Imagine being unable to leave one of the most dramatic spots on the planet.
That is the fate of hundreds of foreign tourists who have been stranded near the Inca ruins of Machu Picchu due to violent protests raging across Peru.
The train services linking to the world-famous attraction have been suspended because of the growing civil unrest and tourists unable or unwilling to trek across the Inca trail are in limbo.
Local officials say about 800 tourists are stranded, Travel Mole reports, and food shortages are anticipated.
The tourists are currently holed up in the town, formerly known as Aguas Calientes, at the foot of the mountain, which is about 70 miles from Cusco. It is a magical spot that I visited a few years ago, although some of the local treks are not designed for unfit wine writers.
The train is the only way to get to Cusco other than on foot, or by air - and the airport is also closed.
Peruvian protests were triggered after the arrest of ex-president Pedro Castillo.
The town’s mayor Darwin Baca Leon has called for the government to send helicopters to help evacuate the stranded tourists.
Images: Winsor Dobbin
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