Hundreds of foreign tourists have been stranded at the world-famous Inca site of Machu Picchu due to the unrest in Peru. About 800 people were affected, the country’s authorities said on Wednesday (local time).
Due to the violent protests against the dismissal and arrest of left-wing president Pedro Castillo, the railway line between the World Heritage site of Machu Picchu and the city of Cusco was previously closed.
State Railway: Blocked due to safety concerns
The railway, which is one hundred kilometers long, is the easiest and most used way to get to or leave Machu Picchu. The reason for the blockage was given by PeruRail state railway on Tuesday as safety concerns and referred to calls for demonstrations by various organizations in Cusco.
Hundreds of tourists were trapped in the small town of Aguas Calientes at the base of Machu Picchu. “We can’t leave here,” Israeli Gale Dut told an AFP journalist. “I’m traveling with my kids, it’s a real problem.” She just wanted to leave Peru “in complete safety”, but that is currently not possible.
State of emergency declared
In Peru, protests have been going on for days against the dismissal and arrest of Castillo and the assumption of office by the new president Dina Boluarte. In response to the violence, the government declared a national state of emergency on Wednesday.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
