Machu Picchu Rail Link Opened In State of Emergency

Despite the state of emergency that has been announced by the Peruvian government and is currently active across Peru, a rail link service to Machu Picchu has been reinstated after it was suspended a week ago.  

On Sunday the 15th of January, it was announced by the Peruvian authorities that the rail service to Machu Picchu will be reopened to travellers after all rail services in the south of Peru were temporarily suspended just last week “as a precautionary measure”. This also follows the reinstatement of a 30-day state of emergency in some areas of Peru as political protests continue.  

“It is possible that there could be disruption to travel in the Sacred Valley and any return to Cusco, so we advise visitors to check with travel providers in advance,” the UK Foreign Office said in a live update to the Foreign Travel Advice page. 

On Saturday the 14th of January, an additional 30-day state of emergency was imposed in the capital city of Lima, Cusco, Puno, Callao, Andahuaylas, Tambopata, Tahuamanu, and the Torata district in the Mariscal Nieto province following the continuation of anti-government protests in these cities. These have not been reported to have any direct effect on travel to Machu Picchu, but travellers are advised to stay aware when travelling to or in Peru. 

There was a 10-day curfew introduced in the southern Puno region extending from 8 pm to 4 am due to the unrest. Though Cusco airport reopened on Saturday the 14th of January following a shutdown on Thursday, all other Peruvian airports have kept up restrictions for entry to travellers that hold an ID and a boarding pass. The FCDO added that “this allows the military forces to assist the local police and authorities in maintaining law and order.” 

Following this news, a statement was released by the FCDO as a warning on Sunday the 15th, it stated, “On 14 January the Peruvian government also announced political protests in southern Peru, including in Cusco and Puno, and in Lima, re-started on 4 January.  

“They continue to spread to other parts of the country. These protests are unpredictable and can escalate quickly and include violence. Clashes between protestors and the security forces have resulted in casualties.  

“You should take particular care to avoid all areas of large gatherings and protests. If possible, you should remain in a safe place. You should follow the authorities’ advice and monitor local media, including social media channels. Travellers arriving in Peru should be aware that travel to some parts of the country or the return to Lima may not be possible.  

“Protests have led to road blockades, suspension of train services, disruption in immigration services of land borders and airport closures in different parts of the country.” 

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