Hundreds of international travellers have found themselves trapped in the Andes mountains after a sudden and complete shutdown of Peru's famed Machu Picchu citadel and its vital rail link. The emergency closure was triggered by escalating anti-government protests, leaving visitors stranded and facing significant disruption.
The Peruvian Ministry of Culture took the drastic step of closing the iconic UNESCO World Heritage site indefinitely this Saturday, citing the need to protect the safety of tourists and citizens alike. The move comes as demonstrations against the current government have intensified across the Cusco region.
The transport nightmare is centred on the railway line to Aguas Calientes, the gateway town at the base of Machu Picchu. This is the only efficient route in or out for the vast majority of visitors. With services completely suspended, an estimated 800 tourists are currently stuck in Aguas Calientes, unable to continue their journeys.
A Desperate Effort to Evacuate
In response to the growing crisis, authorities have initiated a complex evacuation operation. Officials are now escorting groups of stranded travellers on foot along the railway tracks towards the town of Piscacucho. From there, buses are being provided to transport them to the city of Cusco.
This arduous journey is the only way out for those caught in the political crossfire. The regional government has confirmed that over 200 people have already been evacuated via this method since the protests began.
Global Travellers Caught in the Crisis
The situation has created a logistical nightmare for tourists from around the globe. Local tourism agencies report that their clients include travellers from the United States, across Europe, and South America. Many are now facing cancelled itineraries, missed flights, and unexpected expenses as they wait for a resolution.
This incident is a severe blow to Peru's vital tourism industry, which is still recovering from the pandemic. Machu Picchu is the country's premier tourist attraction and a critical source of revenue for the local economy. The prolonged closure and associated travel chaos threaten to damage traveller confidence in the destination.
For now, the advice to prospective visitors is clear: avoid travel to the region until the political situation has stabilised and official authorities have given the all-clear for operations to resume safely.
