British travellers caught up in demonstrations in southeastern Peru are being advised to stay in their lodgings and to avoid all contact with protestors.
The Foreign Office has warned holidaymakers not to attempt to enter or leave Peru by ferry from Puno on the Lake Titicaca, one of the country’s main tourist attractions.
Protestors angry at plans by a Canadian company to mine silver close to the lake, went on the rampage in Puno on Thursday night, torching cars and buildings.
The Foreign Office says there are increasing reports of attacks against pedestrians, cars and small businesses in the area and protestors, who claim mining will pollute the late, are threatening to continue the disruption until the government revokes the mining company’s licence.
The Puno port has been closed by protestors preventing transit between Peru and neighbouring Bolivia by boat. Rail services between Puno and Cusco, one of the country’s most historic cities, have been suspended.
Lake Titicaca is a popular spot for British backpackers and many travel by boat between Puno and Bolivia. Concerned British nationals in Peru should call 617 3000 and British nationals in the UK should call the FCO switchboard on 020 7008 1500.
Journey Latin America re-routed a tour away from Puno on Monday ahead of the Foreign Office warning. A group due to travel to Lake Titicaca was flown from Bolivia’s capital La Paz directly to Cusco.
By Linsey McNeill
