Earthquake in Peru
Still okay to visit
N Posts: 27
News is all around about the recent 7.9 magnitude earthquake that happened in Peru. I offer my condolences to everyone who had lost loved ones and/or have been injured, or incurred damages by this horrible act of nature. But I wanted to create this thread because tourism is the greatest source of income for this country. Although the devastation in Ica and Pisco is horrendous, Lima was far enough where the damage there was fairly minimal. That is the main entry to the country, with connecting flights to Cuzco and other destinations within Peru. My experience there in 2004 was a great one, and the Peruvian people were so friendly and accommodating. My future sister-in-law is also Peruvian. I am hoping that travelers from all over the world continue to visit this great country and not let this earthquake affect its level of visiting tourists. Because if they take a financial hit due to lack of tourism because of the media coverage of the quake, it would be a shame. Reply to this
N Posts: 2
We are suppose to fly to Lima/Cusco next Friday to visit and hike the Inca trail. I cannot seem to find any information about the inca trail, etc.. It looks like Cusco was not affected much. I am worried about the aftershocks. Also would be difficult to enjoy myself knowing people 100 miles away are suffering so much. not sure what to do.. Reply to this
B Posts: 6,396
Hi SWTrigal - As Britrock1 mentioned tourism is the main earner for Peru. Keeping your money at home or taking it somewhere other than Peru isn't going to help the recovery. If you want to do more maybe look into volunteering opportunities for the time you will be over there, if you can spare the time. Reply to this
B Posts: 73
Hi SWTrigal. As someone who had a trip planned to Thailand less than a month after the tsunami of 2004 hit, I would highly recommend that you not change your travel plans and go anyway. We had gone back and forth on whether to still do the Thai trip, but the decision to go forward with it is probably one of the best decisions I ever made. The Thais were so happy to see us as well since the news had scared away almost all tourists and for coutries that depend so heavily on tourism, that's a heavy blow. I did the Inca Trail last year and it was an amazing trip. Go, spend some money, and enjoy yourself despite the tragedy - I have little doubt you'll be glad you did. Reply to this
B Posts: 325
I for one am planning to go to Peru next year and my plan has not waivered and i hope no else changes there plans:)
Thx Mike;) Reply to this
Thx Mike;) Reply to this
N Posts: 2
I went to Cusco (got back Labor Day), hiked the Inca Trail and loved every minute of it. The ravages of the earthquake were not seen or heard in Lima or Cusco or Machu Picchu. People barely talked about it. I feel sad for those south of there though. Lots of destruction, but we did not see it at all.. Reply to this