Authorities in Peru have suspended access to the Machu Picchu Citadel and the Inca Trails that lead up to the site until further notice.
This comes as anti-government protests continue across the country.
According to CNN, protesters want new elections, the resignation of recently elected President Dina Boluarte, a change to the Constitution, and the release of former President Pedro Castillo, who is currently in pre-trial detention.
According to the Travel Trade Journal, on Thursday, January 19, 417 people were left stranded at the Machu Picchu site after parts of the Urubamba-Ollantaytambo-Machu Picchu railway were damaged during protests.
The decision to suspend access to the tourist attraction was made following the incident, and was communicated to the public in a statement from the Decentralised Culture Directorate and Machu Picchu Historical Sanctuary Directorate on Saturday, January 21.
The directorates said tourists who had purchased a ticket for January 21 or later could claim a refund for up to one month after the protests had ended.
