Over a thousand tourists have been evacuated from Machu Picchu, with hundreds of others stranded, this week due to demonstrations by residents in Aguas Calientes – the gateway to Peru’s famous archaeological site – blocking transportation services.
PeruRail was forced to suspend its route to the area on Sept. 14, where the UNESCO World Heritage Site and most-visited attraction in the country is located, from “rocks of various sizes and social demonstrations” blocking its railways, the train operator said in a news release.
The demonstrations started last week after tourist bus operator Consettur’s 30-year concession ended and service between Aguas Calientes and the former Inca capital was replaced by a bus company from a neighboring district, Reuters reported. Protestors are advocating against a lack of transparency in the decision-making process, and that the move would drain tourism dollars to businesses outside of Aguas Calientes.
The disruption in transportation left more than 900 tourists stranded in Machu Picchu, according to Peru’s tourism minister. On Sept. 15, Peruvian authorities evacuated 1,400 tourists from the area.
According to PeruRail, train service to Machu Picchu is expected to resume in the afternoon of Sept. 17. “This decision follows confirmation from the relevant authorities that safety and operational conditions along the railway line have been fully restored,” the company said.
The U.S. Embassy in Peru warned Americans with travel plans to one of the New Seven Wonders of the Worldon Sept. 16 about the risk of being stranded. Travelers may have to undertake “two to three hours of hiking combined with bus or other road transport” to leave the area.
“Travelers who still seek to visit Machu Picchu during this period despite the protests should be aware that transportation, access to the site, and access to other services may be further limited without prior notice,” the alert stated. “Such travelers should be prepared with all supplies required for their entire journey, including sufficient food, water, and medical supplies.”
According to Mike Ballard, director of intelligence at security firm Global Guardian, protests around Machu Picchu have been known to last up to two months. In 2023, violent protests due to political unrest left over 400 travelers stranded at the site, which was also temporarily shut down.
“Based on the issues at hand, it’s unlikely that these disruptive protests last that long, but could continue for another week,” Ballard told USA TODAY. “Travelers planning a trip to Machu Picchu in that time period should plan for disruptions and alternative means of transportation.”

source