Local protests in Peru disrupted transportation service to the ancient Inca city of Machu Picchu this week, stranding hundreds of tourists and prompting the U.S. State Department to issue a travel warning.
However, a negotiated pause in the protests resulted in Peru Rail resuming train service to the historic site on Sept. 17.
The week-long protests, which included blocking access to the Machu Picchu rail line with large boulders, stems from a squabble over the concession license for transporting visitors to the mountain citadel by bus. Reuters reported on Sept. 17 that protestors have clashed with both the bus company and police.
With transportation routes cut off, thousands of tourists who came to visit the UNESCO World Heritage site were stranded, some for days in the nearby town of Aguas Calientes. Most were later evacuated.
On Sept. 16, the U.S. Embassy in Lima, Peru issued an advisory about the protests.
“Local organizations are continuing protests regarding changes to the bus contract serving the route to the Machu Picchu site,” embassy officials wrote. “Peruvian authorities have been evacuating tourists from Machu Picchu Pueblo/Aguas Calientes using land and rail routes when possible. Commercial rail service remains suspended in the Ollantaytambo – Machu Picchu route and reports indicate that railway lines remain blocked by demonstrations and rocks of various sizes.”
While the rail line has now been cleared, the advisory added, “Travelers who still seek to visit Machu Picchu during this period despite the protests should be aware that transportation, access to the site, and access to other services may be further limited without prior notice. Such travelers should be prepared with all supplies required for their entire journey, including sufficient food, water, and medical supplies.”
The New7Wonders Foundation warned that Machu Picchu could be delisted as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World as the result of overtourism, conservation gaps and social unrest.
