This week in Peru
Peru experienced a turbulent week marked by a surge in violent crime, including multiple shootings in Lima districts such as San Juan de Lurigancho and Independencia, along with high-profile kidnappings of a mall executive and oil barge workers. Public discontent manifested in student protests over bus fares in Cusco and Lima, which escalated into clashes with police, while urban areas also contended with scheduled power outages and significant traffic diversions for infrastructure projects. The arrest of a police colonel for alleged gold theft and the controversial release of a minor linked to organized crime further highlighted challenges in public safety and justice.
About Peru
Peru is a South American nation renowned for its rich Inca heritage, diverse geography spanning the Andes mountains, Amazon rainforest, and Pacific coast, and vibrant cultural traditions. While the country benefits from a free press, media ownership is concentrated, and political instability frequently influences news coverage dynamics.
Visiting Peru
Media landscape
Peru's media environment is characterized by a free press, though ownership is highly concentrated, notably by the El Comercio Group. Political instability often shapes news narratives, and there's a notable shift towards digital media consumption.
Be aware of the concentrated media ownership and how political events can influence reporting, often leading to varied perspectives across different outlets.
Sources we track 1
Costa Verde closure for Ironman 70.3 Peru 2026: schedules and detour plan for April 26
- The Costa Verde highway in Lima will be temporarily closed on Sunday, April 26, 2026, for the IRONMAN 70.3 Peru event. - The closure will affect traffic from 3:00 AM to 11:00 AM between Calle Virú i…
Fierce Shootout in San Juan de Lurigancho: Hitmen Intercept Vehicle, Murder Driver
- A 34-year-old Venezuelan man, Erick Jesús Monasterios Marcano, was fatally shot and killed in his vehicle in San Juan de Lurigancho, Peru. - The incident occurred when assailants in a gray SUV inter…
Power outage in these districts of Lima and Callao from April 25 to 27: schedules and affected areas by Pluz
- Pluz Energía Perú has scheduled power outages in several districts of Lima and Callao between April 25 and 27. - The interruptions, lasting up to 10 hours in some areas, are for maintenance and infr…
ATU Agent Attacked with Hammer Denounces Abandonment After Contract Non-Renewal, Lack of Support
- An ATU security agent, Julio Huamán Ñañez, reported his contract was not renewed after being attacked with a hammer on duty. - His lack of contract renewal left him without medical coverage from the…
Carabayllo: Workers Shot During Asphalting Work, Two Injured
- Two construction workers were shot and injured while asphalt paving in the Carabayllo district of Peru. - The victims, identified as Jorge Antonio Espinoza Malma (52) and Charles Rafel Zúñiga Laura …
Father of family dies after rockslide while building his home in Lurigancho-Chosica
- A father of a family died after being buried by a landslide while clearing rocks to build his home in Lurigancho-Chosica. - Rescue efforts were hampered by further landslides, and the victim was fou…
Schoolchildren Attacked with Firearms After Leaving School in Independencia; Two Injured
- Four schoolchildren were shot and injured by two armed assailants on a motorcycle after leaving their school in Independencia, Peru. - Security cameras captured the daylight attack, which left two s…
Peru Reaches Historic Low in Fertility: Women Postpone Motherhood, Reshaping a Generation
- Peru has reached a historic low in fertility rates, with women now having an average of 1.8 children, down from 4.6 in 1986. - Increased access to education and family planning methods are key facto…
Minor implicated in gold heist and organized crime freed by Peruvian court, sparking police outrage
- A 17-year-old minor, identified as Dominick, has been released by a Peruvian court despite alleged involvement in a gold heist and links to organized crime. - Police had arrested Dominick with a fir…
