Deadly drugs, crime and kidnapping flagged at tourist hot spot known for ancient wonders

Peru's Level 2 "Exercise Increased Caution" advisory was just updated, though officials said the overall advisory level did not change.

Americans are warned about crime, unrest, kidnapping and terrorism across the country, while several areas carry the more severe Level 4 "Do Not Travel" designation.

"If you're venturing outside those areas, that's when the State Department invites us as responsible travelers to really investigate further and to look into these situations further," Castellanos told Fox News Digital.

Officials say there are risks of "petty theft, carjackings, muggings, assaults, and other violent crime" that "often happen even in daylight hours and with many witnesses around."

Officials said that, while rare, such kidnappings "may occur."

Americans are advised not to travel to the Colombia-Peru border area in Loreto or the Valley of the Apurimac, Ene and Mantaro Rivers (VRAEM) - which includes Vilcabamba.

The cities of Abancay, Ayacucho, Huancavelica and Huancayo are also under a Level 4 "Do Not Travel" advisory due to crime and, in several areas, threats of terrorism.

Castellanos said many travelers rely on guides or tour operators when visiting Peru's best-known sites, particularly the Inca Trail.

"A small percentage of travelers try to do everything on their own, especially when it comes to the most famous site, the Inca Trail," Castellanos said.

"You will have a guide," he said. "You will sign up for a tour operator or at least an independent guide that you may hire privately and hike up there."

The warning noted that there is a "risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other activity in Peru."

Travelers may also encounter ayahuasca and Kambo consumption centers across Peru, including in popular tourist areas such as Cusco - but U.S. officials warned Americans not to take the substances.

"U.S. citizens have suffered serious illness and, in some cases, died after taking these drugs," the advisory indicated.

"They have also been sexually assaulted, injured or robbed while under the influence of these substances."

He added, "Especially Peru, where people will go down and experience a traditional cacao ceremony, for example, or they'll take part in [an] ayahuasca ceremony."

Castellanos said travelers should exercise caution before ingesting local substances and consult a doctor beforehand.

"You definitely want to be careful, read up on it, do your due diligence, talk to your doctor before ingesting anything," he said.

Fox News Digital reached out to the State Department for comment and more details.