Protests in Peru are disrupting access to Machu Picchu, a popular heritage site, as demonstrators express discontent over a new ticketing system. The protests, ongoing since late last week, have led to the suspension of train services to the iconic Incan site due to safety concerns. The rail transport remains halted as of Monday, leaving numerous tourists stranded. The dispute adds to the challenges faced by Peru’s tourism industry, which was already impacted by civil unrest last year, particularly in the southern Andean region, a key area for the country’s copper industry.

The current protests stem from dissatisfaction with the government’s consolidation of ticket sales, prompting an “indefinite strike” by travel unions, tour operators, and local residents. Peru’s Minister of Culture, Leslie Urteaga, visited the region on Sunday, but a resolution has yet to be announced. Critics argue that the new electronic ticket sales platform may harm local businesses by centralizing sales and channeling profits to a single firm.

Concerns about overcrowding and oversold tickets have led authorities to implement new measures to control visitor numbers. The government contends that the updated ticketing system, introduced in January, will enhance visitor management. Daily entries are now capped at 4,500, up from 3,800 the previous year. In September, parts of Machu Picchu were temporarily closed due to site deterioration caused by high visitor volumes. The ongoing protests highlight the delicate balance between preserving a UNESCO World Heritage Site and managing tourism-related challenges as travel rebounds amid the pandemic.