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Peru’s Inca Trail and Machu Picchu closed to tourists as violent protests spread across the country
- Widespread unrest in Peru has caused the closure of world-famous attractions
- President Pedro Castillo was jailed for trying to dissolve Congress
- Protesters demand his release want the new president Dina Boluarte to resign
Tourist entry to the Inca Trail and the iconic citadel of Machu Picchu has been suspended indefinitely as violent political protests sweep Peru.
The government has closed off access to the famous sites, saying the decision was made to protect locals and visitors.
More than 300 foreigners are still stranded in the area according to Luis Helguero, Peru’s Minister of Foreign Trade and Tourism because rail services no longer work.
Now they are ready to be evacuated on foot, but the walk takes at least six hours, he added.
Tourist entry to the Inca Trail and the iconic citadel of Machu Picchu (pictured) has been suspended indefinitely due to violent political protests in Peru.
Soldiers clash with anti-government protesters outside the Alfredo Rodríguez Ballón airport in Arequipa, Peru.
Demonstrators gather as they protest to demand the resignation of the president of Peru, Dina Boluarte.
Demonstrators wave Peruvian flags amid anti-government protests following the ouster of former Peruvian President Pedro Castillo, in Lima.
More than 300 foreigners are still stranded in the area according to Luis Helguero, Minister of Foreign Trade and Tourism of Peru
People gather to protest against the general elections, the removal of President Boluarte and justice for the protesters who died during clashes with the police
Tourists who have a ticket are expected to be able to claim a refund or use them for a month after the end of the demos.
Some 55 people have been killed in months of violence after President Pedro Castillo was charged and jailed for trying to dissolve Congress.
He has denied the accusations of rebellion and conspiracy and maintains that he remains president of the South American country.
The protesters are demanding his release, new elections, and calling for the new president Dina Boluarte to resign, which she has so far refused to do.
At first, the protests took place mainly in the southern regions of Peru, including an incident that damaged the railway around Machu Picchu.
But the focal point of anger is now shifting to the capital Lima, home to 34 million people and where Ms Boluarte took office last month.
In Arequipa, Peru’s second largest city, officers clashed with protesters who tried to storm the airport.
Also in southern Peru, the multinational Glencore decided to temporarily close its Antapaccay copper mine after protesters attacked the site.