Peru protests block access to Machu Picchu, stranding tourists

FILE PHOTO: A man stands near the Incan ruins of Machu Picchu, a tourism magnet, access to which is being limited by local protests against rising prices amid a worldwide surge most recently triggered by the Russian invasion of Ukraine, outside of Cuzco, Peru April 18, 2022. Picture taken April 18, 2022. REUTERS/Alessandro Cinque

(Reuters) - Protests in Peru are blocking access to Machu Picchu, one of South America's most popular heritage sites, with local anger over a new ticketing system halting rail transport to the iconic Incan site and leaving some tourists stranded.

Train services to the ancient ruins high up in the Andes have been suspended since Saturday due to safety concerns over demonstrators blocking the railway line. Travel links were still not reopened on Monday, two tour operators told Reuters.