Its principles Peru have decided to close Machu Picchu, the tourist gem of the Incas and the country’s biggest tourist attraction, due to the riots that have rocked the country since December, which have killed 46 people, the government announced today.

“It was ordered to close the network of Inca trails (land approaches, Inca trail) and Llaktu (Yakta, citadel) of Machu Picchu due to the social situation and to ensure the integrity of visitors,” the culture ministry said.

The railroad, the only way to reach the site other than by marching, was closed for several days as the line was damaged by protesters. According to the management company, the rails were removed by protesters.

At least 400 tourists, of which 300 foreigners, are stuck at the foot of this place in Aguas Calientes.

“We don’t know if the train will come for us. All the tourists here are lining up to register to leave, Chilean tourist Alem Lopez told AFP on Friday.

Tourism Minister Luis Fernando Helguero said on Friday that tourists “can’t get out because the railway is damaged in several places.” “Some choose to walk all the way to Piscacutso, but it’s a six-hour walk or more and very few people can do it.”

Piscacutso is the closest village to Machu Picchu, connected by a road network.

Tourists were also stranded at the site in December before being taken out on a special train, supervised by police and a railroad crew, to repair the line.

Protests demanding the resignation of President Dina Bolvarte and the dissolution of parliament have claimed the lives of 46 people since December 7 (45 civilians and one policeman).

The protests began after the overthrow and arrest of left-wing President Pedro Castillo, who is accused of attempting a coup d’état to dissolve a parliament that was preparing to remove him from office.

Source: APE/MEB