Reuters —Protests in Peru are blocking access to Machu Picchu, one of South America’s most popular heritage sites, with local anger over a new ticketing system halting rail transport to the iconic Incan site and leaving some tourists stranded.
The protests, which began late last week, have left hundreds of tourists, who flock to Machu Picchu from all over the world, unable to reach the site.
The protesters are blocking access to the popular heritage site.
Carolina Paucar/AFP/Getty ImagesCommunity representatives in Machu Picchu fear that the new electronic ticket sales platform will hurt local businesses by “privatizing” sales and directing profits to one single firm.
In September, Peru temporarily closed three areas of Machu Picchu, a UNESCO World Heritage Site built in the 15th century as a religious sanctuary for the Incas, due to site deterioration brought on by heavy visitor volumes.
Persons:
Leslie Urteaga, Carolina Paucar, “
Organizations:
Reuters, Getty Images, UNESCO, Heritage
Locations:
Peru, Machu Picchu, Carolina, AFP