Protesters who blocked access to the ancient Inca citadel of Machu Picchu last week have ended their demonstration, following an agreement that locally-owned companies would be allowed to transport tourists to the site for four months, a Peruvian official confirmed on Monday.
Oscar Luque, a representative for the Ombudsman’s Office of Peru, told AFP: “The mobilization has ended. The residents gathered in Lima, where several agreements were reached.”
A week ago, local protesters blocked train tracks to demand their interests be represented in the selection of a new bus operator, responsible for ferrying visitors on the final leg of the journey from Cusco city to Machu Picchu, located in the Peruvian Andes.
| Aspect | Details |
| Reason for protest | Local residents sought a role in the selection of the bus operator |
| Impact | Over 1,500 visitors evacuated amid clashes with police |
| Location | Last leg of travel from Cusco to Machu Picchu |
Under the agreement, two locally-owned companies will transport visitors for four months, until open bidding for the bus contract begins.
Luque added that this interim arrangement aims to ensure local participation while maintaining tourism operations.
Machu Picchu, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983, is famed for its architectural and engineering marvels. According to Peru’s tourism ministry:
| Attribute | Details |
| Daily visitors | Approximately 4,500 people |
| Significance | Ancient, fortified Inca citadel; cultural and historical heritage |
| Status | UNESCO World Heritage Site |
This resolution allows tourism to resume smoothly, ensuring the site remains accessible while honouring local stakeholders’ interests.
