Travel Warning for Cusco

The president of the Regional Workers of Cusco and Regional Assembly, Efraín Yepes, who is considered a part of the extreme opposition, announced an indefinite strike in the region. The strike is in protest of a law allowing private investment around archaeological sites. This law has been criticized by several unions and social organizations in Cusco, who feel it would endanger properties declared patrimony of the nation. 

The strike is scheduled to start tomorrow (Thursday), in what has been called ‘a strike with violent actions’ by Efraín Yepes. “We plan to take Machu Picchu, the airport and the main square of Cusco”. For this reason, most airlines that fly in from Lima have suspended their flights to Cusco and Perurail will announce the cancellation of its services this afternoon.

However, it is said that this strike will likely be postponed until Friday, due to an important soccer match at Cusco’s stadium on Thursday. The visiting team is due to fly in from Lima tomorrow.

Travelers should take extra precautions while traveling in the area and recognize that it may be difficult to leave Cusco if the airport is shut down.

This article was posted by Andrea Tello, our editor in Peru.

Comments

[Travel Insurance]

I was in Cusco as a solo female and felt fine. I felt safter than many North American cities!

[Valencia Girl]

Is Cusco really that dangerous for a lone female traveler?