What is the latest on Lima?
the department of foreign affairs & trade have provided a travel warning for lima (and all of peru), listing it as
excercise a high degree of caution.
further info on lima from the australian government:
We advise you to exercise a high degree of caution in Lima because of the significant levels of serious crime.
Pay close attention to your personal security and monitor the media for information about possible new safety or security risks.
You should avoid demonstrations and protests in Lima and throughout Peru as they may turn violent.
Drug trafficking is a serious crime in Peru and drug smugglers face long terms of imprisonment.
You can travel to Machu Picchu quite eaisly by bus from there
but it's not just the government providing the warnings, virtualtourist.com says:
"Violent crimes such as carjacking, assault, and armed robbery are frequent. Canadians arriving at Lima's Jorge Chavez International Airport should use a secure taxi service to go into the city, and should exercise particular caution en route to their hotel. You may find further information on registered taxi companies on the Lima Airport Partners Website. Attacks and robberies on vehicles occur regularly along the route from the airport, and even upon a taxi's arrival at the hotel."
and if you are heading there today, take an umbrella:
Lima, Peru
Wed
Chance of Rain
27°C
Precipitation: 20%
Humidity: 80%
Wind: 18 km/h11 mph