Protests in Peru: Hundreds of tourists blocked near Machu Picchu due to train stoppage.

Protests led to transport blockage in Machu Picchu

According to The Sun: Due to large-scale protests, hundreds of tourists found themselves in an unpleasant situation in Machu Picchu as transport connections to this iconic site were halted.

According to Peru's Minister of Tourism, the trains that provide access to the popular archaeological site have stopped due to the protests.

Police guarding railway tracks near Machu Picchu. AFP

The service was suspended on Monday due to road blockades carried out by protesters using stones of various sizes.

The protesters express their dissatisfaction with the new bus company designated to service this area. The situation worsened when the contract with Consettur, which provided transportation for tourists, ended.

Participants in the protests expressed displeasure over the lack of "transparency and fairness" in the process of changing the carrier.

According to Minister of Tourism Desilu Leon, on Monday, 1,400 tourists were evacuated from the historic Incan city, while about 900 people remain in Aguas Calientes.

The U.S. Embassy in Peru urged tourists to avoid large gatherings and demonstrations.

“Peruvian authorities are evacuating tourists from Machu Picchu Pueblo/Aguas Calientes using ground and rail routes whenever possible,” said a spokesperson.

The protests began last week after the concession for Consettur expired.

Tourist evacuation situation

The local branch of PeruRail reported that “third parties” managed to evacuate some passengers from their rail route.

Machu Picchu, a 15th-century Incan citadel, is one of the most famous tourist attractions in Peru, visited by thousands of tourists each year. This UNESCO World Heritage site is located at an altitude of about 8,000 feet in the mountains.

The site was recognized as one of the New 7 Wonders of the World in 2007, and tourism remains an important element of the country's economy. However, the New7Wonders group warned that this heritage might be under threat.

“The conflict could threaten Machu Picchu's status as one of the New Wonders of the World,” reads a letter to the Peruvian government.

Tourists waiting for evacuation from Ollantaytambo. AP Tourists visiting the ancient Incan ruins of Machu Picchu. AFP Currently, the situation remains tense as protests continue, and tourists in Machu Picchu are trying to find a way to return home. Authorities promise to ensure safety and assistance, but uncertainty surrounding the new bus company may create additional difficulties for visitors. The economic consequences of this conflict may impact the tourism business in the region, especially given its significance to Peru's economy.