Around 1,400 tourists, including Poles, were evacuated from the Machu Picchu area in Peru’s Andes mountains due to local protests.
Mass Evacuation in Peru
The evacuation occurred on Wednesday, September 17, after protests by local residents blocked the railway route in the Cusco region.
The protests were sparked by disputes over the selection of a new operator for tourist bus services between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu.
Protest Background
The protesting residents claim that the process of choosing a new operator, Consettur, was not transparent or fair.
They argue that the company’s 30-year concession has expired and that a local firm should be awarded the contract instead.
Evacuation Details
According to the Peruvian tourism minister, Desilu Leon, around 900 tourists are still stranded in Aguas Calientes.
The evacuated tourists included Poles, French, Germans, Portuguese, Japanese, Americans, and Brazilians.
Confrontations and Injuries
At least 14 police officers were injured during clashes with the protesters.
The protests led to the blocking of railway tracks, causing trains to be halted and tourists to be evacuated or stranded.
