"900 Machu Picchu Tourists Stranded as Train Protest Derails Travel Plans"

Stranded Tourists Highlight Complexities of Peru's Tourism Industry At least 900 tourists were left stranded near the ancient Inca citadel of Machu Picchu on Tuesday, after a passenger train service was suspended due to a protest over a bus contract dispute. The disruption, which began on Monday, was caused by rocks being placed on the tracks and excavation work that compromised their stability, according to PeruRail. The incident highlights the complex relationships between local businesses, authorities, and tourism operators in Peru's mountainous Cusco region. According to Perus tourism minister, at least 900 tourists were stranded near Machu Picchu, while around 1,400 visitors were evacuated from the area. The stranded tourists were forced to spend the night on the train or nearby facilities. The protest was linked to a dispute over a bus contract between local businesses and authorities. PeruRail suspended its service due to safety concerns after rocks of various sizes were placed on the tracks. "We had to suspend our services for security reasons," said a spokesperson for PeruRail, adding that the company is working with authorities to resolve the issue. The incident has raised questions about the management of tourism in Perus Cusco region. According to experts, the complex relationships between local businesses and authorities can sometimes lead to disruptions like this one. "This is not an isolated incident," said Dr. Maria Rodriguez, a tourism expert at the University of Lima. "We have seen similar incidents in the past due to disputes over contracts or permits." Peru's tourism minister has promised to investigate the incident and take steps to prevent similar disruptions in the future. The ministry has also assured tourists that they will be reimbursed for any losses incurred due to the disruption. As of Wednesday, train services had resumed, but many tourists were still waiting to continue their journey. According to PeruRail, around 200 tourists are still stranded near Machu Picchu, and efforts are being made to evacuate them as soon as possible. The incident has highlighted the need for better management of tourism in Perus Cusco region. As Dr. Rodriguez noted, "Tourism is a vital sector for our economy, but it also requires careful planning and management to avoid disruptions like this one." This story was compiled from reports by The Guardian and The Guardian.