In a significant disruption to Peru’s tourism, protests in the region surrounding Machu Picchu have left hundreds of tourists stranded, unable to access the ancient site. The unrest, which began late last week, centres around opposition to a new ticketing system aimed at regulating visitor numbers to the historic Incan ruins. The protests have resulted in the suspension of train services, which are the primary mode of transport to the site, affecting both international and local travellers.
The protests have escalated, with demonstrators blocking the railway lines and halting travel to Machu Picchu, despite efforts by government authorities to negotiate a resolution. The situation remains unresolved as of Monday, with no clear timeline for when the trains will resume service. The protests have left tourists in a tense situation, with many unsure of when they will be able to visit the iconic site.
This latest disruption follows a turbulent period for Peru’s tourism industry, which was severely impacted by civil unrest and the ongoing challenges brought about by the pandemic. The protests reflect broader concerns in the region about the new ticketing system, which critics argue may harm local businesses by centralising profits and limiting opportunities for smaller operators. The Peruvian government, however, maintains that the new electronic ticketing platform, which was launched in January, is necessary to better manage the flow of visitors to the UNESCO World Heritage site.
In a bid to control overcrowding and preserve the site, the government has introduced a cap on daily entries, increasing the limit to 4,500 visitors per day, up from 3,800 last year. Despite this, the protests highlight the ongoing tensions between local communities, tourism operators, and government agencies, with many calling for more equitable management of tourism profits. The situation is further complicated by fears of site deterioration due to heavy visitor traffic, leading to the temporary closure of several Machu Picchu areas last September.
As the protests continue, the future of Peru’s tourism sector, particularly in the Machu Picchu region, remains uncertain. With further discussions and actions expected, the outcome of these events will shape the country’s approach to tourism management in the years to come.
