U.S. warns travelers of crime, kidnapping and drug risks in Peru

The U.S. State Department has revised its travel advisory for Peru, maintaining a Level 2 caution but adding new details about security threats. Regions including the Loreto border area, the VRAEM valley and the cities of Abancay, Ayacucho, Huancavelica and Huancayo are now listed under a Level 4 "Do Not Travel" warning due to crime and, in some locales, terrorism concerns. Authorities warn of petty theft, carjackings, assaults, and occasional express kidnappings where victims are forced to withdraw cash.

Nighttime travel is deemed riskier, and roadblocks set up by criminal groups have been reported outside Lima. The advisory also flags the health dangers of ayahuasca, Kambo and coca products, citing cases of serious illness, death, sexual assault and robbery among U.S. tourists. Travel experts advise visitors to use reputable guides and consult medical professionals before ingesting any local substances.