AGP Executive Report

Public Health Alert: PAHO says measles is surging across the Americas, with risk rated “very high,” and notes Peru is among the four countries driving most confirmed cases. Road Safety: A minivan crash in Cusco killed 13 people and injured four after it hit the back of a stopped trailer on the Cusco–Arequipa route. Environment & Governance: Peru’s government is pushing back against illegal Amazon mining, warning it threatens deforestation and pollution. Sports (Peru Connection): Peru’s Emma Mertes is highlighted in a kids’ business fair story, while Peruvians also appear in regional sports coverage tied to the wider Pan American spotlight. Diplomacy: Peru and Mexico move to restore diplomatic relations after a prolonged rift, signaling a fresh start for bilateral ties.

Road Safety: A deadly crash in southern Peru’s Cusco region killed 9 and injured 6 early Saturday after a minivan hit a trailer truck near Pulpera Bridge in Espinar. Environment & Health: Peru’s illegal mining boom hit USD 3,355 million (Oct 2024–Oct 2025), with Amazon deforestation, mercury pollution, and impacts on 73 indigenous communities and 250+ rivers. Public Health: PAHO issued a measles vaccination alert across the Americas as cases tripled vs last year; Peru is among the countries with the highest share of confirmed cases. Climate & Food Prices: El Niño threatens Peru’s blueberry harvest and other exports, raising risks for yields and prices. Diplomacy: Peru and Mexico moved to restore relations after a long rift tied to an asylum dispute. Culture & Faith: Chiclayo’s diocese announced the start of a beatification/canonization cause for American missionary Juan Tomis Stack. Sports: Peru’s U20 athletics and volleyball coverage continues, including Peru’s upcoming matchups in youth tournaments.

Diplomatic Reset: Peru and Mexico have restored diplomatic relations after a four-year rift tied to asylum for former Peruvian PM Betssy Chávez, with both sides citing “historical ties” and safe-conduct arrangements. Amazon Security: Peru’s Environment Minister Vladimiro Huaroc reaffirmed the government’s push against illegal mining in the Peruvian Amazon, highlighting coordinated patrols around the Nanay River basin in Loreto. Energy Investment: Azerbaijan’s SOFAZ is investing in Peru’s power sector through a stake in Inkia Energy, a deal framed as long-term diversification into Peru’s electricity generation and renewables pipeline. Church News: Chiclayo’s diocese has begun the beatification process for American missionary Juan Tomis Stack, a move linked to Pope Leo XIV’s missionary inspiration. Health Access in the Amazon: A report from San Lorenzo in Peru’s Amazon describes how long, risky travel to referral hospitals can delay care for children and indigenous communities. Food & Culture: Ceviche remains a core Peruvian identity dish, with its lime-cured fish roots traced to pre-Columbian coastal traditions and Spanish-era ingredients.

Diplomatic Reset: Peru and Mexico have officially resumed diplomatic relations after months of tension over asylum granted to former Peruvian official Betssy Chávez, with Peru saying it provided guarantees and safe conduct under the 1954 Caracas Convention while Mexico maintained its protection stance. Sports Infrastructure: Peru’s President Keiko Fujimori reaffirmed Lima’s commitment to host the 2027 Pan American Games, agreeing with Panam Sports to speed up infrastructure schedules after logistical delays. Climate Watch: Scientists warn that “Super El Niño” could bring severe droughts and torrential rains across Latin America, with knock-on risks for Peru’s coastal marine life and inland agriculture. Culture & Faith: Pope Leo XIV’s upcoming South America visit is being framed by Catholics as a sign of hope amid economic strain, while Peru remains in the spotlight for the wider tour. Local Spotlight: Lima’s Deportivo Municipal launched a “shirt of a thousand sponsors” campaign, turning its jersey into a crowdfunding platform for small businesses.

Diplomacy Reset: Peru and Mexico agreed to restore diplomatic relations after nine months, including safe-conduct for former PM Betssy Chávez Chino, while Peru said legal proceedings can continue. Papal Spotlight: Pope Leo XIV urged young Catholics in Chota and Cutervo to become “agents of hope,” framing a “holy rebellion” to serve the forgotten. Energy Investment: Azerbaijan’s SOFAZ invested in Inkia Energy, Peru’s biggest independent power producer, backing a diversified renewables-heavy portfolio. Press Freedom Fight: Peru’s anti-NGO/foreign-funding media law is being challenged in court after it expanded APCI control over donor-funded groups. Climate & Work: The ILO warned El Niño 2026–2027 could hit informal and outdoor workers hardest across Latin America, worsening incomes and conditions. Regional Politics: A right-wing wave continues, with Peru’s Fujimori-era approval and constraints highlighted amid broader security and economic pressures.

