Tourism is once again flowing to Peru’s most iconic destination, Machu Picchu, after protests by local residents temporarily shut down access routes and left hundreds of international travellers stranded. As of now, train services have resumed between the ancient Inca site and the gateway town of Aguas Calientes, bringing much-needed relief to Peru’s vital tourism sector.
The disruption began this week, when members of the Machu Picchu Defense Front blocked train tracks with rocks and logs. The protest was sparked by community demands to be included in the bidding process for a new bus operator responsible for transporting tourists from Aguas Calientes to the archaeological site. The previous operator’s 30-year concession had expired, but services continued, prompting calls for more local participation. Peruvian authorities responded quickly, organising the evacuation of approximately 1,400 visitors overnight. An additional 156 tourists were airlifted out the following evening, while others opted to trek down the mountain on foot. Those affected included visitors from the United States, France, Germany, Japan, Brazil, and Portugal.
The protests caused significant disruption to one of the world’s most visited heritage sites, with Machu Picchu typically receiving around 4,500 tourists daily. As negotiations progressed, residents agreed to a temporary truce, allowing PeruRail to resume operations and tourists to safely return. Authorities are now engaged in dialogue with local stakeholders to resolve the dispute and avoid further disruptions. While train services are back in operation, ongoing discussions will determine how the bus concession issue is settled. No timeline has been set for the final agreement, but officials aim to balance the interests of tourism operators and the local community.
Tourism is a major economic driver for Peru, and Machu Picchu’s uninterrupted accessibility remains crucial. The recent disruption underscores the importance of involving communities in tourism planning and ensuring that the benefits of travel reach those closest to the sites themselves.
