Thousands of travelers are being relocated from Machu Picchu due to a demonstration
Machu Picchu, the ancient Incan city and UNESCO World Heritage Site, has once again found itself in the midst of disruption, as local residents have been protesting against the selection of a new bus company to transport tourists from Aguas Calientes to the site.
Located at an altitude of 2,500 meters, Machu Picchu is considered a marvel of architecture and engineering, receiving an average of 4,500 visitors daily, many of them foreigners. The ancient fortified complex, built by the Inca ruler Pachacutec in the 15th century, is a popular destination for tourists who arrive at Aguas Calientes by train from Cusco, the Inca empire's ancient capital.
From Aguas Calientes, visitors take a bus to the entrance of Machu Picchu and return the same way. However, the decision to select a new bus company for this service has sparked protests from local residents, who claim their interests were not sufficiently considered in the selection process.
The residents are demanding a new balance company to run the buses that ferry visitors to Machu Picchu, and are calling for a fair bidding process to ensure a company responsive to their concerns is chosen. This is not the first time such protests have taken place; in January 2021, around 1,200 tourists had to be evacuated due to similar disruptions.
In a recent development, approximately 1,400 tourists had to be evacuated from Machu Picchu's train station overnight. The authorities have not disclosed the nationalities of the stranded tourists, but it is known that about 900 of them remain stranded due to protesters blocking the railway tracks.
Clashes between protesters and police during Monday night's temporary unblocking of the tracks resulted in 14 police injuries. Trapped tourists were suggested to walk for several hours to catch transport out of the Machu Picchu area.
It is worth noting that Machu Picchu was closed for 25 days in 2021 during protests over the impeachment and arrest of then-president Pedro Castillo. The bus firm's contract for Machu Picchu services ended after a 30-year concession, but the authorities have yet to announce the new company that will take over the operations.
This ongoing situation highlights the complexities involved in managing tourism at such historical sites, and the need for authorities to balance the interests of both the local community and the tourists who visit these incredible places.
