Lockdown

On Sunday, October 21st, the whole of Peru is under house arrest. Nobody may leave their home; no business may open; even the homeless will be rounded up and confined to sports stadiums. Police and military will patrol the streets to enforce the “immobility order”.
The reason for this unprecedented measure is the National Census, run [...]

Machu Picchu train company fined under monopoly law

The Trans-Andean Railway Company, responsible for rail transport to Machu Picchu, has been fined over $185,000 for operating an illegal monopoly. The company has also been ordered to cease its practice of refusing to sublet trains and other equipment that it rents from the state.
According to its contract, it is obliged to rent these units [...]

Cusco airport modernizations to “triple connectivity”

Modernization work to Cusco airport will triple its connectivity and allow enhanced connections with international flights into Lima, according to Chamber of Tourism chairman Daniel Ratti.
He said that the installation of new runway lights and a satellite-linked landing system will allow aircraft to land during conditions of poor visibility and at night time.
The improvements, scheduled [...]

Renting a car in Peru

Many visitors to Peru are keen to rent a car and use it throughout their vacation. In much of the developed world rental is the best or even the only way to get around, but in Peru there are generally better ways to see the country.
The standard international rental agencies operate from Lima’s international airport, but their prices [...]

Independence day holiday set to up hotel and transport rates

Independence day celebrations around July 28th are expected to bring record numbers of Peruvian tourists to popular destinations within the country. In particular, many of Lima’s estimated 9 million residents will use the holiday to get out of the cold and grey winter weather and travel to the provinces.
Destinations popular with Peruvians include the Junín [...]

Machu Picchu entrance fee may rise to $100

 
Peruvian tourism minister Mercedes Araoz today discussed the measures that may be put into place to preserve Machu Picchu, including further entry controls and the construction of a cable car system, in association with UNESCO and the World Tourism Organization.
“We have to administer the entry system and the administration of tours, as well as [...]

Weather forecast

Peru’s meteorological service SENAMHI has forecast drizzle and low temperatures in Lima this week, with dense fog in the mornings.
Fog is expected to dissipate by 9am in regions away from the coast, while seaside districts such as Miraflores can expect it to remain until noon.
Coastal areas will not see the sun this week, while there [...]

Loreto strike in force

The 72 hour regional strike in Peru’s jungle Loreto region has started, with road blocks on the Tarapoto-Yurimaguas highway and closures on all levels.
The strike, called by the local government in response to new taxation laws concerning the area, is estimated as having a 90% impact on the region’s commercial and official activities including [...]

Peru-Brazil joint expedition: Amazon is world’s longest river

 A joint Peruvian-Brazilian expedition has declared that the Amazon is the world’s longest river, stretching 6,672km (4,145.8 miles) from the Mismi mountain in Cuzco, Peru, to its mouth into the Atlantic in Brazil – compared to the 6,671km (4145.2 mile) length of the Nile.
While no hydrologists doubt that the Amazon is the world’s largest river [...]

June Festival Calendar

FEATURE
Qoyllur Rit’I – June 1st
Quispicanchi, Cuzco

The biggest indigenous pilgrimage in the Americas, Qoyllur Rit’I sees upwards of 10,000 people walking to the foot of the Ausangate Mountain (6,362m, or 20,870 feet) to pay homage to a painting of the infant Christ. The ceremony commemorates an Inca festival.

Chachapoyas Tourist Week – June 1st to 7th
Chachapoyas

An array [...]