We thought we'd share an update on PERU NOW from our DMC partner, Enigma Peru:
PERU NOW Stable and Safe
After two months of political and social turbulence, and now over a month of stability, we are happy beyond words to announce with confidence that Peru is back to being stable and it continues to be a safe destination to visit. We wish to thank all of you who have reached out, asking and caring about us - we have hugely appreciated it. It didn't really feel good to be the dark spot in the planet amongst the post-Covid euphoria, and a sensation of déjà-vu haunted our team as cancellations started to enter our inbox. Fortunately, this all seems to be over now as rains are also finishing and a new season is starting. The positive side of these recent difficult weeks is that there is hotel availability in Peru and, just when we thought that we would never have the chance of visiting without crowds again, as it happened right after Covid, life surprises us yet once more and here we are at the end of March with Peru's top hotels still having spaces!
What Happened, What Is the Situation Today and Is It Safe to Plan a Trip to Peru Now?
THE PAST
Peru's former President, Pedro Castillo, attempted a coup d'état last December 7, 2022. As Congress, who was pursuing his impeachment due to corruption for the third time in a bit over a year, did not follow the initiative, the President was arrested and, after trial, imprisoned. Vicepresident Dina Boluarte, belonging to the same left-wing political party, took over, becoming the first woman president in the history of the country.
A series of strikes and riots started to take place in different locations throughout Peru, with strikers' demands including reinstating former President back in power, advancing general elections and introducing a constituent assembly. The turmoil started in the southern part of the country, an area in which the former president had the largest electorate following, and as it lost strength, it ended up mostly concentrating in the area of Puno. The news were spread in the media internationally, unfortunately not always in an accurate way.
CURRENT SITUATION
Stability is back since approximately mid-February. Several important indicators to back this stability are:
Machupicchu officially opened last February 15 and has not been closed since its opening.
Last strike attempts at the beginning of March resulted in failure as lacking followers. The population is willing to work and enjoy a peaceful and productive environment for them and their families.
The Inca Trail started operations in March 1st. This route is operated with the aid of porters, coming from Andean communities we work with. Why is this relevant? Because strikes were led by members of some Andean communities, who are now manifestly happy working again.
Belmond's Hiram Bingham train to operate at 5 frequencies a week as of April 1.
Promperu has launched an extensive new Peru campaign and toolkit seeking to reinforce Peru's image and recover trust in the destination. The campaign has initially been launched in six of its major strategic markets (USA, Mexico, Colombia, Chile, Ecuador and Spain) and is expected to organically reach many more. Branded "Peru Now", with posts in different social media platforms, including a Peru Reel, and featuring different local destinations, it aims at inspiring and reminding travellers all that Peru has to offer.
The only area which currently remains temporarily restricted is Puno and the region of Lake Titicaca, with possible plans to reopen during the month of April.
IS IT SAFE TO PLAN A TRIP TO PERU NOW?
Absolutely YES!
First and foremost, at Enigma, we would never plan a journey to Peru if this would either risk the safety of our guests or devalue the quality of the experience in any way. We have been operating trips during these past weeks, avoiding convulse areas, with amazing guest feedback and total safety for visitors.
Second, Peru's high season is starting as rains are over and hotels still show availability. This translates into less crowds as one visits iconic sites and even more so in remote areas, now enjoying peace and calm. Streets, markets, shops, restaurants and sites are operating normally. And we have amazing outdoors, nature and wildlife, gastronomy, communities, and even beaches and surf all year round!
So if you wish your clients to skip the crowds of so many other destinations in the planet, come visit us. Our team and people will be thrilled beyond words to greet you, host you and share Peru's amazing riches with you, with the warmth and care they usually show but I'd say even more...as we see the light after this long tunnel.
We Would Love to Hear From You
Below please find the contact email addresses, calendar links and availability of the following key members of our team. We will be glad to assist you with anything you may need from us and Peru, so please feel free to check our calendar availability and book a meeting at your most suitable date and time:
LIZETH GIL
Sales Manager - Custom Private Journeys
Meet Lizeth: Calendar link - Lizeth
SILVIA RICO
CEO & Founder
Meet Silvia: Calendar link - Silvia
With our very best wishes and thanks always,
The Team at Enigma
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