Rocks placed on Train Tracks Leave Hundreds of Travelers en route to the Inca Citadel
Approximately nine hundred tourists found themselves trapped near the world-famous archaeological site of the iconic Peruvian landmark on Tuesday, according to government officials.
This situation arose because the local railway ceased operations due to civil unrest. Protesters had placed large stones and debris on the tracks, preventing all train movement.
Protest Background
The protest erupted in recent days after the concession ended for the bus company that shuttles visitors from the nearby town to the access point of the ancient ruins.
Protesters claim that the process lacks openness and impartiality in the process of replacing the tourist bus operator. They demand more community input in the vital tourism industry.
Evacuation Efforts
Government representatives confirmed that 1,400 tourists had been safely removed on Monday, however around nearly a thousand remained stranded in the town below Machu Picchu.
In addition to the physical barriers, protesters reportedly disturbed portions of the railway line, damaging the structural integrity of the rail bed and hindered evacuation efforts.
A group of tourists reportedly leaving on foot as a result of the unrest.
Authorities are working to clear the tracks and ensure the secure evacuation of all affected visitors.