Peru evacuates 1,400 tourists from Machu Picchu amid protests
Machu Picchu, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1983 and one of Peru’s most visited tourist attractions, faced major disruptions this week as protests forced authorities to evacuate about 1,400 visitors. The ancient Inca citadel normally attracts around 4,500 tourists daily, many of them international travelers, according to the country’s tourism ministry.
On Monday, local residents blocked railway tracks with logs and rocks to press demands for a new company to operate the bus service between Aguas Calientes — the town at the foot of Machu Picchu — and the archaeological site. The previous concession expired after three decades, but the same firm continued its operations, which sparked resentment among locals calling for a fresh, fair bidding process.
Tourism Minister Desilu Leon told RPP radio that an overnight operation had successfully evacuated around 1,400 stranded tourists from Aguas Calientes before demonstrators renewed the blockade on Tuesday. Authorities did not specify the nationalities of those evacuated.
During temporary clearance of the tracks Monday night, clashes left some people injured. After evacuations were halted, stranded travelers said officials suggested they walk for several hours to reach alternative transport options. “In my case, I can’t do it because my wife is pregnant,” Chilean tourist Miguel Salas told AFP.
Minister Leon said talks were being arranged with local leaders and unions to address community grievances and reach a settlement.
Visitors typically reach Aguas Calientes by train from Cusco, the former capital of the Inca Empire, located about 110 kilometers away. From there, buses take them up to Machu Picchu, built in the 15th century under the rule of Emperor Pachacutec, perched at an altitude of about 2,500 meters (8,200 feet).