Rocks blocking Railway Lines Leave 900 Visitors en route to Peru's Historic Site
Approximately nearly a thousand tourists were left stranded in the vicinity of the world-famous archaeological site of the mountaintop sanctuary recently, according to the country's tourism authority.
Travel came to a halt after rail transport for tourists ceased operations as a result of civil unrest. Local residents had placed obstructive boulders along the railway route, preventing transportation services.
Root of the Unrest
The unrest started last week after the operating permit lapsed for Consettur that shuttles visitors from Aguas Calientes and the entrance of Machu Picchu.
Protesters argue that decisions are being made opaquely and fairness in the bidding for the transport service. Protesters want opportunities for regional businesses in the vital tourism industry.
Tourist Assistance
Tourism officials confirmed that over a thousand visitors were escorted out earlier this week, but an estimated 900 remained stranded in Aguas Calientes.
In addition to the rock obstructions, locals also dug up portions of the train tracks, damaging the structural integrity of the tracks and hindered the removal of tourists.
A group of tourists were seen leaving on foot due to the continuing demonstrations.
Officials are attempting to clear the tracks and guarantee the secure evacuation of all affected visitors.
