- Cities of Cusco, Puno, and Arequipa as well as other destinations in the Peruvian jungle that are located over 800 km away from the affected area are maintaining normal tourist operations

After the earthquake that shook the country on Wednesday and caused the majority of the damage in the Ica Region (300 km south of Lima), the Peruvian population is resuming life as usual and focusing on sending assistance to their fellow Peruvians affected by the natural disaster.

According to reports from Iperu (PromPeru’s Tourist Information and Assistance Service), hotels in Pisco, Cañete, and Paracas have suffered considerable damage, causing many of them to shut down.

Nevertheless, tourists staying in that area have not been injured and were promptly evacuated to Lima. In the specific case of Libertador Hotel of Paracas, which is known for its pier where tourists can take boat rides out to the Paracas National Reserve, part of its guests were transferred to Lima, while another group continued their route southwards, towards the mountains, where tourist destinations are open for normal business.

Other important tourist attractions located at least 800 km from the devastation, like the cities of Cusco – with Machu Picchu – Puno, Arequipa, and Trujillo, and the northern and jungle tourist circuits, are operating normally.

As stated by the press, the National Civil Defense Institute (INDECI), and other authorities, damage is centered in the city and rural populations of the Ica Region. Their proximity to the epicenter, just 60 km from the coastal city of Pisco, is the main reason for such destruction.

At the moment, the President of Peru, Alan Garcia Perez, his cabinet, and other authorities (local, governmental, and civil society groups offering assistance) have set up their base of operations in the Ica Region to facilitate aid coming to Ica.

Mercedes Araoz, Peruvian Minister of Foreign Trade and Tourism, is in the area making inspections of the tourism infrastructure and watching with particular care that tourists are receiving any aid that is necessary.

According to the National Cultural Institute (INC) of Peru, the famous Nasca Lines, one of Ica’s main tourist attractions, were not damaged in the quake and even with the magnitude of the earthquake, those companies that offer flights over the geoglyphs are continuing their regular service.

Iperu, PromPeru’s Tourist Information and Assistance Service, wishes to remind the national and foreign press that its help line is open 24 hours a day in order for it to be able to assist tourists who may have been affected by this natural disaster. The number is: 574-8000.