Honestly, if you’ve been watching the headlines, Peru feels like a high-stakes political thriller that just won’t end. It's intense. One week we’re talking about a stable economy, and the next, there’s a new face in the presidential palace. If you’re trying to keep up with recent news from peru, you basically need a scorecard to track the players.
The start of 2026 has been a whirlwind. We’ve seen everything from massive mining investments to a government that’s essentially a placeholder until the April elections. But there is a lot of noise out there. People keep asking: is it safe to travel? Who is actually in charge? And why are there soldiers on the streets of Lima?
Let’s get into the weeds of what’s actually happening on the ground.
The Presidency: A Game of Musical Chairs
Peru has had seven presidents in nine years. Read that again. It’s a staggering statistic that makes "political instability" feel like an understatement. Right now, the man in the big chair is José Jerí. He’s the interim president, stepping in after Dina Boluarte was ousted by Congress in October 2025.
Boluarte’s exit was... messy. It wasn't just one thing. There were allegations of "Rolexgate" (unexplained luxury watches), accusations of abandoning her post for plastic surgery, and a massive outcry over her handling of crime. Congress finally pulled the trigger with a vote of "permanent moral incapacity."
📖 Related: Is Trump or Kamala Leading? The Reality of Polling Right Now
Jerí is supposed to steer the ship until July 2026. But he isn't exactly cruising on calm waters. He’s already facing his own scandals and a youth-led "Generation Z" protest movement that isn't satisfied with just a change of face. They want a total overhaul of the system. It's a lot of pressure for a guy who was just the head of Congress a few months ago.
The Streets of Lima: Why the State of Emergency?
If you’ve seen photos of military tanks or soldiers patrolling the outskirts of Lima lately, it’s not because of a coup. It’s because of crime. Specifically, extortion.
The recent news from peru regarding public safety is pretty grim. Throughout late 2025, the transportation sector was crippled. Bus drivers were being murdered in broad daylight because they couldn't—or wouldn't—pay protection money to organized gangs. It got so bad that the unions basically shut the city down.
In response, the Jerí administration declared a 30-day state of emergency in Lima and Callao, which has been extended into early 2026.
- The army is patrolling the streets.
- Certain constitutional rights (like the right to gather) are suspended.
- Police have extra powers to search homes without warrants.
It’s a "mano dura" (iron fist) approach. It's controversial, but for many residents who are tired of being robbed at gunpoint on their way to work, it’s a desperate relief.
The $7.6 Billion Mining Boom
Here’s the weird part about Peru: while the politics are a dumpster fire, the economy is surprisingly resilient. The Peruvian sol is still one of the most stable currencies in South America.
The big news for 2026 is the "Mining Recovery." The Ministry of Energy and Mines just announced that eight major projects are hitting the "start" button this year. We’re talking about a combined investment of over $7.6 billion.
Key Projects to Watch:
- Zafranal and Pampa de Pongo: These are massive copper and iron ore "greenfield" projects in Arequipa.
- Cerro Verde Optimization: A huge copper expansion that keeps Peru as a global heavyweight in the energy transition.
- Corani: A major silver project in Puno that’s finally moving forward.
This isn’t just about corporate profits. The government is banking on these projects to create thousands of jobs and fill the state coffers with tax revenue. It’s a bit of a race against time—they need the economic win to keep the social unrest from boiling over before the elections.
Travel Reality: Machu Picchu and Beyond
Is it safe to visit? The short answer is yes, but you have to be smart.
There was a tragic train collision near Machu Picchu in late December 2025 that killed a driver and injured dozens of tourists. Rail service has been spotty since then, with the U.S. Embassy frequently issuing alerts about delays between Ollantaytambo and Aguas Calientes.
If you're planning a trip, keep an eye on the strike calendars. In Peru, a "paro" (strike) can happen with about 48 hours' notice. These aren't usually dangerous for tourists, but they can leave you stranded in Cusco because the roads are blocked with burning tires. Honestly, just build a "buffer day" into your itinerary. You’ll thank me later.
What’s Coming Next?
The "big one" is the general election in April 2026. This is where the real future of Peru gets decided.
💡 You might also like: The "There is Food in Gaza" Ad: Why This Video Caused Such a Massive Stir
The current mood is cynical. Polls show that over 60% of Peruvians don't have a preferred candidate. They’re tired of the same old names being linked to corruption. We’re seeing a rise in populist rhetoric, with some frontrunners promising even more militarization and "mega-prisons" modeled after El Salvador.
Expect the next few months to be loud. There will be more protests, more political bickering, and probably a few more surprises from the judiciary.
Actionable Next Steps for You:
- For Investors/Business: Keep a close eye on the Ventanilla Unica (Single Window) for mining. It’s a new government initiative designed to slash red tape. If it works, the $7.6 billion investment might actually happen on schedule.
- For Travelers: Download the iPeru app. It’s the official government portal for travelers and provides real-time alerts on strikes, road closures, and site availability.
- For News Junkies: Follow local outlets like Andina or El Comercio via social media. The English-language coverage is often a few days behind the actual developments on the ground in Lima.
- Stay Flexible: If you're heading to the south (Cusco, Puno, Arequipa), check the local news for "paros" every morning. Most of the time, the unrest is localized to specific neighborhoods or transit routes.
Peru is a country of incredible contrasts. It's a place where you can find world-class gastronomy and cutting-edge mining technology sitting right next to a political system that feels like it's held together with duct tape. Navigating it requires a bit of patience and a lot of situational awareness.