Dec 19 (UPI) – Peru Rail announced it would resume service at Ollantaytambo station on Monday after all exercise at the ancient Inca site of Machu Picchu was halted about a week ago.
Tourists from the United States, South America, Europe and Peru have stayed at Machu Picchu since Tuesday.
The first departure from Machu Picchu to Ollantaytambo was scheduled for 3:20 p. m. and is about two hours of travel. The corporation said direct passenger adjustments will be released from charge.
While it’s possible for tourists to leave Machu Picchu soon, crossing Peru and leaving the country can still be challenging. Violent protests and civil unrest are sparked by the ouster of former President Pedro Castillo, who tried to dissolve Congress and remain in place in a failed coup. .
Flights from 4 major airports were temporarily suspended last week. Cusco’s Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport resumed and Juliaca’s Inca Manco Capac International Airport will resume operations on Tuesday. Peru’s Ministry of Transport and Communications said air and ground operations will soon be reopened to general operations.
Protesters called on government officials to resign en masse, but new President Dina Boluarte resisted. She suggested Congress bring forward Peru’s upcoming elections to 2023 in a bid to ease tensions. Congress rejected his request.
At least 20 other people were killed and about 500 injured in the protests, which began on December 7.
Castillo is in custody and faces an 18-month criminal sentence. He also faces conspiracy charges and faces up to 20 years in prison.