Hundreds of international travellers, including a significant number of British visitors, have found themselves stranded at one of the world's most iconic archaeological sites following a sudden and explosive outbreak of local protests.
The stunning Inca citadel of Machu Picchu, a UNESCO World Heritage site, has become the epicentre of a major travel crisis after demonstrators blockaded all rail and road access, effectively trapping tourists inside the remote mountain region.
Why The Protests Erupted
The unrest was triggered by the Peruvian government's controversial decision to transfer management of ticket sales for Machu Picchu to a private company, Joinnus. Local tour operators, guides, and business owners view this move as a direct threat to their livelihoods, arguing it will centralise profits and marginalise community-based tourism.
In a powerful display of dissent, protesters took to the tracks, halting all train services operated by PeruRail and Inca Rail. This strategic action severed the primary transport link for the vast majority of visitors who travel to the site from Cusco.
Tourists Left in Limbo
The situation has left foreign nationals in a state of anxiety and uncertainty. With the main railway line blocked and access roads barricaded, there is currently no viable way in or out of the area. The only option for evacuation would be a complex and costly helicopter airlift, a measure not yet deployed.
Social media has been flooded with posts from stranded tourists detailing their plight. Many report difficulties in accessing cash, with local ATMs running dry, and express growing concerns over securing essential supplies and accommodation if the deadlock continues.
Official Response and Warnings
Peru's Ministry of Culture was forced to temporarily close the ancient ruins 'to protect the safety of tourists and citizens alike'. Meanwhile, the UK Foreign Office has updated its travel advice for Peru, explicitly warning of the disruptions and advising travellers to check with their tour operators before attempting to visit the region.
This incident echoes a similar protest-led shutdown in early 2023, which lasted for over two weeks and led to the evacuation of thousands of visitors, highlighting an ongoing tension between national policy and local economic interests in Peru's vital tourism industry.
