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Peru: Protesters in Cusco block Machu Picchu train tracks

(LIP-ir) -- Approximately 400 tourists traveling to Machu Picchu were unable to reach the Inca Citadel because train tracks were blocked this morning by farmers taking part in an agriculture protest / strike, reported PeruRail, the company that provides visitors with transportation from Cusco to Machu Picchu.

Beginning at approximately 9:30 a.m., villagers and farmers blocked the 38th kilometer of the train tracks with rocks and sticks, said Gonzalo Rojas, a spokesperson for PeruRail.

The tracks were blocked in the Izcuchaca sector, which is located in the province of Anta.

Carriages such as the luxurious Hiram Bingham as well as the Backpacker were carrying about 400 passengers - unable to reach their destination, they were forced to return to their departure point.

Another protest on the 82nd kilometer of the train tracks forced a different group of travelers to return.

Even though several sections of the tracks were cleared by Peru's national police and PeruRail workers, it was reported that there are still several sections of the railway that have not been cleared yet.

PeruRail representatives reported it was evident tourists were bothered by protests and the inconvenience of having to return to train stations.

PeruRail is considering bringing some of its passengers back to Cusco by bus and then by train.

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# Rich says :
18 February, 2008 [ 18:04 ]

I sympathize with the people of Cusco (and Peru) who are concerned about various economic and social issues in their country but the actions of blocking roads and train tracks is doing more harm than good!  I have a family member living in Peru and we have been thinking about visiting her in the next few months.  Right now I am inclined not to go to Peru and I would find it difficult to suggest that others visit.  I have already visited once and find most Peruvians to be truly kind and welcoming people.  Like it or not, the tourist trade seems to be very important to all people of Peru.  When you negatively impact one person with poor service or inferior goods they will tell ten others.  The 400 passengers impacted by this action in Cusco will be told to 4,000.   

# Tom says :
19 February, 2008 [ 05:55 ]

Tracks open today?

# fred says :
19 February, 2008 [ 12:59 ]

No where is it mentioned that the strikes are about the privatization of water in Peru. Alan Garcia would like to sell the water rights to foreign national companies which may -  as with natural gas, mining, and gasoline in Peru create huge monopolies with inflated prices...exploiting Peruvians and there natural resources.

# Adrian says :
19 February, 2008 [ 13:20 ]

I do not agree with the actions of the farmers.  If they feel unhappy about the decision of their government, they should take out their anger and grief against the government.  Taking radical actions which affects thousands and thousands of innocent people will only harm their cause.

For your information, we travel more than half way around the globe to Cusco to visit Machu Picchu.  Imagine our disappointment when we found out that our trip to Machu Picchu had been made impossible by the actions of these farmers and rioters.  I would have been much more sympathetic with their cause had they been more rational, in fact I may have been supportive of their cause.  Now, all I can say is I feel very bitter about their actions, and I don´t care for a single moment whether they get what they want or not.  In fact, to be honest, I hope they DON´T!

# Mr. Nightstick to the head.... says :
19 February, 2008 [ 20:32 ]

The solution....liberally administered "wooden shampoos" by the police.  The private sector, police and others tolerate waaaay to much nonsense from the "downtrodden".  Usually put up to it by an ONG with another "agenda". 

# Stop the nonsense!! says :
20 February, 2008 [ 05:57 ]

There is absolutely no relationship between a tourist train to Machu Picchu and an agriculture protest.  This is an illegitimate "protest" and is costing PERUVIANS hundreds of thousands of dollars and if allowed to continue will cost PERUVIAN jobs.  The government needs to take a very firm hand against these protestors.