El Niño Response: Peru’s President Fujimori is pushing coordinated actions to blunt El Niño impacts, including new geogrids and dikes to prevent landslides and a push to prioritize care for elderly and children. Tourism Safety: A wildfire in Machu Picchu has burned about 1.5 hectares of primary forest, raising fresh concerns about how quickly Andes tourism can respond to disasters. Papal Visit: Pope Leo XIV’s first South American trip is set for Nov. 6–17, with Peru stops including Lima, Chiclayo, Cusco and Pucallpa—confirmed by local dioceses as preparations ramp up. Earth & Heritage: Archaeologists at Cerro Mayal in northern Peru report new Moche pottery workshop evidence, while a separate study using lidar maps over 20,000 pre-colonial earthworks across the Amazon region. Economy: Peru’s exports rose 34% in 1H 2026, topping US$54 billion, alongside reports of strong oil output in July. Disaster Watch: A 5.1 quake struck central Peru.

El Niño Response in Peru: President Keiko Fujimori is pushing coordinated government action to prevent El Niño impacts, including geogrids and dikes to reduce landslide risk and new prevention measures in Piura. Machu Picchu Under Strain: A wildfire has burned about 1.5 hectares of primary forest since Monday, raising concerns about tourism’s lifeline around the Inca citadel. Pope Leo XIV’s South America Tour: The Vatican confirmed Pope Leo XIV will travel to Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru from Nov. 6–17, with Peru stops in Lima, Chiclayo, Cusco, and Pucallpa. Aviation Tragedy Near Nazca: Peru continues investigating a sightseeing plane crash near the Nazca Lines that killed 13, with authorities examining mechanical issues and flight oversight. Sports Spotlight: Anika Larson won three golds for the U.S. at the FISU America Games in Lima, while Peru’s PlayTime captured the Dota 2 title at the Games of the Future in Astana.

Pan Am countdown: Simone Biles arrived in Peru for the one-year lead-up to the Lima 2027 Pan American Games, named global ambassador for the event that kicks off July 23, 2027, with 16 days of competition across 38 sports. Machu Picchu fire impact: A wildfire inside the Machu Picchu Historic Sanctuary has affected 1.5 hectares of primary forest since Monday, with specialized brigades battling a mixed surface-and-underground fire near Poques hill. Big private investment: President Keiko Fujimori says Coca-Cola and Arca Continental Lindley will invest $1 billion in Peru over coming years to expand and modernize plants, distribution, logistics, and technology—plus support for Coastal El Niño relief. Education supply scandal: Fujimori’s government reports warehouses holding educational materials that were not distributed since 2018, including textbooks, notebooks, computers, lab equipment, and furniture, prompting an audit. Pope visit confirmed: Pope Leo XIV will travel to Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru in November (Nov. 6–17), with Peru stops in Lima, Chiclayo, Cusco, and Pucallpa. Tourism risk: PeruRail suspended multiple departures to Machu Picchu after the fire destabilized slopes near the only rail corridor.

Papal Visit: Pope Leo XIV will make his first Latin America trip as pontiff, visiting Uruguay, Argentina and Peru from Nov. 6–17, with Peru stops in Lima, Chiclayo, Cusco and Pucallpa. Archaeology in Peru: Researchers using lidar say they’ve uncovered the Aquiry Amazon civilization, a highly organized society dating to about 2,000 years ago, with earthworks and roads that researchers compare to ancient Greece. Health & Justice: Peruvian cardinal Pedro Barreto hailed a $150m settlement for 1,373 people allegedly poisoned as children in La Oroya as a “historic milestone.” Crime & Cooperation: Peru and Colombia arrested two suspects tied to the killing of a Dallas-based American Airlines flight attendant. Business & Finance: Euronet and Unibanca signed a multi-year deal to upgrade Peru’s credit issuing with Euronet’s CoreCard platform. Mining: Excellon says it achieved first concentrate production at its Mallay mine in central Peru.

Migration & ID Security: Peru has started issuing a new electronic Carné de Extranjería for foreign residents, with face and fingerprint biometrics plus an electronic signature, linked in real time to police systems to help curb forged documents and irregular status. Crime & Regional Cooperation: The U.S. Army launched a Western Hemisphere joint task force with 18 Americas countries under the Coalition Against the Cartels of the Americas, aiming to boost pressure on organized crime. Environment Crackdown: Operation Green Shield 2026—run across five Amazon countries including Peru—netted 839 arrests and seized more than $280 million in illegal mining, logging and wildlife-trafficking assets. Tourism Numbers: Peru welcomed 1.628 million international tourists through June, down 0.7% year-on-year, with Machu Picchu and the Magic Water Circuit leading visits. Sports (Peru on the radar): The U.S. men’s team scheduled fall friendlies against Peru (Sept. 26) as part of the post-World Cup cycle. Business & Trade: Khipu Coffee released a Peruvian Coffee Harvest Guide to spotlight specialty coffee producers and processing across Peru.

