Cultural/political/geophysical challenges we face

In prepping for the trip, and reviewing Peruvian news, I learned that in the last week or so (1) there's been an earthquake south of Lima, (2) riots in the streets protesting the guv-ment, (3) disruptions in train travel to Machu Picchu (because of those same riots), (4) a pissing match between the leaders of Bolivia and Peru that began when one called the other "fatter and less anti-imperialist," and (5) Peru has decided to embrace "vertical births" [you'll have to Google that one for yourself]. Pack light, everyone, and toss in your helmets.