Arequipa Prison Expansion Work Resumes Amidst 400% Overcrowding
- The expansion of the Arequipa prison in Peru, stalled for five years, has restarted to address severe overcrowding. - The project, with an investment exceeding S/192 million, will increase the priso…
Cusco Maintains University Bus Fare at S/0.50 After Student Protest
- Cusco students protested against a proposed increase in university bus fares. - Following clashes with police, transport authorities agreed to maintain the fare at S/ 0.50. - The agreement also incl…
Digemid Withdraws Immunosuppressant Drug Batch Azathioprine Due to Health Risk
- Peru's health authority, Digemid, has ordered the market withdrawal of a batch of the immunosuppressant drug azathioprine (AZAGLOB 50 mg). - The decision follows a critical quality control finding i…
Peruvian Students Develop "Sand Battery" to Warm Homes in Frost-Prone Areas
- Peruvian students developed a "sand battery" system to combat extreme cold in high-altitude regions. - The system stores solar heat during the day and releases it at night, raising indoor temperatur…
Mall Executive Rescued from Kidnapping in Callao; Two Suspects Arrested
- Police rescued a mall executive who had been kidnapped in Callao, Peru. - The victim was held for ransom, with kidnappers demanding S/200,000 and threatening her life. - Two suspects were arrested i…
Parachute malfunction during air show practice in Peru ends safely
- An incident occurred during a parachute test flight at Las Palmas Air Base in Surco, Peru, prior to the Lima Air Festival 2026. - A paratrooper experienced a malfunction when their parachute did not…
Combi Driver and Conductor Shot Near Hospital in Callao
- A combi driver and conductor were shot near Barton Hospital in Callao, Peru. - The incident caused combi services to halt on Avenida Argentina as a precaution. - Police report the driver continued d…
Indecopi Fines Pet Business for Losing Dog During Walk
- Peru's consumer protection agency, Indecopi, has fined a pet boarding business for losing a dog during a group walk. - The dog, named Chicles, went missing in February 2025 while under the business'…
National march for half-fare erupts in clashes with police in downtown Lima
- Students and citizens clashed with police in Lima, Peru, during a protest demanding the reinstatement of half-fare public transport and action against the rising cost of living. - The demonstration,…
PNP Colonel Detained for Alleged Involvement in Gold Ingot Theft; Reportedly Sold for US$200,000
- A colonel in Peru's National Police (PNP) has been arrested for alleged involvement in the theft of a gold ingot from a Dirincri facility. - Colonel Morón Díaz, head of the Division for the Investig…
Oil Barge Hijacked in Peru's Loreto Region; Workers Kidnapped, $2 Million Ransom Demanded
- A tanker barge carrying 10,500 barrels of crude oil was hijacked on the Corrientes River in Peru's Loreto region. - Seven workers were kidnapped, and the hijackers are demanding a $2 million ransom …
Market Eviction in Puente Piedra Sparks Fire and Violent Clashes
- Lima's municipality demolished approximately 22 market stalls in Puente Piedra during an early morning operation on April 22 to reclaim public space. - The demolition sparked a fire that destroyed s…
San Marcos University Activates Inclusive Restrooms: 'Respect for Diversity'
- Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos (UNMSM) has piloted inclusive restrooms on the third floor of its Social Sciences faculty starting April 22. - The initiative aims to respect gender identity…
Lima Officially Announces Traffic Diversions for Underpass Construction at Tomás Valle and Universitaria Avenues
- Lima, Peru, will implement traffic diversions starting April 24th for the construction of a new underpass at the Tomás Valle and Universitaria avenues intersection. - The project is part of a larger…
Budget Shortfall Jeopardizes Prestigious Bicentennial Generation Scholarship for Over 300 Peruvians
