Peru’s Inca Trail reopens to Machu Picchu after protesters reach agreement

Reaching the abandoned Incan city of Machu Picchu in Peru is best achieved by walking the famed Inca Trail. Photo / 123rf

Peru’s Machu Picchu, an Inca-era stone citadel nestled in its southeastern jungle, reopened on Wednesday after being closed nearly a month ago amid antigovernment protests, the culture ministry announced.

Agreements were made between authorities, social groups and the local tourism industry to guarantee the security of the famed tourist attraction and transport services.

Protests calling for the resignation of President Dina Boluarte and members of Peru’s Congress have shaken the region, including Cuzco, for more than two months. The demonstrations caused a blockade of the train tracks leading to the stone citadel.

The protests have led to 60 deaths: 48 are civilians who died in clashes with the security forces; 11 civilians killed in traffic accidents related to road blockades; and one policeman who died inside a patrol car when it was set on fire, according to data from the Ombudsman’s Office.

The closure of Machu Picchu, on 21 January, forced the government to airlift more than 400 tourists from Machu Picchu to the city of Cusco by helicopter.

The Peruvian tourism ministry shared photos of the stranded visitors being taken away from Machu Picchu last month. Photo / Peru Tourism Ministry

Peru’s tourism ministry said that 148 international tourists and 270 Peruvians had to be evacuated following the local unrest.

The culture ministry was not sure how long the impasse would last but offered to extend tourists’ tickets until the end of the month. 31 days later the trail is reopened but some rail and air links are not back as the transport network is still operating on a reduced frequency to Cusco. PeruRail has said that normal rail would return to the trailhead by 20 February.

Talking to trade publication TTG, the chief executive of the Latin American Travel Association, Danny Callaghan said that flexibility would still be required from tourists and travel agencies.

“While there are still some sporadic roadblocks and reduced air services, this is a big step forward towards a return to normal tourism services,” he said.

Machu Picchu was built by the Incas in the 15th century as a religious sanctuary high in Andes Mountains. In 2007 it was named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

- AP with additional staff reporting