Demonstration Notice: Informal Mining Demonstrations and Roadblocks

May 11, 2012 | U.S. Embassy Lima, Peru

As of the morning of Friday, May 11, the Peruvian National Police have reported roadblocks and demonstrations by informal miners on several main roads throughout Peru.  Although some routes are open, the situation remains fluid from day to day and routes may be closed without notice.

Arequipa

Location: Highway Panamericana Sur 

• Km 619 near Chala, Open at 10:30 a.m.
• Km 782 near Ocoña, Open at 12:00 noon
• Km 571 near Yauca, Open at 14:00 hrs.
• Km 680 near Atico, No Information
• Km 921 near Camana, No Information 

La Libertad

No Reported Roadblocks 

Casma (Ancash)

No Reported Roadblocks

Demonstrations in Peru are often peaceful, but can quickly escalate into violent confrontations.  U.S. citizens are advised to avoid large crowds and demonstrations and are strongly encouraged to maintain a high level of vigilance, maintain awareness of local events and their surroundings, and take the appropriate steps to bolster their personal security.  It is illegal in Peru for foreigners to participate in demonstrations.  U.S. citizens who have been caught up in political demonstrations in Peru have been detained and expelled from the country. 

You can stay in touch and get Embassy updates by checking the Embassy Lima website.  Up-to-date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or, for callers outside the United States and Canada, by calling the regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444.  These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). 

U.S. citizens are encouraged to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).  U.S. citizens without internet access may enroll directly at the nearest U.S. Embassy or U.S. Consulate.  By enrolling, U.S. citizens make it easier for the embassy/consulates to contact them in case of emergency.  Stay up to date by bookmarking our Bureau of Consular Affairs website, which contains the current Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts as well as the Worldwide Caution.  Follow us on Twitter and the Bureau of Consular Affairs page on Facebook, and download our free Smart Traveler iPhone App to have travel information at your fingertips. 

The U.S. Consular Agency in Cusco, Peru, can be found at Avenida Pardo 845, Cusco.  The office can be reached by phone at (51) 984-621-369 or (5184) 231-474, and is open Monday through Friday, excluding U.S. and Peruvian holidays, 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.  For any emergencies involving U.S. citizens, please contact the American Citizens Services (ACS) Unit of the U.S. Embassy’s Consular Section, located in Monterrico, a suburb of Lima, at Avenida La Encalada, Block Seventeen; telephone 51-1-618-2000 during business hours (8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.) or for after-hours emergencies; website at http://lima.usembassy.gov/.  The Consular Section is open for emergency services, including registration, from 8:00 a.m. to 11:30 am weekdays, excluding U.S. and Peruvian holidays.  Non-emergency services are provided by appointment only. 

For information on "What the Department of State Can and Can't Do in a Crisis," please visit the Bureau of Consular Affairs' Emergencies and Crisis link at: http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/emergencies/emergencies_1212.html.