Nearly 1,000 tourists were left stranded in Aguas Calientes, Peru, near the ancient Machu Picchu site, as protests over a bus company contract dispute disrupted train services. The situation escalated into a two-week-long protest following the expiration of the contract for Consettur, the company operating buses that transport visitors from the town of Aguas Calientes to the iconic Inca citadel. During the protests, some demonstrators took to the railway tracks, placing rocks of varying sizes, which led to the temporary suspension of train operations. This disruption has not only affected tourist access but also raised questions about the management of public transport services in the region.
Minister of Tourism, Desilu Leon, reported that a total of 1,400 tourists had been evacuated from Machu Picchu Pueblo, with approximately 900 still remaining stranded. The U.S. Embassy in Peru swiftly stepped in, issuing warnings to American visitors to evade large gatherings and demonstrations. In a statement, the embassy emphasized its efforts to assist stranded travelers, noting that the authorities were evacuating tourists using both land and rail routes whenever possible. The advisory also highlighted the potential for further disruptions, advising that transportation, access to the site, and other services might be limited without prior notice.
Railway services, which were suspended on Monday, began resuming operations two days later. Machu Picchu, an architectural marvel of the Inca Empire, was recognized as one of the ‘New 7 Wonders of the World’ in 2007. Situated at an altitude of 7,970 feet on a mountain ridge above sea level, the site is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, underscoring its global significance. Despite the current disruptions, Machu Picchu remains a prime destination for travelers, albeit with added uncertainties due to the ongoing protests. The incident has sparked discussions about the need for more transparent and equitable processes in managing critical infrastructure and services, especially in regions of historical and cultural importance.