Peru: Tourists rescued after protests force Machu Picchu closure

In a bid to protect visitors and citizens, the ancient citadel – and the Inca hiking trail leading to it – was closed over the weekend.

According to the BBC, some 400 people, including 148 foreigners, were left stranded at the foot of the site after rail services were suspended.

The incident happened just days after more airports were closed in the country due to a further 30-day state of emergency being imposed in the Amazonas, La Libertad and Tacna regions.

Last month hundreds of tourists were rescued from Machu Picchu during the early stages of the anti-government protests.