Peru: Transport-linked protests strand 900 tourists in Aguas Calientes

Around 900 tourists from various countries are unable to leave the Peruvian town of Aguas Calientes due to mass protests that erupted on September 16, as reported by Reuters, citing a statement from the country’s Ministry of Tourism.

The protests triggered suspensions of train and tourist bus service near the Machu Picchu cultural monument in the town.

As a reminder, the unrest began after the Peruvian government revoked Consettur’s expired bus transport concession and awarded it to a new company, sparking accusations of an opaque and unfair process. In response, local residents and workers, fearing losing their jobs, blocked train tracks and roads with stones and logs.

Protesters say the carrier replacement process was not transparent and fair enough.

As of September 15, authorities evacuated 1,400 tourists from the area, but hundreds remain unable to leave. Protesters argue that the concession transfer lacked transparency and fairness.