MACHU PICCHU: Peruvian authorities evacuated approximately 1,400 tourists overnight from the train station serving the ancient Inca citadel of Machu Picchu.
About 900 other visitors remained stranded on Tuesday after protesters blocked the railway tracks leading to the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Residents placed logs and rocks on the tracks on Monday to demand a new company be chosen to operate the buses that ferry visitors from Aguas Calientes station to the site itself.
Tourism Minister Desilu Leon confirmed the evacuation operation occurred before a fresh blockade was established on Tuesday morning.
Authorities have not disclosed the nationalities of the affected visitors who were visiting the site that averages 4,500 daily visitors.
A police statement revealed that 14 officers sustained injuries during clashes with protesters during Monday night’s temporary unblocking of the tracks.
After the evacuation halted, trapped tourists reported that authorities suggested walking several hours to catch alternative transport out of the Machu Picchu area.
Chilean visitor Miguel Salas stated his inability to undertake the journey due to his wife’s pregnancy.
Minister Leon announced plans for a meeting with local authorities and unions to find a solution addressing residents’ complaints.
Visitors typically arrive at Aguas Calientes by train from Cusco, the ancient Inca capital located 110 kilometers away.
From there they take buses to the citadel entrance, returning via the same route that is now blocked.
The previous bus company’s 30-year concession contract had ended but continued providing services, angering residents who demand a fair bidding process for a new company.
Built in the 15th century at 2,500 meters altitude under Inca ruler Pachacutec, Machu Picchu represents an architectural and engineering marvel.
The site has repeatedly become the scene of protests by locals pressing their social demands.
In January last year, approximately 1,200 tourists required evacuation from Machu Picchu, with many never seeing the site.
The complex closed for 25 days a year earlier during protests over the impeachment and arrest of then-president Pedro Castillo.
Tourism remains crucial to Peru’s national economy, making such disruptions particularly significant. – AFP
