Protests near Machu Picchu strand nearly 1,000 tourists as trains halt
Demonstrations over a new bus operator disrupt rail access to the historic site; thousands evacuated, hundreds remain stranded as authorities negotiate a path forward.
Nearly 1,000 tourists were stranded in Aguas Calientes, Peru, after protests over a new bus operator disrupted rail service to Machu Picchu. Demonstrators objected to the process by which the contract for Consettur, the company that ferries visitors from the town to the citadel, was replaced, arguing the switch lacked transparency and fairness. Some protesters went as far as placing rocks on the railway, according to Reuters.
Tourism officials said 1,400 visitors were evacuated on Monday, but about 900 remained stranded in Aguas Calientes as authorities tried to move people by land and rail where possible. The railway had been suspended on Monday and resumed two days later.
Tourism Minister Desilu Leon told a local radio station that authorities were coordinating to relocate the remaining travelers as conditions allowed and that the government would continue to facilitate evacuations where feasible.
The U.S. Embassy in Peru urged Americans to avoid large gatherings and demonstrations and warned that transportation, access to Machu Picchu, and related services may be restricted without notice. Travelers were advised that evacuees were being moved by land and rail where possible, but disruption could persist.
Machu Picchu sits 7,970 feet on a mountain ridge and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The 15th-century Inca citadel was named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in 2007, underscoring its status as a principal draw for international tourism.
The protests are linked to the expiration of Consettur’s contract and concerns over how the replacement bus operator was selected, with critics arguing that the process lacked transparency. Government officials have not publicly named the winning bidder, and authorities have faced questions about the timeline and scope of the transition.
As the situation evolves, officials caution that transport routes and site access can be further constrained without notice. Visitors planning trips to Machu Picchu should monitor local advisories and airline and rail updates for changes to service.
The disruption remains a reminder of how logistical changes in gateway towns can ripple through Peru’s tourism sector, which heavily relies on access to its signature heritage sites. The authorities have indicated they are prioritizing the safe movement of travelers and the restoration of normal rail service, but no definitive timeline has been provided for full restoration.