- Over 300 Peruvian professionals are affected by the suspension of the Generación del Bicentenario 2026 scholarship due to budget shortfalls. - The scholarship, managed by Pronabec, has funded postgr…
Seven Months Pre-Trial Detention for Three Suspects in Piura Doctor's Murder Case
- Three men have been handed seven-month pre-trial detention orders in Piura, Peru, for alleged involvement in illegal firearms offenses. - Two of the detainees are suspected of links to the murder of…
Young Father Vanishes at La Chira Beach in Chorrillos While Celebrating Son's Birthday
- A 34-year-old father disappeared at La Chira beach in Chorrillos, Peru, after being swept away by a wave while celebrating his son's birthday. - Family members are urgently requesting support from t…
UNI Holds First Decentralized Admissions Simulation in Key Regions
- The National University of Engineering (UNI) in Peru will hold its first decentralized in-person admissions simulation for 2026. - The event aims to help prospective students assess their academic l…
Traffic Chaos on Vía Evitamiento: Passengers Walk as Buses Stall
- Intense traffic congestion on Vía Evitamiento in Lima caused significant delays for public transport, including the Metropolitano bus system. - Dozens of passengers abandoned buses to walk due to de…
Magnitude 4.9 Tremor Felt in Junín Today, According to IGP
- A magnitude 4.9 earthquake was registered 42 kilometers southwest of Huasicancha, Huancayo, in Peru's Junín region. - The earthquake occurred at a depth of 106 kilometers, according to the Peruvian …
BCP and Yape users report widespread outages on April 21
- Users reported outages for Banco de Crédito del Perú (BCP) and its digital wallet Yape on April 21. - Both services experienced intermittent issues, preventing users from accessing apps and making t…
Senamhi forecasts morning fog and increased wind in Lima and 7 other regions starting April 21
- Peru's National Meteorology and Hydrology Service (Senamhi) has issued a yellow alert for increased wind intensity and morning fog in Lima and seven other regions. - The alert, valid from April 21 t…
Beyond a 'Joke': Body Shaming Affects the Mental Health of 6 Out of 10 Women in Peru
- Six out of ten women in Peru report negative feelings due to comments about their physical appearance, a phenomenon known as body shaming. - Societal beauty standards, often linked to thinness and s…
Measles Outbreak in Peru: Four Cases Confirmed in Lima, One Linked to Puno
- Peru's Ministry of Health confirmed four measles cases in Lima, with one linked to the Puno outbreak. - The Puno region is experiencing a more severe situation with 42 confirmed cases and 619 contac…
Magnitude 4.3 Earthquake Felt in Ica, Peru
- A magnitude 4.3 earthquake was registered 85 kilometers southwest of Ica, Peru, at a depth of 23 kilometers. - The earthquake occurred at 5:42 PM local time on April 20, 2026. - The Institute of Geo…
Indecopi warns of injectable drug recall and destruction due to health risks
- Peru's Indecopi announced the withdrawal and destruction of a GENTABIOT 160 mg/2 mL injectable medication batch. - The decision by Digemid was due to the detection of visible particles, posing a pot…
Holidays in May 2026 in Peru: Know the Only Non-Working Day and If There Will Be a Long Weekend
- Peru's May 2026 calendar features only one national holiday: Labor Day on May 1st. - This single holiday offers a potential long weekend, as it falls on a Friday. - The article clarifies the differe…
Peru Police Capture Four Suspected 'Los Pulpos' Gang Members Planning Mining Magnate Kidnapping
- Peruvian police arrested four suspected members of the criminal organization Los Pulpos in Trujillo. - The group allegedly planned to kidnap a local mining entrepreneur, using fake police uniforms a…
Will Peruvians Get a 3-Day Rest in May? What's Known About the Next Long Holiday
- Peruvians may enjoy a three-day weekend in May 2026 due to the Labor Day holiday falling on a Friday. - Workers who work on holidays are entitled to an additional 100% remuneration. - The executive …
‘No One Took Her Report’: Woman Murdered by Ex-Partner in Chiclayo Had Alerted Police to Violence
