Warning: violent gun-point robbery in Tingo Maria

goin_south says on Apr 8, 2009, 22:44:

well, let me tell ya: don't go passing by Somalia

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thepilferer says on Apr 8, 2009, 22:54:

yeah, it's obvious after having spent a while in various parts of peru and speaking with people about it, but it's recommended by lonely planet, which generally says that while pickpocketing and scams are common, that violent crime is very rare. granted, that hardly counts as doing a huge amount of research, but if there are other people in a similar situation as my friend and i were when we decided to stop there, that's what we were going by. if we'd read something contrary to lonely planet's advice, that might have influenced our decision, so hence...this.

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Ken says on May 10, 2009, 15:43:

That story is extremely strange. I had a Peruvian girlfriend who was from there and I spent a week there. I went to the same waterfall and the caves.

No problems, but I thought the town was ugly , although the surrounding area was nice, However some things about Tingo Maria:

-It is a coca growing area, and full of DEA. One of the big industries is supporting the DEA (helicopter pilots, mechanics, logistics, etc.)
- There was a kidnapping a few years back my girlfriend told me about. Guy who was building a hotel was kidnapped (or his kids, don't remember). They found out he didn't have much $$ and settled for $30,000.
- For 2 weeks one time my girlfriend couldn't get out because the Cocalleros (Coca farmers) took over the town and access roads , and there was fights with the national guard, including tear gas , and some innocent people died from inhalation.

So I wouldn't say it's the safest place in the world. Shows you have to be vigilant no matter where you are.

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elchibolo says on May 12, 2009, 07:57:

I am sorry this happened to you. I live in Peru (Trujillo) and yes, these things are extremely common. Getting mugged in Peru is a part of daily life for most people. I know of several girls who have been raped or nearly raped as well. Peru is a great country and a lot of fun, but you have to be very careful.

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nine inch nails says on Jun 18, 2009, 14:28:

Curious if you live there or even travel there if you can get a CWP (concelaed weapons permit)? Sorry if someone strikes me with pistol without me provoking them and then see where my friend is also getting a harmed a small pocket pistol quickly pulled out and fired into the soft pallet of the first then 2nd attacker B4 they know what is going on is priceless.

I also most highly recommend and AR14 or 15 if traveling overland in your own vehicle. And don't just buy them people immediately take them out to the range and fire them then go home and disassemble and clean them and do this regularly enough that you know your weapons backwards and forwards. Do it enough so you can load, cock and fire each in your sleep and if warranted sleep with your new babies or have closely by in a secure storage. 3 ounces of prevention is worth deaths and assaults any day.

Now we got the LFL so who needs to watch the NFL?

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lgvon says on Jul 1, 2009, 01:27:

I lived in Peru for about 3 years and was told, but did not verify it, that one can get a permit to carry a pistol. You have to buy a specific kind or size and attend a training course they offer. After living there I learned that learning where to go and where not to go is extremely important. I only had a problem when I accidently went into a bad area when I first moved there. If you ride the buses they will usually check you for a weapon using a metal detector. I don't know if your permit would permit you to take a gun or not. Tingo Maria is known as a drug place and several police officers were attacked and killed in the last couple years. If Lonely Planet suggested this place as a stop over I would, at the very least, let them know what happened as they should never have mentioned that as a safe place.
Another big danger in Peru is taking a non first class bus on trips thru the mountains as they frequently crash and hundreds are killed every year. Getting hit by a car in Lima traffic is also very risky, probably more than being stabbed.

Larry in Seattle for the moment.

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elchibolo says on Jul 19, 2009, 07:33:

Another big danger in Peru is taking a non first class bus on trips thru the mountains as they frequently crash and hundreds are killed every year. Getting hit by a car in Lima traffic is also very risky, probably more than being stabbed.

Very true

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