Following former president Pedro Castillo’s spectacular arrest, which sparked widespread protests throughout the country, tourists from all over the world are stranded in Machu Picchu as protests in Peru intensified and an emergency was proclaimed across the country. According to a statement made public by the authorities, at least 15 people have already died as a result of the protests.
Local authorities have requested helicopters to remove tourists
Around 800 tourists are now stranded at the base of a mountain, with their supplies running out as the tensions rise and the train line, the only way to get to the UNESCO World Heritage site, has been destroyed and cut off by protesters. Local authorities have requested helicopters to remove visitors, and the Foreign Office is offering consular support to British nationals already present.
“Our hotel informed us that they’re going to cut back on food supplies and offer just eggs and coffee until supplies come to town because the markets are running low,” Diane Thao, an American tourist present in Aguas Calientes, said. Aguas Calientes is the place where the train to Machu Pichu arrives. Meanwhile, Israeli tourist Gale Dut said, “I’m with my kids. For me, it’s a problem.”
Walter, a second tourist from Belgium, said he is unsure of how he will get home if he is unable to get to Cusco in time to board a flight to Lima. The 70-mile train is the only mode of transportation that connects Cusco and the renowned Incan temple complex.
