Itamaraty advises against visiting Machu Picchu – 01/30/2024 – Tourism

This Monday (29), the Brazilian Embassy in Lima issued a consular alert advising against visits to Machu Picchu, in Peru. The park, one of the most visited by tourists in Latin America, is facing a series of protests from local workers who fear losses after the Peruvian government hired a private company to manage online ticket sales for the park.

The protests also include the blocking of the railway line that connects the city of Aguas Calientes to the park, leading to the suspension of train services that reach there – and there is no expectation of normalization. Over the weekend, local police were responsible for evacuating more than 1,200 tourists who were trapped in Machu Picchu after protests began.

Therefore, Itamaraty recommends Brazilian tourists in the region to avoid unnecessary travel and to contact IPERÚ, a Peruvian government entity that is responsible for tourist assistance and is coordinating the evacuation of tourists from the location. “In addition to its Whatsapp service channel (+51 944 492 314), IPERÚ circulated a registration form for tourists who are stranded in the region, in order to facilitate their eventual evacuation”, says the ministry’s note.

The document also asks tourists not to try to reach Machu Picchu via alternative routes, such as trails, and to wait “until the context of strikes and protests has been overcome” to visit the site. At the moment, the Peruvian government is evaluating the temporary closure of the park, in an attempt to start a dialogue with the protesters. The closure, however, implies daily losses of R$1.31 million.

Read the full statement from Itamaraty below:

The Brazilian Embassy in Lima informs that since 01/25/24 protests and strikes have been registered in the Machu Picchu region, including the provision of services to tourists. Since that date, rail transport to the city of Aguas Calientes (also known as Machu Picchu Pueblo), the main way of accessing the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu, has been blocked. There is currently no forecast for the restoration of rail transport service.

The Embassy advises Brazilian tourists who are in Aguas Calientes to avoid unnecessary travel and to contact IPERÚ – the Peruvian government entity that is responsible for tourist assistance and is coordinating the evacuation of tourists from the location. In addition to its Whatsapp service channel (+51 944 492 314), IPERÚ circulated a registration form for tourists who are stranded in the region (in order to facilitate their eventual evacuation.

Additionally, the Embassy advises Brazilian tourists in Peru not to attempt to enter the Machu Picchu district until the context of strikes and protests has been overcome. Visits to the site should be avoided, including with respect to alternative access routes (walks/trails).

The Embassy continues to closely monitor the situation and maintain contact with local authorities. Brazilian citizens can contact the Embassy by email ([email protected]) and, in case of emergencies, by calling the consular office (+51 985 039 263).