I am sorry that you are stuck in this situation. Peru does not sound like a place anyone should be traveling at the moment. I hope that ABD makes a decision asap so that people can make alternate travel plans oner the holiday season.Thank you for your kind, thoughtful responses. And yes, we have registered with the state department. (But always a good reminder!)
We are frequent, international travelers and huge Disney fans. We have been annual pass holders and are Platinum with DCL. I don’t say this to boast, but because I think it helps explain my disappointment in AbD. They have another Peru trip leaving on the 20th and still haven’t cancelled it. I feel like we are playing a big game of chicken. Peru is in a state of turmoil. People are dying. There is a state of emergency. Foreigners are stranded in places like Cusco without a way to get out (airport closed, highways deemed unsafe for travel).
I just don‘t see things getting better on time to safely carry out this trip. And I’d like it cancelled sooner rather than later so we can come up with a plan B.
I can't imagine how they can possibly think this trip can happen this month, unless they are hoping for a miracle!Things aren’t looking good but AbD isn’t taking action. Today we received an email from the state department stating
“Demonstrations continue throughout the country, including in Lima. Ayacucho Airport (AYP) in Ayacucho, Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport (CUZ) in Cusco, Alfredo Rodriguez Ballón International Airport (AQP) in Arequipa, Juliaca Inca Manco Cápac Airport (JUL) near Puno, and Andahuaylas Airport (ANS) in Andahuaylas remain closed. Peruvian authorities are evaluating when flights may resume to and from Cusco, Arequipa, and other affected cities. Train lines between Aguas Calientes/ Machu Picchu Village and Cusco are blocked and partially damaged. While some travelers have opted to hike from Aguas Calientes/ Machu Picchu Village to Ollantaytambo, some individuals are unable to do so, and there may not be sufficient accommodations in Ollaytantambo to house everyone. Further, significant roadblocks remain on the road from Ollantaytambo to Cusco; therefore, we continue to advise U.S. citizens to shelter in place in Aguas Calientes/Machu Picchu Village at this time.“
We are supposed to fly into Cusco on December 25th and back out on the 31st with a train ride to and from Machu Picchu. I have found someone booked on the December 20th itinerary and they still have not received any notice that their trip is not proceeding as planned. They would fly to Cusco on the 21st. I’m very disappointed in the lack of communication from AbD.
So sorry the circumstances required that your trip be cancelled, but I'm glad ABD finally made a decision. Best of luck with your planning for a new trip!Our trip has officially been cancelled. We are now planning an alternative! I’ve never planned a trip in this short a timeline…
I am absolutely thrilled that they cancelled, I’m just not pleased with the way AbD handled things.https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/machu-picchu-tourists-stranded-amid-protests/index.html
It is upsetting, but reading about the plight of people who got stuck there certainly put it in perspective.
We are now planning an alternative! I’ve never planned a trip in this short a timeline…
Very happy you are still able to do another trip! If you don’t mind sharing, I’m curious on what you’ve been able to pull together on your short timeline.While we are not taking the trip we originally planned, I am okay with our backup.
I totally agree--they do not seem to handle situations like this well. I just think back to the outbreak of the pandemic where they had tours go and refused to cancel them. It's like they do anything not to refund.I am absolutely thrilled that they cancelled, I’m just not pleased with the way AbD handled things.
We definitely don’t want to go somewhere unsafe. I also don’t think it’s moral to travel to an area that has its resources stretched and become an additional burden.
While we are not taking the trip we originally planned, I am okay with our backup.