According to the municipality of Machu Picchu, 779 tourists from different countries have been stranded since Tuesday.
DHundreds of foreign tourists have been stuck in the area of the famous Inca citadel Machu Picchu since Wednesday, with trains stalled due to protests against Peru’s new President Dina Boluarte’s failed state following the ouster of hitman Pedro Castillo.
In Aguas Calientes, a thermal village nestled in a steep-sided canyon at the foot of the historic site, and through which you can reach Machu Picchu, dozens of tourists are stuck.
The train between the stone citadel and Cuzco, the ancient capital of the Inca Empire, located 110 km away, is really the only modern way to get into or leave the citadel.
“We are in Aguas Calientes now and because of the protests we cannot go back to Cuzco or leave for another country. I am with the children, for me it is a problem.’
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“I just want to travel safely to another country but PeruRail (the train operator) tells me there are no trains,” she said.
According to the municipality of Machu Picchu, 779 tourists from different countries have been stranded since Tuesday.
Rail service between Cuzco and Peru’s tourist gem has been suspended since Tuesday due to protests in the city of Cuzco that began on Monday. The protesters particularly tried to capture the airport which is now closed.
“I was supposed to leave Cuzco by train tomorrow (Tuesday) and fly to Lima to go home, but now the situation is unclear,” Walter, a worried Belgian tourist, told AFP.
PeruRail claims to prioritize the safety of passengers fearing blockage of rail tracks.
The mayor of Machu Picchu, Darwin Baca (the city changed its name to Machu Picchu to capitalize on its fame), has asked the government for humanitarian aid and is requesting helicopters to be sent to evacuate tourists.
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