# carlo ponte says :
21 February, 2008 [ 23:57 ]

My wife an dughter are in Cusco, left this am for the train station and their van was attacked by a mob, windows smashed and a man weilding a pick ax popped the tires, the driver was able to get them away and a policeman had to ride with them to the train they got to Machu Picchu and are now stranded, it's too bad that some groups have to resort to violence against the very people that only want to enjoy and experience Peru from a curiosity standpoint and not a monetary one... They need to relax and not attack the people that attribute to their income...400 people standed will tell 4000 who will tell 40,000 who will tell 400,000 who will tell 4,000,000 that Peru is dangerous and they wouldnt go there... Smart move I guess the $1.00 a day they live on goes along way....

# Inca harikari says :
22 February, 2008 [ 06:37 ]

Cuzco is commiting suicide. 

# Concerned Sister says :
26 February, 2008 [ 01:14 ]

Feb 25^th. Does anyone know if the train is running yet? My sister and her husband are headed to Peru March 1^st and have reservations to hike the Inca Trail about a week after that. They would take the train back after seeing Machu Picchu. Are hiking tours still going? I am extremely concerned, first and foremost, for their safety but I also want them to have a good time and not have to worry. We are wondering if they should just bag that section of their trip. It would be a bummer since seeing Machu Picchu is the whole reason they wanted to go to Peru. Any advice?

# average tourists paying the price says :
26 February, 2008 [ 10:57 ]

My understanding is that this riot is because of a proposed law that will make it easier for private investors to construct large hotels and businesses closer to archaeological & historic sites.  (please correct me if I am wrong).  I don't understand why taking it out on your day to day tourist has anything to do with that??  I actually agree that they should not allow large businesses of any sort to inhibit these sacred grounds, however that doesn't mean that I, as an individual tourist, would not want to respectfully enjoy them. Does anyone know when the final decision regarding this law will be passed, so this nonsense can be over? 

# jb says :
26 February, 2008 [ 12:26 ]

Dear "Average tourist":  The "nonsense" never ends. I have lived in Peru for over 8 years and the tire burning, riots, rock throwing, Machu Pichu train vandalism etc. is like one fo the four seasons. It doesn't matter what the cause is, Cuzco never passes on an opportunity to have a riot.  Planning a trip to Cuzco & MP is like playing russian roulette. You might get lucky, but then again.....  My suggestion is book a trip to another lovely place of Peru...Chachapoyas and visit the ruins at Kuelup.  Not as commercialized, just as lovely and no chance of a riot.

# sad says :
26 February, 2008 [ 16:46 ]

people like this are why peru is having a hard time to develop... indigenous people that are ignorant and easisly influenced by ollanta humala to riot and block highways, if i were president i would RAISE police's salary to a such high level that would be 1 of the most paying jobs in peru.. and i would throw anyone that protest violently to rot in jail, we need to learn from the USA's police force you dont f$%k with them... or u pay the price

# Lina says :
25 April, 2008 [ 20:41 ]

I feel that the people of Peru do not realize the impact of what this action is doing. This effects not only the people of Peru but their economic and tourist will be reluctant to visit again.

# UN says :
25 April, 2008 [ 23:05 ]

Easy for some of you ses to think you know what is better for these people,but let me tell u,you know sweet F all,you don't care\understand about these people and what they are try to protect & not let those Exploit,which reflects on their culture\Heritage and way of life. You are exploiting these culture to satisfy your own ego s,as i said u don't care about anyone but yourselves. They don't want your money(evil)but to be treated with respect and allow to forecast their own destiny,beliefs,lifestyle with fairness.

# pasca says :
26 April, 2008 [ 00:43 ]

What do these foreigner get out of going to machu pichu,[ do they really want to understand the heritage of the Inca,do want to understand the history and about the cultures of the pass and the present,do they really care or are they just after a EGO boost and when they go home,they can say they know it all,just cause they been there; Ask yourself what you really learn about other culture and how important your own personal prospective is of these cultures extinction

# Give me a break... says :
26 April, 2008 [ 08:17 ]

Where is it written that tourists have to pass a test before they can visit a touristic site?  That is the most elitiest attitiude of all.