Hundreds of travellers, including many British nationals, have found themselves trapped in a burgeoning travel crisis in Peru after violent demonstrations brought the entire region surrounding the iconic Machu Picchu to a standstill.
The unrest, stemming from widespread anti-government protests, has led to the complete suspension of all rail services—the only viable transport link in and out of the ancient site. Tourists currently in the town of Aguas Calientes, the gateway to the ruins, are reporting scenes of confusion and growing anxiety.
Transport Links Severed
The situation escalated rapidly as protestors, angered by new legislation they claim benefits foreign private enterprises over local workers, blocked railway lines and clashed with police. In response, PeruRail, the primary train operator, indefinitely cancelled all services to and from Ollantaytambo and Cusco, effectively stranding everyone at the mountaintop citadel.
"We were told the trains were cancelled until further notice. No one knows when they will restart. The atmosphere is very tense," one distressed British tourist reported via WhatsApp.
A Desperate Scramble for Solutions
With the railway severed, the only alternative exit is a dangerous and gruelling multi-day trek along winding mountain roads—a journey deemed impossible for many families with children and elderly visitors. The UK Foreign Office has swiftly updated its travel advice, urging extreme caution and advising Britons to contact their tour operators immediately.
Local authorities, in a bid to manage the crisis, have temporarily closed the Machu Picchu archaeological park itself. This has left tourists not only stranded but also unable to visit the very attraction they travelled thousands of miles to see.
Official Response and Warnings
The British Embassy in Lima is now actively monitoring the situation. A spokesperson stated, "We are in touch with local authorities and tour operators regarding the disruption to travel around Machu Picchu. British nationals affected should follow the advice of their tour operator and consult our travel advice."
Tour companies are scrambling to assist their clients, arranging alternative accommodation where possible and desperately seeking any safe route out of the isolated region. The advice for now is to remain indoors, avoid any areas where protests are occurring, and wait for further updates from official sources.