- Yeny María Farroñay Vidaurre (57) was allegedly murdered by her ex-partner in Chiclayo after she had reported domestic violence to two police stations. - Family members claim that police at the Césa…
Former Employee Stole Over S/450,000 in Tech Equipment from Company in San Martín de Porres
- A former employee of a telecommunications company in San Martín de Porres stole technological equipment valued at over S/450,000. - The theft occurred over multiple occasions, with the employee expl…
Lima Auctions Urban Land Lots Starting from S/49,000: How to Participate
- The Service of Parks of Lima (Serpar) is auctioning 131 urban lots in 10 districts of the capital, with starting prices from S/49,850. - The public auction, aimed at individuals and companies intere…
Gas Leak Sparks Explosion in Surquillo, Peru; Evacuations Underway
- A gas leak occurred at a construction site in Surquillo, Peru, leading to a significant explosion. - Emergency services evacuated workers and residents within a 300-meter radius as a precautionary m…
Cusco Municipality Declares Streamer 'Cristorata' Persona Non Grata Over Racist Remarks
- The Provincial Municipality of Cusco declared Peruvian streamer 'Cristorata' persona non grata for racist comments targeting Andean communities. - The streamer, Christopher Puente Viena, made offens…
PNP captures main suspect in lawyer's murder in Trujillo: alleged hitman was on the run for 2 years
- Peruvian National Police arrested Carlos Miguel Tirado León, 33, in Trujillo, identified as the main suspect in a lawyer's murder. - Tirado León had been a fugitive for two years following the March…
Mother Defends Son Accused of Extortion Ring Involvement in Peru
- A mother in Peru tearfully defended her son, who was arrested on suspicion of accumulating over S/18,000 from extortion activities. - Police allege the son was part of a criminal network targeting t…
First Mother in Peru Gives Birth After Heart Transplant
- Emely Mendoza Pacheco, 35, became the first woman in Peru to give birth after a heart transplant. - She received a heart transplant in 2020 and successfully delivered a healthy baby boy named Samuel…
'The Beast of Surco' Removed from Circulation After Amassing Over S/1.2 Million in Fines
- A vehicle known as 'La Bestia de Surco' was taken out of circulation in Santiago de Surco, Peru. - The vehicle had accumulated over S/1.2 million in fines, lacked mandatory insurance (SOAT), and was…
Pre-trial Detention Ordered for Those Investigated in the Murder of Indigenous Defenders in Ucayali
- Peruvian judicial authorities have ordered nine months of pre-trial detention for three individuals suspected in the murder of indigenous territorial defenders. - The victims, Benny Raúl Coquinche V…
Peruvian government to deliver over 14,000 base bonuses of S/33,000 for home construction: requirements and how to apply for this benefit, via Techo Propio
- The Peruvian government, through the Techo Propio program, will offer over 14,000 housing construction bonds in 2026. - The base bonus is S/33,000, with potential increases for specific geographic l…
Explosive Device Detonates in Ancón Gym Amid Extortion Fears
- An explosive device detonated inside the Olympic's Gym in Ancón, Peru, causing material damage but no injuries. - Two individuals on a motorcycle reportedly placed the device, leaving a message thre…
Real Sociedad Claims Dramatic Copa del Rey Title in Penalty Shootout Thriller
- Real Sociedad won the Copa del Rey in a dramatic final against Atlético Madrid, decided by penalties after a 2-2 draw. - Goalkeeper Unai Marrero saved two penalties in the shootout, securing the clu…
Arica Avenue Section Reopens in Breña After Nearly 4 Years of Metro Construction
- A section of Arica Avenue in Breña, Lima, has reopened after nearly four years of closure due to Metro Line 2 construction. - The reopening of four blocks is expected to improve traffic flow and boo…
Lima faces water cuts April 19-20 due to Sedapal maintenance
- Sedapal announced water supply cuts in several Lima districts from April 19 to 20 due to reservoir cleaning and network maintenance. - The disruptions will affect specific urbanizations and settleme…
