On Monday, September 15, 2025, around 900 tourists were stranded at Machu Picchu, the ancient Inca citadel in Peru, as the railway service was disrupted due to a protest. Residents obstructed the railway tracks leading to Aguas Calientes, the nearest town to Machu Picchu, causing chaos for travelers. The railway service provider, PeruRail, reported that the route was temporarily rendered inoperable by the blockade and damage to the tracks.
Peru’s tourism minister, Desilu Leon, confirmed the evacuation of 1,400 tourists on Monday night, while approximately 900 individuals remained stranded in Aguas Calientes. The situation escalated as clashes between police and locals resulted in injuries to 14 officers during attempts to clear the tracks for evacuation purposes.
Efforts to evacuate the remaining tourists resumed on Tuesday evening, with protests temporarily halted until Wednesday, September 17. The protests were fueled by a dispute between residents and bus companies managing the tourist transportation between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu. Locals expressed concerns over the lack of transparency in the replacement process for the expiring concession of the tourist bus operator, Consettur.
The Machu Picchu Defence Front, representing locals, demanded the initiation of operations by a new local transport company to address the perceived issues. The conflict raised concerns about the potential reputational damage to Machu Picchu, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as highlighted by New7Wonders, a global heritage advocacy group.
In recent years, Peruvian authorities have faced challenges in managing the impact of tourism on Machu Picchu. Despite global efforts to mitigate overtourism in cultural sites, Peru increased the daily visitor cap at Machu Picchu in 2024, allowing up to 5,600 visitors per day compared to the previous limit of 3,800. This decision aimed to boost tourism but has raised questions about sustainability and preservation of the historic site.
The incident at Machu Picchu underscores the delicate balance between tourism promotion and responsible management of cultural heritage sites. As authorities navigate these challenges, ensuring the long-term preservation of iconic destinations like Machu Picchu remains a priority amidst evolving travel trends and sustainability concerns.
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