Peru is a place that feels like it’s constantly holding its breath. One minute you’re looking at a stunning sunrise over the Andes, and the next, you’re reading about a president being ousted in the middle of the night. Honestly, if you’re trying to keep up with what is happening in Peru today, you’ve probably realized it's a bit of a whirlwind.
As of January 2026, the country is sitting in a weird, fragile limbo. We have a new interim president, José Jerí, who took over after Dina Boluarte was kicked out by Congress back in October 2025. It’s a lot to process. Jerí is the eighth president in just ten years. Think about that for a second. That kind of turnover would make any country feel a little dizzy.
The Impeachment That Changed Everything
You might be wondering how we got here. Basically, Dina Boluarte’s presidency ended not with a bang, but with a unanimous vote in Congress. It was brutal. 122 out of 130 lawmakers voted to remove her for "permanent moral incapacity."
She was facing all sorts of drama: accusations of accepting expensive jewelry as bribes, supposedly using a presidential vehicle to move a fugitive politician, and even disappearing for two weeks to get cosmetic surgery without telling anyone. People were furious. But the real breaking point? It was the crime.
Lima has been struggling with a massive surge in extortion and violence. There was a shooting at a concert for the band Agua Marina that really shook the public. When people feel unsafe just going to a show, the government usually pays the price.
Who is Running the Show Now?
José Jerí is the man in the hot seat. He’s 38, conservative, and used to lead the Congress. But don't think for a second that his arrival calmed everyone down.
Honestly, he’s pretty unpopular too. He’s been hit with his own set of allegations, ranging from bribery to much more serious personal misconduct. Because of that, the streets haven't stayed quiet. Gen Z activists and transport unions have been leadings protests in Lima and other cities like Cusco and Arequipa.
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Just a few days ago, on January 8 and 9, 2026, there were fresh demonstration alerts. The U.S. Embassy even had to warn people to stay away from places like the Palace of Justice. It’s not a full-scale revolution, but the tension is definitely there. You can feel it in the air.
Is it Safe to Visit Machu Picchu?
If you’re a traveler, this is probably what you actually care about. Is Peru still a "go"?
The short answer: Yes, but you’ve gotta be smart.
Machu Picchu is open, and the government just released the payment schedule for 2026 entry reservations. But there have been hiccups. There was a train collision near Aguas Calientes right at the end of 2025 that caused a lot of chaos. Plus, there is a State of Emergency in Lima and Callao right now.
What does that mean for you?
- You’ll see more soldiers and police on the streets.
- Constitutional rights, like the right to gather in large groups, are technically suspended.
- Traffic can be a nightmare if a protest pops up.
Most tourists are fine as long as they stick to reputable tour operators and avoid the center of Lima during protests. But seriously, don't hail taxis off the street. Use an app. It’s not worth the risk of an "express kidnapping" where they drive you to an ATM and make you empty your account.
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The Economy is Doing Surprisingly Okay
Here is the weirdest part about what is happening in Peru today. Despite the political circus, the economy isn't actually collapsing.
The Central Bank just raised its growth forecast for 2026 to 3.0%. Inflation is also staying low—around 2.0%—which is way better than many of its neighbors.
A lot of this is thanks to copper prices and the new Chancay port that China helped build. It’s this massive deepwater port that’s supposed to cut shipping times to Asia by weeks. It’s a game-changer for trade, even if the politics at home are a mess.
What Most People Get Wrong
People often think Peru is "dangerous" in a war-zone kind of way. It isn't. It's more about "unpredictability."
You might plan a trip to Cusco and find out the trains are on strike for 48 hours. Or you might be in a nice restaurant in Miraflores and see a line of riot police walk by. It’s a country of contrasts.
Looking Ahead to April 2026
Everything right now is basically a warm-up for the general elections on April 12, 2026.
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This is going to be a massive deal because the Congress is moving back to a two-chamber system (a Senate and a Chamber of Deputies). We’ve got some "familiar" faces running, like Keiko Fujimori and Rafael López Aliaga.
But here is the kicker: about 63% of Peruvians say they don't have a preferred candidate yet. People are tired. They’re looking for someone new, someone who isn't part of the "traditional elite." That opens the door for a populist outsider to come in and shake things up even more.
Actionable Advice for Navigating Peru Right Now
If you're heading to Peru or doing business there, here's what you actually need to do:
- Register with your Embassy: If you’re American, use the STEP program. If you’re from elsewhere, find your equivalent. They send out text alerts for protests before they hit the news.
- Book the "Inka Rail" or "PeruRail" early: After the recent train issues, schedules are tighter. Don't leave your Machu Picchu transport to the last minute.
- Carry Cash AND Cards: While Lima is modern, a lot of the country still runs on Soles. But keep your cash hidden. Petty theft is the most common crime travelers face.
- Watch the "Ley Seca": When the elections get closer in April, they often ban alcohol sales for a few days. Plan your Pisco Sour consumption accordingly.
- Stay in Miraflores or Barranco: If you're in Lima, these districts are generally much calmer and safer than the historic center (Cercado de Lima) where the protests happen.
Peru is a beautiful, complicated, and sometimes frustrating place. It’s a country where the economy grows while the presidents fall. Understanding that duality is the only way to really get what is happening in Peru today.
Keep an eye on the news as we get closer to April. That’s when the real fireworks will start.