Hundreds of tourists have been left stranded near Machu Picchu after train tracks to the ancient mountaintop citadel were blocked by protesters. Peru’s tourism minister on Tuesday said some 900 tourists were still stuck at the town nearest to Machu Picchu which is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
Trains have been suspended following protests regarding a tourist bus contract. Train company PeruRail said the route through the mountainous Cusco region had been blocked by “rocks of various sizes”. It added “third parties” had dug up part of the route which hindered the evacuation of tourists.
The US Embassy in Peru put out a notice on Tuesday, urging people to avoid large crowds and demonstrations, and to speak to their travel company.
It warned demonstrations are set to continue, adding: “Rail and road traffic on routes leading to Machu Picchu may be disrupted without prior notice.
“Travellers with rail travel plans should contact their rail service provider directly regarding rescheduling or reimbursement options.
“Travellers should consult with their guides or tourist agencies on travel conditions and adjust plans accordingly.”
Locals have reportedly clashed with authorities and bus companies.
According to the Reuters news agency, protesters argue there is a lack of transparency and fairness over replacing a tourist bus operator that takes visitors to the 15th-century Inca site from Aguas Calientes, the closest town to Machu Picchu.
The demonstrations began last week after the concession ended of operator Consettur and a neighbouring district granted a different company to operate in its place.
However, protesters in Aguas Calientes prevented it from operating, Reuters reported.
Experts say the most common way visitors reach Machu Picchu is via train into Aguas Calientes before then catching a bus to its entrance.
Lima’s tourism minister Desilu Leon said 1,400 tourists were evacuated on Monday but hundreds remain stranded in Aguas Calientes.
Machu Picchu was voted as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in a 2007 poll.