Serums 2026-I Exam Venues Announced: Official List, Schedule, and Restrictions for Sunday's Test
- The Peruvian Ministry of Health (Minsa) has released the official list of exam centers for the Serums 2026-I evaluation. - The exam is scheduled for Sunday, April 19, with strict measures in place f…
Maternal Illiteracy Worsens Infant Mortality Rates in Peru
- Maternal illiteracy in Peru is a significant factor contributing to higher infant mortality rates, particularly in rural areas. - Despite national progress in reducing illiteracy, significant educat…
➤ Discover Your HOROSCOPE FOR TODAY: What the Stars Have in Store for You This April 18, According to Jhan Sandoval
- The horoscope for April 18, 2026, offers predictions for love, health, and work for all zodiac signs. - Advice is provided for each sign, from Aries to Pisces, to navigate the day. - Key themes incl…
Over 100 Police and Drones Deployed to Chile Border After Foreigner Expulsion Announcement
- Over 100 police officers and drones have been deployed to the Peru-Chile border in Tacna. - The deployment follows Chile's decision to expel irregular foreign citizens, aiming to prevent unauthorize…
Peru Declares 60-Day State of Emergency in 34 Districts Amidst Rising Crime
- The Peruvian government has declared a 60-day state of emergency in 34 districts across six regions to combat crime and strengthen border control. - The measure restricts constitutional rights such …
Southern Peru Voters Respond to Streamer Cristorata's Racist Comments: 'We Will Not Tolerate It'
- Streamer Cristopher Puente, known as 'Cristorata,' faces legal action and public backlash for racist comments made against voters in southern Peru. - Citizens and leaders from Ayacucho, Cusco, and P…
Ica: INPE psychologist arrested for charging inmates S/1,000
- A clinical psychologist working for Peru's National Penitentiary Institute (INPE) in Ica has been arrested for allegedly demanding S/1,000 from an inmate for a favorable psychological report. - The …
Magnitude 5.1 Earthquake Shakes Pisco, Ica Region of Peru
- An earthquake measuring 5.1 magnitude struck Pisco, Ica, Peru, at 3:09 AM local time. - The epicenter was located 104 kilometers southwest of Pisco at a depth of 48 kilometers, according to Peru's G…
Young man avoids alleged kidnapping after resisting and asking for help, but ends up shot in Chorrillos
- A 27-year-old man, Jorge Luis Pinedo Ruiz, was shot in the leg in Chorrillos, Peru, in what is suspected to be an attempted kidnapping. - Witnesses reported that assailants in a black car and on a m…
Over 500,000 DNIs ready for collection nationwide, says Reniec
- Peru's National Registry of Identification and Civil Status (Reniec) has announced that over 526,000 national identity documents (DNI) for adults are ready for collection nationwide. - Reniec urges …
The Peruvian-Chinese Fusion That Continues to Conquer Palates: Madam Tusan Turns 15
- Madam Tusan, a restaurant known for its Peruvian-Chinese fusion cuisine, is celebrating its 15th anniversary. - To mark the occasion, the restaurant is offering a special dinner event and a chance t…
¿Habrá paro de transportistas este 15 de abril en Lima y Callao por subsidio? Esto indicaron los gremios sobre movilización
- Transport unions in Lima and Callao announced a strike for April 15 to demand a diesel subsidy due to rising fuel costs. - Conflicting reports emerged regarding the strike's status, with some leader…
Peru: Minedu extends class suspension for schools used as voting centers
- Peru's Ministry of Education (Minedu) has suspended in-person classes for Tuesday, April 14, in 13 educational institutions that served as voting centers for extraordinary elections. - The measure i…
Man arrives on a stretcher to vote in Ica; ONPE denies fine exemption despite fracture
- A Peruvian man, César Mansilla, was forced to vote on a stretcher due to a leg fracture. - The National Electoral Processes Office (ONPE) denied his request for a fine exemption, citing mandatory vo…