Machu Picchu Access Disrupted as Protests Leave Tourists Stranded, 14 Injured
OLLANTAYTAMBO, Peru – January 29, 2024 – Hundreds of tourists are stranded near Machu Picchu after protests and road blockages erupted over concerns regarding the distribution of tourism benefits, leading to clashes with police and leaving approximately 14 people injured. The unrest has disrupted train service, the primary access route to the famed Inca citadel.
On monday night, police briefly cleared the railroad after a confrontation with protestors, allowing approximately 1400 tourists to return to Cuzco by train, according to Darwin Baca, a protestor who spoke to local press. Though, critically important disruptions remain.
The protests stem from tourist complaints regarding ticket availability, informal services, and the blockades imposed by local populations dissatisfied with how tourism revenue is allocated. Approximately 4000 travelers are currently stranded, either attempting to reach or depart from Machu Picchu, following blockades initiated sunday night. Protesters reportedly engaged in aggressive actions, including triggering rockslides onto the train tracks between Ollantaytambo and Machu Picchu, endangering both visitors and residents.
“There is close to 4000 travelers that are stranded…with very aggressive actions, which included the provocation of rock landslides to the train tracks,” warned Carlos González Pilares, President of the Chamber of Tourism of Cuzco (Cartuc), in a statement to El Comercio newspaper.
The situation has prompted concern from the Swiss Foundation New7wonders, which highlighted “high tourism pressure, no sustainability management, the increase in prices in services and goods, as well as the risk of affectation to historical heritage,” alongside “social conflicts” and a lack of coordination between tourism institutions. González Pilares also expressed worry about the impact on PeruS international credibility, stating, “It is indeed definitely a worrying news as it affects our credibility at the international level in the medium term.”
Machu Picchu currently receives up to 5600 visitors daily, a number that has been steadily increasing in recent years.
