Puno Strikes Continue - Travelers Advisory

by David Schneider
(Los Organos, Piura, Peru)

May 30, 2011, Inside-Peru.com - It appears that the strikes in Puno - Lake Titicaca in Peru will continue this week.

Advisory - If you are in Puno, stay there until this thing blows over. Roads and water routes are closed. The airport in Juliaca might be closed soon.

If you are traveling and Puno was on your itinerary, change your plans. If you are currently stuck in Puno, make the best of your prolonged stay and do not go into the strike area.

Reports say that the ferry and port has been closed by the strikers, so there is no water route between Peru and Bolivia.

Rail service between Cusco and Peru has also been suspended.

Strikers have also closed roads in Puno and at the border with Bolivia, so there is no road in or out.

Yesterday, Sunday May 29th, protestors stated they would take over the airport in Juliaca today but we haven't seen any reports that that has occurred.

Although usually travelers are not molested when strikes are against a political party of Peru, actions of mobs can never be anticipated.

Some violence has been reported.

Try to stay in touch with someone knowledgeable. Ask your hotel owner if you can get in touch with him what he suggests.


All other areas of Peru remain safe for travel at this time using the usual reasonable precautions. As one of the top travel destinations in the world, Peru is working positively to create a safe and enjoyable atmosphere for your travel experience.

99% of Peruvians are helpful and friendly.

A valuable reference guide when traveling is Ray Leki's book Travel Wise: How to Be Safe, Savvy and Secure Abroad. As the publishers state, "Simple country information is not enough. You need cultural competence as well as a clear understanding of your tolerance for risk. With a solid understanding of your strengths and vulnerabilities you can explore strategies for minimizing risk and maximizing the gain in your travels."

William R. Sheridan, Vice President-International Human Resource Services, National Foreign Trade Council, says, "Travel Wise: How to Be Safe, Savvy and Secure Abroad is a most valuable reference book for the experienced as well as the novice sojourner.

"As an international business professional who has traveled the world for the last 40 years I find author Ray Leki's book to be right on point.

"It is comprehensive, readable and informative, even for the experienced traveler. His personal and professional experiences come across in a clear and useful manner."

Recommended Reading by Inside-Peru.com