South America

Brazil: Torrential Rain Kills Many, Leaves More Stranded

Date: January 11th, 2012 |

Heavy rain killed at least 28 people and left thousands more stranded throughout Southeastern Brazil. The rain caused deadly mudslides, which in turn damaged infrastructure and continues to make the region dangerous. Brazil’s rainy season corresponds with its summer, which begins in December and frequently brings devastation to regions around waterways and on hillsides, making [read more]

Peru: State of Emergency due to Demonstrations

Date: December 10th, 2011 |

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A two-month state of emergency, which suspends certain constitutional rights such as freedom of assembly, association and circulation, and gives security forces the right to search homes at will, has been instituted in the provinces of Cajamarca, Celendín, Hualgayoc and Contumazá. The security measure is a reaction to demonstrations against the new Conga gold mine [read more]

Ecuador: Tainted Liquor Recall

Date: August 31st, 2011 |

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Sampling locally distilled liquor or wine with new friends can be a pleasant cultural experience, but sometimes care is called for. Officials are trying to buy back half a million bottles of alcohol that have killed 48 people and sickened hundreds more. The outbreak of alcohol poisoning is believed to stem from the tainting of [read more]

Brazil: Crime a Problem ahead of World Cup and Olympics

Date: July 25th, 2011 |

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Armed robbers invaded the Santa Teresa Hotel in Rio de Janeiro July 18, stealing money and phones from guests. The hotel is located in the Santa Teresa neighborhood in central Rio known for its narrow, winding streets popular with tourists. Last August a group of gunmen took several people hostage at the Hotel Intercontinental, in [read more]

Chile: Volcano Eruption Disrupts Travel Plans

Date: June 8th, 2011 |

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An erupting volcano along the Puyehue-Cordon Caulle volcanic complex grounded numerous flights and sent ash across South America as far as southern Buenos Aires province. All flights between Buenos Aires and the Andean resorts of Bariloche, Esquel and Chapelco were canceled until at least June 12. Ash coated ski slopes in the area two weeks [read more]

Chile: Forest Fires Burn up Season of Adventure Tourism

Date: January 11th, 2012 |

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The U.S. State Department issued another travel alert regarding the ongoing forest fires in Chile. This alert updates the Dec. 30 notice, and singles out the following high-concern areas: the 12th Region Magallanes, location of the Torres del Paine National Park, the 7th Region Maule and the 8th Region Bio Bio. January is Chile’s peak [read more]

Ecuador: Notorious Volcano Erupting

Date: November 30th, 2011 |

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The volcano Tungurahua spewed lava and rock Nov. 29, prompting the government to urge four villages to evacuate. Ecuador’s Geophysical Institute noted increased activity Nov. 27, and authorities inspected and prepared shelters should a mandatory evacuation order be issued. The alert level was raised from yellow to orange, one below the highest level of red, [read more]

Argentina: Seven Detained for Questioning Regarding French Tourists’ Slaying

Date: August 11th, 2011 |

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Authorities arrested seven suspects for questioning in the rape and slaying of two French tourists Aug. 7. Salta’s judicial authority will proceed with formal questioning of the suspects, two of whom are adult children of a high-ranking police official. They were detained after authorities found the victims’ camera and cell phone. Police believe that the [read more]

Chile: Fears of Second Eruption at Puyehue

Date: July 5th, 2011 |

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Chile’s National Service of Geology and Mining has warned that another eruption at the Puyehue volcano is possible after a cork of lava emerged, blocking more lava from spewing out of the mountain. The cork means that a build-up of pressure can occur, possibly leading to another massive explosion. Minor tremors continue to be measured [read more]

Brazil: Infrastructure Concerns as 2014 World Cup Approaches

Date: June 6th, 2011 |

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FIFA, the world soccer governing body, remains concerned that Brazil will not have adequate infrastructure to accommodate the wave of tourists expected to come with the 2014 World Cup. Brazil has many overcrowded airports, and renovations have presented a challenge to local organizers. Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff recently announced that the country’s airports will be [read more]

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