Americans traveling to Peru face warnings over violent crime, kidnappings, terrorism and dangerous drugs as officials update the travel advisory.
Peru Travel Advisory Updated for Americans
Americans planning a trip to Peru are being urged to exercise increased caution after the U.S. State Department updated its travel advisory for the popular South American destination.
Peru remains at Level 2, “Exercise Increased Caution,” but the advisory highlights several risks, including violent crime, unrest, kidnapping, terrorism and dangerous drugs. Several parts of the country remain under a stricter Level 4, “Do Not Travel,” warning.
Crime and Kidnapping Risks Highlighted
The updated advisory warns travelers about petty theft, carjackings, muggings, assaults and other violent crimes.
Officials say some crimes can occur even during daylight hours and in areas where other people are present. The risk reportedly increases at night, while criminal groups may establish roadblocks in areas outside Lima to rob travelers.
The State Department also warns about express kidnappings, in which victims can be taken to financial institutions and forced to withdraw money from their accounts. Although officials describe such incidents as rare, they remain a security concern.
Some Areas Carry ‘Do Not Travel’ Warning
The advisory specifically tells Americans not to travel to several areas because of crime and terrorism concerns.
These include the Colombia-Peru border area in Loreto and the Valley of the Apurímac, Ene and Mantaro Rivers, commonly known as the VRAEM.
The cities of Abancay, Ayacucho, Huancavelica and Huancayo also carry Level 4 warnings because of crime and, in some areas, terrorism threats.
Machu Picchu and Cusco Not Under Level 4 Warning
Despite the warnings, some of Peru’s most famous tourist destinations are outside the areas covered by the Level 4 designation.
Machu Picchu, Cusco, the Sacred Valley and the Inca Trail remain major attractions for international visitors and are not currently included in the “Do Not Travel” areas.
Travel expert Angel Castellanos told Fox News Digital that visitors venturing beyond major tourist areas should research their destinations carefully and take the State Department’s warnings seriously.
Dangerous Drugs Raise Additional Concerns
The State Department has also warned Americans about ayahuasca and Kambo, substances that travelers may encounter at consumption centers in Peru, including in popular tourist areas such as Cusco.
U.S. officials said Americans have suffered serious illness and, in some cases, died after taking these substances. Travelers have also reportedly been sexually assaulted, injured or robbed while under their influence.
Officials additionally cautioned travelers about coca products, including coca tea and candy. Although these products can be commonly offered to visitors dealing with altitude-related symptoms, the advisory notes that they are considered controlled substances and can interact with certain medications.
Travelers Urged to Research Before Visiting
Castellanos advised visitors to do their research and consult a doctor before consuming unfamiliar substances while traveling.
He also noted that many travelers visiting Peru’s best-known attractions use guides or tour operators, particularly when hiking the Inca Trail.
The updated advisory underscores the importance of understanding local security conditions before traveling. While Peru continues to attract visitors to its ancient ruins and archaeological sites, U.S. officials are urging Americans to remain aware of their surroundings and take appropriate precautions.
What Americans Should Know Before Traveling to Peru
The latest warning does not mean Americans should avoid the entire country. Rather, the State Department distinguishes between Peru’s popular tourist destinations and regions facing significantly higher security risks.
Travelers should review the latest U.S. travel advisory, check conditions in their specific destination and exercise additional caution when traveling outside established tourist areas.
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