Karma?  By the sound of it, you are now paying your dues.  What were you? Hitler in a past life?

If you hate Lima, bugger off home.  Something tells me you wouldnt be happy where ever you were.

Look folks, Peru can be nuts at times. But for the most part protests are against the government, not tourists. Its not Iraq, no Al Quaeda looking for Americans to take hostage. 

There will be plenty of police presence in Cusco, just stay around the centre, avoid demonstrations, just incase there are any confrontations with the police. Go on excursions in groups ect.  Common sense stuff.  Cusco´s police service is very focussed on protecting tourism.

In any country where there are tourists there are opportunist thieves.  Always keep an eye on your personals ect. Never pay completely for anything up front unless you have a rock solid reccomendation. For the most part, especially outside Lima, most thefts happen without the victim realizing.  

Try not to walk around with sandals sporting knee high white socks, a $1000 Nikon dangling from your neck, bitching about the lack of signal on your new Iphone, whilst holding a map and looking lost.... and you should be okay.

Dont listen to the scare mongers on here.  Enjoy your trip of a lifetime.

ps.. what ever you do, not matter how much solidarity you feel, dont join in the protests.  Its illegal in Peru for non-nationals to participate. 

A couple of American girls got thrown in jail, only for a few days, for just that a year or so ago.

# Cheryl says :
25 June, 2009 [ 09:31 ]

Does anyone who's in the Cusco region have any updates on today's situation?  Is PeruRail running?

# John C says :
25 June, 2009 [ 11:47 ]

Does anyone know if the roads from Tacna up to Cusco are open or not?

# NN says :
27 June, 2009 [ 08:20 ]

Decided to give an update for everyone whos actually interested in Cusco and Machupicchu. As of today things have settled down in Cusco. Trains and tourist trips to Machupicchu are open, and plane access is OK. However I still believe the bus lines are closed. So, if you were travelling by bus to Cusco you may not be able to pass. Most of the issues have moved further south to Puno.

# Pollo Rico says :
27 June, 2009 [ 11:41 ]

chicken 22 soles / Kg, gas, cement 35 soles a sack, due to cut supply lines to arequipa   ..  but people in cusco are only worried about micheal jacksons passing....  
It is very nice now lucky tourists are able to get what they came for  that photo in Machu Piichu..

# adam P says :
30 June, 2009 [ 12:07 ]

Does anyone know if the road from Cusco to Puno is now open?

# another strike road block says :
30 June, 2009 [ 13:21 ]

good news   today Road Cusco to Puno is open
bad news  tommrow they are saying that it will be blocked once again....

# adam P says :
1 July, 2009 [ 13:23 ]

Does anyone know if there are strikes, other troubles  in Puno?
Or road closures from Puno to Puerto Maldonado?

Name

Email

Notify me via e-mail of new comments to this entry

Code :

Comment

• These comments are the property of their respective authors.
• Currently we only allow english comments.
• Por ahora solo se permiten comentarios en ingles.