CENTRAL & SOUTH AMERICA
Costa
Rica, March 22, 2000 -- On March 21 and 22, 2000, labor union and
student demonstrators blocked major highways in San Jose and other parts
of Costa Rica to protest proposed reforms in the power and telecommunications
sectors. The protests have been largely peaceful, although some demonstrators
have been injured and others detained by local security forces. Further
demonstrations or strikes could occur at any time.
U.S. citizens in Costa Rica are advised to avoid demonstrations, and should
be flexible when driving throughout the country because of the possibility
of blocked roads. In addition, U.S. citizens are advised to keep automobile
gas tanks filled to at least half capacity due to the possibility that
demonstrations or strikes may affect the availability of gasoline.
Bolivia,
April 8, 2000 -- A state of emergency was formally declared by the
Government of Bolivia on April 8 in an effort to quell a wave of protests
by peasants and laborers over economic issues. Beginning on April 4, roadblocks
were set up in and around the central city of Cochabamba, to protest proposed
price hikes by the Cochabamba water utility. This action spread to other
areas of Bolivia, including the cities of Sucre, Oruro and Trinidad, as
well as the highways between La Paz and Chile. While the Bolivian Government
is working to deal with the situation, it is recommended that U.S. citizens
not attempt to pass through or circumvent these roadblocks.
Although U.S. citizens are not specifically targeted, travelers should
be aware that road and airport closures outside of La Paz inhibit travel
within the country at this time.
The U.S. Embassy in La Paz recommends that all U.S. citizens in Bolivia
avoid roadblocks or demonstrations. Although the international airport
in La Paz remains open, U.S. visitors should closely consider the current
situation before deciding to travel to Bolivia.
Peru,
April 12, 2000 -- Political demonstrations in Lima and other major
cities in Peru have increased in size and number following Peru's April
9 national election. Thousands of people have joined demonstrations in
Lima's main square (the Plaza de Armas), on the Paseo de la Republica
(a major downtown thoroughfare), and at the National Election Office (ONPE).
The demonstrations have been largely peaceful, but have the potential
to turn violent. Police have used tear gas to disperse crowds.
There is no evidence of any anti-American sentiment among the demonstrators, but U.S. citizens in Peru are advised to monitor news broadcasts closely and to avoid demonstrations.
Maps
courtesy of 4maps.com.
For
questions and comments about Worldtravelcenter.com, its World Travel Health
newsletter, or its travel companion jetStream, contact
Laura Bauer:
laura@worldtravelcenter.com
Phone: 1-800-234-1862
GlobalNotes
Asia
Africa
Central
& South America
Feature Articles
Trouble-Free
Travel?... Say What?!
Vaccine
Recommendations
Travel Health
Risk Overview
jetStream
Travel Stories
Travel
Insurance Primer
Fun and Games
Travel
Health & Safety Quiz
