At least nine hundred tourists were left stranded close to the world-famous archaeological site of the mountaintop sanctuary this week, as stated by the country's tourism authority.
Travel came to a halt after rail transport for tourists was suspended following an ongoing protest. Demonstrators had placed obstructive boulders across the rail lines, halting all train movement.
Cause of the Disruption
The unrest erupted in recent days when the concession ended for Consettur that ferries visitors between the gateway community and the entrance of Machu Picchu.
Local groups state that there is a lack of transparency and fairness in selecting a new the shuttle provider. They demand greater local involvement in the area's primary source of income.
Evacuation Efforts
Local authorities stated that 1,400 travelers were evacuated the previous day, but an estimated nearly a thousand remained stranded in Aguas Calientes.
Besides the blockades, demonstrators also excavated a section of the rail route, damaging the structural integrity of the rail bed and delayed the removal of tourists.
Several visitors attempted hiking away as a result of the unrest.
Officials continue efforts to resolve the situation and ensure the secure evacuation of all affected visitors.
