The Peruvian government is closing the entrance to Machu Picchu

The Peruvian government is closing the entrance to Machu Picchu for security reasons due to protests in the country

According to a statement by the Peruvian Ministry of Culture, the measure applies indefinitely.

Diego Ramos/AFPPeruvian protesters and security forces
Protests have been taking place in Peru since December, but they have taken on larger proportions in the last week

the government of Peru determines this Saturday 21 the closure of access Machu Picchua major tourist spot, due to security concerns due to the protests that have ravaged the country since the sack Pedro Castillo, the country’s presidentelect after a failed coup attempt in December last year. Demonstrators are demanding the resignation of Dina Boluarte, who was vice president and took power after Castillo’s departure. According to a statement by the Peruvian Ministry of Culture, the measure applies indefinitely. “The closure of the network of Inca Trails and the Laqta (Citadel) of Machu Picchu was decided in view of the social situation and to protect the integrity of visitors,” reads the statement. According to AFP, train services from the city of Cusco to Machu Picchu have been suspended due to problems on the line that would have been caused by protesters.

In addition to Boluarte’s departure, Peruvians have also taken to the streets to demand the closure of Congress, the anticipation of this year’s general elections and the convening of a Constituent Assembly. In the last week, the protests turned even more violent and reached Lima, the country’s capital, where they took on even greater proportions, causing scenes of chaos with a building on fire and clashes with security forces. According to health sources, 59 people have died so far. To stop the protests, the Peruvian government declared a state of emergency in Lima for 30 days, a measure that allows the army to intervene alongside the police to maintain public order. The regions of Cusco, Puno and the Port of Callao are also included in the decree, which came into force last Sunday 15th.