Coronavirus quarantine: Tamworth couple trapped in Peru COVID-19 lockdown

But when Tamworth resident Sharon Stuart learned Peru planned to shut all borders and lock down the country with no warning to stop COVID-19, it became a nightmare.

Days on, Mrs Stuart and husband Allan are among some 362 Australians trapped in Peru, with no idea how they will escape the country.

The lockdown, designed to halt the coronavirus pandemic in the South American country, started on March 16, with just hours notice.

Airports have closed, with internal travel severely restricted, a nationwide curfew from 8pm to 5am, and regular military and police patrols among the new measures announced daily by Peruvian President Martin Vizcarra.

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"We were able to rent an apartment through AirBnb for the 15 days. We have access to food and water," the Tamworth resident said to the Leader through a Twitter Direct Message.

"The suburb is closed off by the military. We walk to the supermarket to buy our food. Trying to get home to Australia remains the biggest hurdle for us.

"No one is permitted to drive on the roads except for a few taxis and of course the police and military.

"It is a difficult and challenging time as the situation is extremely fluid. Each day the President announces tougher sanctions."

The Stuarts have booked a flight out in April, after the end of a 15 day state of emergency which has forced close the country's Australian embassy.

But they worry the LATAM flight on April 3 could be cancelled at the last minute.

Lima's civilian airport closed on Saturday, cutting off another escape route.

A spokesperson for the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said the Australian government is working directly with the Peruvian government, likeminded embassies, airlines and travel companies, to identify and facilitate travel options for Australians.

Australians have been urged to book a seat on a commercial charter organised by Chumu Adventures.

"The Embassy has been seeking the necessary permissions from the Peruvian government for flights to occur," the spokesperson said.

Tourists from countries like Israel, Mexico, Chile and Argentina have already been repatriated to their countries. British and Canadian citizens have been promised an escape.