Gocta Falls, Peru. Credit: Shutterstock The United States Embassy in Peru has issued an exceptional weather warning following heavy rains and mudslides across the country, after the Peruvian government declared a state of emergency (Level 4) in 14 provinces.
The state of emergency applies to the provinces of Amazonas, Ancash, Arequipa, Cajamarca, Ica, Junín, La Libertad, Lambayeca, Lima, Madre de Dios, Piura, Puno, San Martin and Tumbes, areas that also include popular tourist destinations.
According to National Service of Meteorology and Hydrology of Peru (SENAMHI), a brief respite from heavy rain is expected after February 27, but there is a risk of renewed heavy rainfall between March 5 and 6. At the same time, the El Niño Monitoring Committee (ENFEN) has reported that the coastal El Niño pattern could last until November 2026, raising concerns about continued weather instability in the coming months.
The embassy's statement calls on those staying in the country to stay away from streams and rivers, avoid crossing standing water of unknown depth, and follow the instructions of local authorities and media updates.
The embassy also recommends that travelers check in advance the condition of tourist sites and whether they are open to the public, through iPeru, the tourism organization managed by the country's Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism.
Among the guidelines issued by the embassy: maintain environmental awareness, inform family members, carry valid identification documents, prepare an independent evacuation plan that does not rely on government assistance, and monitor updates on the situation.
The alert comes at the height of the rainy season in Peru, when extreme weather conditions could affect travel plans and movement across the country in the coming days and weeks.