Amazon Security: The UAE-led Operation Green Shield 2026 wrapped up across the Amazon with Peru among participating countries, arresting 839 people and seizing about $280M in assets over 17 days, targeting illegal mining, logging, wildlife trafficking, fuel smuggling and land grabbing. El Niño Response: Peru’s president said the country will act in a coordinated way to reduce El Niño impacts, while also prioritizing care for elderly and children. Nazca Plane Crash Aftermath: Peru is investigating a tourist plane crash near the Nazca Lines that killed 13, with officials considering airport suspension and forensic work identifying victims. Justice & Health: Former President Alejandro Toledo asked Keiko Fujimori to speed up his presidential pardon, citing cancer and serious health issues, while Fujimori said the request will be reviewed through technical and humanitarian channels. Foreign Policy: Peru’s new foreign minister, Carlos Espá, held talks with Israel’s Gideon Saar on strengthening bilateral ties, including cooperation against transnational organized crime and water management.

Nazca Lines Tragedy: Peru is investigating a small sightseeing plane crash near the Nazca Lines that killed 13 people, including 11 tourists (Europeans) and two crew; officials say a mechanical emergency may have preceded the crash, and preliminary findings are expected in about a month. Aviation Safety Scrutiny: Flights around the Nazca area were grounded amid concerns about weather and oversight as investigators examine what went wrong. Diplomatic Outreach: Peru’s new government is working to restore ties with Mexico after the Castillo-era rupture, with Mexico signaling it wants no break in relations. Presidential Pardon Pressure: Former President Alejandro Toledo, jailed in the Odebrecht case, urged Keiko Fujimori to speed up his humanitarian pardon request, citing serious heart issues and cancer. Youth & Faith: Pope Leo XIV sent a message to Peru’s youth urging them not to be afraid to act as God’s instruments, shared during a national youth congress in Piura. Community for Migrants: A Las Vegas nonprofit, Ayni Peru of Nevada, is helping Peruvian immigrants connect to resources and Peru-linked support networks.

Nazca Lines Tragedy: Peru is investigating a small Aerodiana Cessna Caravan crash near the Nazca Lines that killed all 13 aboard, including seven Italians, two Germans, two Spaniards, and two Peruvian crew. Authorities say the pilot reported mechanical problems before contact was lost, and DNA tests will be used for identification. Aviation Oversight: Peru has temporarily suspended Aerodiana’s operations while investigators check compliance with aviation rules; President Keiko Fujimori said a temporary airport suspension is being considered pending ministry reports. Public Safety Shift: Fujimori also announced that, in the coming days, the Armed Forces will patrol streets and support police in surveillance and security, including at penitentiary centers, as part of a broader crime-fighting push. Earthquake Watch: A 5.3-magnitude quake jolted central Peru, according to the GFZ.

Nazca Tragedy: Peru is investigating a fatal Aerodiana sightseeing crash near the Nazca Lines that killed all 13 aboard—11 European tourists (including 7 Italians, 2 Germans, 2 Spaniards) plus 2 Peruvian crew—after the plane reported mechanical problems and then lost radio contact; wreckage burned on impact, and authorities say DNA tests will be used to identify victims. Aviation Oversight: The government has temporarily suspended Aerodiana’s operations while investigators from the aviation accident commission assess the flight path, communications, and wreckage. Defense & Industry: Peru’s Independence Day parade featured export-bound Hyundai Rotem K2 tanks and K808 armored vehicles, boosting expectations of a second-half implementation contract for a major deal. Amazon Protection: Peru’s Air Force and SERFOR launched a coordinated push using satellite monitoring, sensors, and near real-time alerts to curb deforestation, illegal logging, mining, and fires. Trade & Food: Peru is exporting high-value superfoods like cocoa, maca, camu camu, and yacón to Asian markets as demand for organic and functional foods grows.

Nazca Tragedy: A small tourist plane crashed near Peru’s Nazca Lines on Saturday, killing all 13 people aboard—11 foreign tourists and 2 crew—after the Cessna Caravan took off from Pisco and reported an emergency before losing radio contact; victims included seven Italians, two Germans, and two Spaniards, and police say there were no survivors as firefighters and investigators worked at the charred wreckage. Tourism Response: Peru’s transport and tourism authorities confirmed the deaths and said the cause is under investigation, with officials discussing possible temporary suspension measures for flights/airport operations as details emerge. Regional Context: Separately, Indonesia reported at least five dead and 41 missing after a ferry fire off Madura Island, while other unrelated international items circulated in the week’s coverage.

Aviation Tragedy: A small sightseeing plane crashed near Peru’s Nazca Lines on Saturday, killing all 13 people onboard—11 foreign tourists and two crew members—after taking off from Pisco and going down in the Pueblo Viejo area close to the UNESCO site; the aircraft, operated by Aerodiana, caught fire and rescue was impossible, and authorities say the cause is under investigation. Tourism Impact: The crash has renewed scrutiny on flights over one of Peru’s top attractions, which typically draw tens of thousands of visitors each year and are often viewed from small planes. Local Economy Note: Separate from the crash, a single-family home in Peru changed hands for $450,000 (2,278 sq. ft., built 2002), highlighting ongoing real-estate activity in the area.