Tourism Disrupted in Cusco
Travel to one of the world’s most famous heritage sites has been thrown into chaos after protests in Peru’s Cusco region left at least 900 tourists stranded near Machu Picchu. The suspension of passenger train services, the main route connecting visitors to the site, came after residents blocked tracks with rocks and dug into sections of the railway, creating safety risks and halting transportation.
Authorities confirmed that more than 1,400 visitors were evacuated earlier, but hundreds remain stuck in Aguas Calientes, the gateway town at the foot of the 15th-century citadel. The disruption underscores the vulnerability of Peru’s tourism industry when local disputes spill into the country’s most heavily visited cultural attraction.
The Conflict Over Transport Rights
The protests center on the end of the concession held by Consettur, the bus company responsible for shuttling visitors from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu’s entrance. With its contract expired, another company from a neighboring district was awarded the opportunity to take over the route. However, local residents of Aguas Calientes objected, arguing that the process lacked transparency and excluded businesses in their community from reaping the benefits of tourism revenue.
When the new operator attempted to launch services, protesters blocked buses from running. Their actions extended to sabotaging the railway route, forcing PeruRail to suspend trains and leaving tourists without safe passage to or from the archaeological site.
Tourists Caught in the Middle
Stranded visitors have been forced to wait in Aguas Calientes while authorities attempt to restore transportation. Some travelers have left on foot along alternate routes, waving to journalists and residents as they made their way out. The extended delays have sparked concerns over safety, lodging shortages, and the reputational impact on Peru’s tourism sector, which relies heavily on Machu Picchu as its flagship attraction.
Tourism officials acknowledged the seriousness of the disruption and confirmed that emergency measures were being coordinated to assist those still stuck in the area. While no injuries were reported among the tourists, the standstill has highlighted the fragile balance between economic interests, community disputes, and the need for reliable access to heritage sites.
What’s Next for Machu Picchu Access
The standoff has now reached a critical point. On one hand, communities in Aguas Calientes are demanding greater participation in the lucrative transport business that moves thousands of visitors daily. On the other, regional authorities must ensure that safe, regulated, and continuous access to the citadel is guaranteed.
Resolving the dispute quickly is seen as vital not just for tourism revenue, but for Peru’s international image. Machu Picchu attracts millions of visitors each year and is a cornerstone of the national economy. Any prolonged instability risks deterring tourists and damaging trust in Peru’s ability to manage its most important cultural asset.