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Peru Has Closed Machu Picchu Indefinitely After Tourists Got Trapped Due To Anti-Government Protests

The closure comes after hundreds of tourists were trapped when protesters allegedly damaged the train tracks leading to the famous tourist site.

Peru’s government has closed Machu Picchu and the Inca trail leading up to it indefinitely as anti-government protests continue to grow.

Machu Picchu closed indefinitely
Panoramic view of the archaeological site of Machu Picchu, in Cusco, Peru. (Photo by ERNESTO BENAVIDES/AFP via Getty Images)

Prior to the closure on Saturday Jan. 21, hundreds of tourists had already been left stranded on Thursday at the famous tourist site after train services were suspended when protesters allegedly damaged the tracks.

Machu Picchu closed indefinitely tourists being evacuated
Stranded tourists who were visiting the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu trek after being evacuated by train to Ollantaytambo, Peru. (Photo by MARTIN BERNETTI/AFP via Getty Images)

The 418 tourists, including hundreds of foreigners, were eventually evacuated.

Peruvian officials said people with tickets to visit the site could either get a refund or use them for a month after the protests end.

tourists at the entrance of Machu Picchu and it's now closed indefinitely
Tourists wait outside the Machu Picchu train station after the railway service was suspended due to damages allegedly caused by protesters in Machu Picchu, Peru. (Photo by CAROLINA PAUCAR/AFP via Getty Images)

In December, hundreds of tourists had to be airlifted out of Machu Picchu after protesters blocked roads and forced airports to close.

Machu Picchu closed indefinitely tourists being evacuated
Stranded tourists who were visiting the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu. (Photo by MARTIN BERNETTI/AFP via Getty Images)

Peru has been rocked by mass anti-government protests since December, when the former president, Pedro Castillo, was impeached and arrested.

Machu Picchu closed indefinitely due to the anti government protest
People protest against the government of Peruvian President Boluarte. Photo by Lucas Aguayo Araos via Getty Images

Demonstrators have been calling for fresh elections and for the newly appointed president, Dina Boluarte, to resign.

At least 60 people have died so far in the protests. 

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