New direct flights between London and Lima in Peru have been welcomed by the Latin American Travel Association (Lata) despite parts of Peru remaining under states of emergency.
Latam Airlines has applied to fly from Heathrow to the Peruvian capital five times a week from December 2.
The announcement of the route being resumed after British Airways withdrew in 2021 was followed by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office updating information about an extension to the state of emergency on all border areas.
The updated travel advice reflected a 30-day extension of a state of emergency in Pataz province the La Libertad region from today (Friday). A 30-day state of emergency in the southern Puno region came into force on August 5.
The FCDO said the states of emergency had been established due to protests, allowing military forces to assist the local police and authorities in maintaining law and order.
Peru faced “significant violent” unrest in the Puno and Apurimac regions in December and January due to political protests following a change in government in the country.
The FCDO reiterated previous advice, saying: “In Lima protests often have a focus in the historic centre, where access can be restricted, but can also spread to other areas. Other regions that have seen recent protests include Cusco, Arequipa and Puno.”
Trains to or from the ancient site of Machu Picchu, “are occasionally temporarily suspended as a precautionary measure, or disrupted, due to protests,” the official advice added.
The FCDO pointed out that there may be a higher risk to safety “in areas where there is organised crime and terrorism linked to the production of drugs, notably in the border areas with Ecuador, Colombia and Brazil”.
However, Lata said the new direct route from London will further open up the destination to UK travellers.
The association said: “Peru is well known for its Incan sites in Cusco and at Machu Pichu, but the country has so much more to offer travellers.
“From the capital’s ever-developing gastronomic scene and the northern surfing beaches, to the wildlife in the Amazon and the Ballestas Islands, there are plenty of experiences to discover away from the popular sites.”
Lata chair Martin Johnson added: “This new flight route is really exciting and proves the region’s commitment to growing the UK market.
“I am sure this will be a popular route across the Lata membership and am confident a direct flight will encourage even more visitors.
“I look forward to working with our members in Peru, and tour operators here to showcase this diverse country to the UK traveller.”