Places to Avoid on a Honeymoon in Peru

During a visit to any location it is wise to know not only the best places to check out during your stay, but also the places to avoid. Peru just like any other honeymoon location can turn from a dream honeymoon to a nightmare if the destination planned is in an unsafe area.

There are approximately 200,000 Americans who visit Peru each year that have very positive experiences, a small but growing number have been victims of serious crimes. The information provided below is intended to raise awareness of dangerous places to avoid during your Peru honeymoon to avoid becoming a victim.

Dangerous Peru Locations

Ayacucho, Huancavelica, Huanuco, Junín and San Martín areas should be avoided since these areas are known to house occasional Shining Path (Sendero Luminoso) guerrilla operations. During the past the Shining Path group is believed to have kidnapped Peruvian and foreign aid workers, and have organize large, heavily armed attacks on the Peruvian army and police patrols in these remote areas. Since, none of the incidents occur in normally visited areas, honeymooners should be safe as long as they remain out of the remote areas of Peru.

The border of Peru / Ecuador is plated with landmines. A peace treaty ending the Peru / Ecuador border conflict was signed on October 26, 1998, however approaching the Peru-Ecuador border anywhere except at official checkpoints can still be dangerous since there is still mines that have not been yet removed by the Peruvian Government.

The entire Peru/Colombia border area is very dangerous because of narcotics trafficking and the occasional incursions of armed guerrilla forces from Colombia into Peru's remote areas.

Other dangerous locations throughout major Peru areas, which are considered safe within limitation, are Ayacucho, Cusco, Huancavelica, Huánuco, Junín, La Libertad, Loreto, San Martín, and Ucayali.

Also, be aware of the daily news to avoid any national strikes of protestors, some are announced a day or two in advance.

It is advised to contact the U.S. Embassy in Lima or check out the Department of State for current security information before going on your honeymoon if planning to be in or near any area within Peru considered dangerous.