$10 Million USD in damages in Puno

27 May

I finally managed to get out of the hotel today after hearing an oddly quiet Puno. As night fell and the army was deployed, Puno became eerily quiet. The streets were temporarily scattered with drunks on their way home at 10:30PM, but the rest of the evening was met with barren streets and the first silence we heard in a long time. My roommates and I tucked into our beds and waited for the noises we expected- yelling, gun shots, something. The only noise we heard was a clicking of boots, and as we peered out the window all we saw was the army trotting by, ready to subdue.

It seems that the threat of the army tamed the riots. The smaller plaza visible from my room was empty, and the streets have remained relatively quiet today. Businesses remain closed, many with boarded up windows or signs claiming to “support the riots.” This mainly is a protective measure against their business.

The damage however, tells another story.

Peruvian news reports say that there is Soles/$30,000,000 ($10 Million USD) in damages. Apparently the riots became increasingly dangerous last night as cars and buildings were torched, bank windows completely shattered, and one of my readers reported rocks thrown at their hotel. Please note though, my concerned parents, that this hotel was MUCH CLOSER TO THE PLAZA THAN WE ARE. Our hotel is in a safe location.

These damages are only the beginning. The Peruvian government has now lost well over $20 Million USD in boarder crossing/tourist revenue. The protests are rapidly inflicting loss, which naturally is the intention of this strike.

Views on the strike are mixed. The non-involved Peruvians (and tourists!) are frightened and angered that this strike is affecting their lives so much. Many businesses are unable to open, and if they do, their gates must remain only slightly cracked. These businesses are also rapidly losing supplies, and markets are currently unable to occur. I do give credit to those open- they must be making bank! Further, many storefronts are shattered or left with broken windows. These repairs are a major inconvenience.

The counter-view however, can enlighten many as to why the frustrations are so grave. Not only are farmers at risk for losing their land, but some of the land that may be taken is considered sacred land and is used for many rituals. According to one protester, this land may also contain Incan ruins (I cannot confirm that though, it is just what he explained to me). Apparently Peruvian law allows them to give the land away, but only with the support of the the people, which has not come yet. Certainly, this perspective can be understood. Protesters have come from many provinces throughout Peru, each carrying the flag of their region. They are walking the roads outside the city, and are staying peaceful according to this Cusquenan protester.

It seems though, that frustration is the general consensus. With many tourists still stuck in Puno and many Peruvians rapidly losing revenue, this strike may not be tolerated much longer. The quiet streets may reflect that. Army presence is now limited to a few guards here and there, but it seems that they have not needed to take much direct action.

Fellow tourists though- I warn you that a few of my Peruvian friends from Lima and further North are hearing reports that the strike may switch cities. Suggestion is that you leave as soon as possible, while the storm has calmed down a bit.

One reader recommended contacting IPeru- you can find the numbers in the comments on earlier Puno entries. One also mentioned a boat-to-bus transfer. I noticed one or two tour agencies open today somewhere around the pedestrian street, a ways from la Plaza de Armas. If you feel you can safely leave your hotel, you could try them. Ask your hotel staff before leaving though!

As I finish- I am hearing a bit more noise outside, but I think this will not last long. The government seems very prepared to take action.

Parents/family/friends- please don’t worry too much! We are all very safe in our hotel and we are not putting ourselves into harms way. Guides and hotel staff are holding themselves accountable for our safety, and are not permitting any rash or rogue actions.

Below you will find pictures of the damage. Sorry they are low-quality or taken at awkward angles- I was trying to not get caught taking them! I’m trying to play Anderson Cooper here, but I don’t get a bonus if I get punched in the face!

SMOKE FROM THE FIRES LAST NIGHT DARKENS THE SKY