Close to 1,000 tourists have been left stranded near the ancient Inca citadel of Machu Picchu after their train services were halted due to ongoing protests, according to The Independent, citing Peru’s Minister of Tourism, Ursula León.

Authorities said that on Monday, September 15, 2025, around 1,400 tourists were evacuated from the area, but nearly 900 people remain stuck in Aguas Calientes, the gateway town to Peru’s most visited cultural landmark.

Train operator PeruRail suspended services earlier in the week after demonstrators blocked the route in the Cusco region with “rocks of various sizes.” The disruption follows renewed clashes between local residents, government officials, and bus companies over control of the lucrative tourist transport system to Machu Picchu.

The protests stem from the expiration of the concession held by Consettur, the long-time bus operator that ferried visitors from Aguas Calientes to the entrance of the 15th-century Inca citadel. Instead of opening the process to multiple local businesses, authorities awarded the service to another company—sparking anger among locals, who argue the decision lacked transparency and fairness. Protesters in Aguas Calientes have since blocked the new operator from running.

Meanwhile, PeruRail reported that “third parties” had dug into sections of the railway line, destabilizing the tracks and further complicating efforts to move stranded tourists out of the mountain town.

The situation highlights the delicate balance between tourism, local economic interests, and cultural heritage in one of the world’s most iconic destinations.