Trains to Machu Picchu back on track
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Posted on: February 25th, 2008 by Katy Davies
When the Peruvian government announced new laws that would allow development to take place closer to the country’s historic structures, two days of protests by locals ensued. Peruvians protested along the railways, shutting the services down, as well as disrupting flights at the Cuzco Airport by piling stones and trees along the roads leading up to the airport. Total losses from tourism due to the protests are estimated to be around $2,4 million. The Cuzco Airport reopened on Saturday, albeit with a much stronger security force than before. The protests affected more than 40 flights.
Perurail, responsible for the single train between Cuzco and the historical ruins of Machu Picchu resumed service and is back to normal according to a Perurail spokesperson. The protests were supported by local leaders, as they see a line being crossed when historical sights are set to be surrounded by hotels and restaurants. Though the government did append the laws, many are still not convinced that Machu Picchu and other important sights are out of harm’s way.
Whizzer
You can see why they have their priorities in such a way and want to preserve their beauty spots from development and commercialism but to a certain point this country needs a bit more tourist $$$ to come in and help move it a bit more forward more quickly.
Kat
When I went around South America in the late 90s all I met were annoying budget backpacker types who would walk six miles to save 5 cents. These same people claimed to have consideration and heart toward the local tourism such as the railway industry and helping them to increase revenue by travelling first class etc etc
Instead these backpacker types travelled cheaper than the poor locals and appeared patronising.
As you can see I’m not a backpack type of traveller. Nor do I favour the type of people who travel around pleading poverty on some shoestring budget.
Kat
When I went around South America in the late 90s all I met were annoying budget backpacker types who would walk six miles to save 5 cents. These same people claimed to have consideration and heart toward the local tourism such as the railway industry and helping them to increase revenue by travelling first class etc etc
Instead these backpacker types travelled cheaper than the poor locals and appeared patronising.
As you can see I’m not a backpack type of traveller. Nor do I favour the type of people who travel around pleading poverty on some shoestring budget. Put some revenue into the eceonomy you travel in for crying out loud.
Gazza
Sp Kat you are not a fan of backpacking tourists then, that’s plain to see.