Peruvian government closes entrance to Machu Picchu for security due to protests in the country

The government of Peru on Saturday ordered the closure of access to Machu Picchu, an important tourist site, for security reasons due to the protests that have plagued the country since the ousting of Pedro Castillo, the country’s elected president, after a failed coup attempt in December last year.

The protesters are calling for the resignation of Dina Boluarte, who was vice president and assumed power after Castillo’s departure.

According to a statement released by the Peruvian Ministry of Culture, the measure will be in effect indefinitely.

“The closure of the network of Inca trails and the llaqta (citadel) of Machu Picchu has been ordered, given the social situation and to safeguard the integrity of visitors,” the statement said.

According to AFP, the train service from the city of Cusco to Machu Picchu was suspended due to problems on the tracks that protesters allegedly caused.

In addition to Boluarte’s departure, the Peruvians on the streets also demand that Congress be closed, general elections be brought forward this year, and a Constituent Assembly be convened.

Last week, the protests became even more violent.

They reached Lima, the country’s capital, taking on even greater proportions and generating scenes of chaos, with the burning of buildings and clashes with security forces.

So far, 59 people have died, according to health sources. To try to stop the protests, the Peruvian government declared a state of emergency in Lima for 30 days, which authorized the army to intervene in conjunction with the police to maintain public order.

The regions of Cusco, Puno, and the port of Callao are also included in the decree that came into effect last Sunday, the 15th.