Nearly 1,000 Tourists Trapped Near Machu Picchu as Protests Shut Down Train Services
Protests against a new bus operator disrupt rail access near Machu Picchu; hundreds evacuated, about 900 travelers remain stranded as authorities reassess transport options, and the U.S. Embassy warns travelers.
Nearly 1,000 tourists remained stranded in Aguas Calientes, Peru, near the Machu Picchu site, as protests over a contracted bus operator led to the suspension of rail service linking the town with the UNESCO World Heritage citadel.
The disruption followed a dispute over the replacement of Consettur, the company that operates the buses from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu. Protesters argued that the process surrounding the new operator lacked transparency and fairness, with some demonstrators placing rocks on the railway in at least one area, according to Reuters.
Tourism Minister Desilu Leon said that 1,400 tourists were evacuated on Monday, leaving about 900 still stranded in Aguas Calientes as authorities continued evacuation efforts via land and rail routes when possible, Leon told a local radio station.
The U.S. Embassy in Peru urged Americans who were visiting to avoid large gatherings and demonstrations, and noted that evacuation and assistance operations were ongoing. The embassy said travelers seeking to visit Machu Picchu during this period should be aware that transportation, site access and other services may be limited without prior notice.
Rail service was suspended on Monday and resumed two days later, as authorities worked to move travelers out of the town and back toward the citadel or other destinations. Machu Picchu sits at about 7,970 feet above sea level on a mountain ridge and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Machu Picchu, a 15th-century Inca citadel, was named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in 2007. The site is a major draw for international visitors, and authorities have historically balanced access with preservation in the region.
Reuters contributed reporting.