Over the last few years, the ancient Inca citadel Machu Picchu has increasingly become the site of protests of all types.
In January 2024, protesters unhappy with the impact of mass tourism blocked train and bus access leading up to the site in a demonstration that resulted in the evacuation of over 1,200 tourists. In February 2023, Machu Picchu reopened after a 25-day shutdown due to escalating anti-government protests.
The UNESCO World Heritage site sees an average of 4,500 visitors per day during low season and has a cap of 5,600 visitors during the summer months.
Machu Picchu “rail and road traffic may be disrupted without prior notice”
The week of Sept. 15, Machu Picchu saw a fresh wave of protests as residents of the gateway Aguas Calientes town placed logs and rocks on the railway tracks to demand a different bus operator for bringing tourists to the site.
Clashes with the protesters and the police resulted in at least 20 injuries, while 1,600 tourists stranded due to bus and train service suspension were evacuated by the Peruvian government.
As protests continue into the week, the U.S. Embassy in Peru put out a series of travel advisories warning travelers that “rail and road traffic on routes leading to Machu Picchu may be disrupted without prior notice.”
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Those who ended up with invalid tickets are being told to go to directly to the rail or bus operator “regarding rescheduling or reimbursement options,” and anyone requiring immediate evacuation needs to identify themselves through a government questionnaire to be put in touch with local rescue workers.
“Travelers should consult with their guides or tourist agencies on travel conditions and adjust plans accordingly,” the Sept. 16 advisory reads further.
Image source: Shutterstock
“Travelers should consult with their guides or tourist agencies on travel conditions”
The latest update issued Sept. 18 states that national railway operator PeruRail temporarily suspended all service on the Ollantaytambo – Machupicchu – Ollantaytambo route as protests continue.
“Demonstrations in Machu Picchu Pueblo are expected to continue,” the update reads.
At the moment, Machu Picchu is not officially closed, but transportation shutdowns may make it significantly more difficult to reach.
Those who do make it independently could also face significant challenges getting back without operating buses or trains. Some travelers who had already made it deep into the site had to hike for up to three hours to reach points at which they could meet the evacuation bus.
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The official State Department travel advisory rating for Peru sits at level two’s “exercise increased caution” — the same as for countries such as France, Italy, and Germany, due to the risk of tourism in their capital cities — as well as China over its history of strained relations with the United States.
In the case of Peru, the advisory sits on a rung higher than “exercise normal precautions” due to pretty crime and a recent history of frequent protests.
“Demonstrations occur regularly throughout the country,” the wider government advisory for Peru reads. “Public demonstrations can take place for a variety of political and economic issues. Demonstrations can shut down local roads, trains, and major highways. This often happens without warning or clear information on reopening times.”
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