Extreme Floods Are Damaging Archeological Sites in Peru

Devastating flooding is wiping out archeological ruins and displacing around 700,000 people in Peru.

Tourism is being hit hard as well, which could hurt the country’s economy down the line.

According to a Reuters report, approximately 50 archeological sites have been damaged by the rains, which are affecting the northern part of the country. Warming waters and the easing of trade winds has resulted in heavy downpours that have caused more than $3 billion in damage and killed more than 90 people. 

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According to the Weather Channel, the most recent flooding occurred between March 19 and March 23. On March 20, for example, some areas received as much as 5.4 inches of rainfall per hour. 

Archaeologist and explorer Walter Alva told Reuters that two of the 20 pyramids located at Bata Grande are “under imminent threat” because of flooding in Lambayeque.

For those traveling to the northern part of the country, it’s a good idea to check with your travel agent or hotel about any advisements or restrictions. While the damage is widespread, it's not everywhere. Some properties are not reporting any adverse effects and are operating as usual.

READ MORE: What You Need to Know About Peru 

Inkaterra, a leading Peru hotel and ecotourism company, issued a statement reporting that their properties in Machu Picchu, the Andes and the Amazon are operating normally. 

“This has not affected any of the regions in which the Inkaterra properties are located (the Andes and the Amazon) and Inkaterra confirms that all the properties and tourism activities in the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu are not affected by the natural disasters and are operating as usual,” says the statement.