American Tourists Stuck at Machu Picchu Due to Riots in Peru

Hundreds of foreign visitors, including many Americans, have been stuck for days in the Andes Mountains near Machu Picchu as a result of the recent wave of social turmoil.

Riots broke out on December 7 in favour of former Peruvian president Pedro Castillo, who was deposed and jailed the day before. The ousted leader attempted to unlawfully prorogue the parliament to prevent an impeachment vote.

At least 20 people have been killed and more than 500 protesters and security officials have been wounded amid the subsequent chaos. As a result, authorities proclaimed a 30-day state of national emergency, restricting people’s freedom of movement.

Those participating in the unrest have burned down buildings, seized control of airports, and shut down major thoroughfares. Angry protesters had also barricaded the railroad lines leading to the historic Incan fortress with rocks and felled trees.

A large number of tourists from other countries were stranded at the UNESCO World Heritage site without a chance to go to the nearest airport, which was over 50 miles away.

A recent report from the U.S. Embassy in Peru said that preparations were being made to use choppers to rescue the most vulnerable international visitors who had been stuck in Machu Picchu Aguas Calientes.

The tourism police reportedly relocated some 400 visitors to the Ollantaytambo region, northwest of Cusco, and then transported them to the international airport by bus. The Peruvian Ministry of Defense informed the U.S. Embassy that they intended to organise humanitarian flights for the most vulnerable citizens.

Cusco's Alejandro Velasco Astete Airport (CUZ) "is open and flights are departing at a normal volume," according to a statement released by the embassy. Additionally, most travellers managed to book flights out over the next two days, the statement added.

The Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism (MINCETUR) and the iPeru travel aid programme are also planning to coordinate train departures in order to evacuate blocked tourists.

 

source: travelpulse.com