Widespread and violent protests rock Peru after former president Pedro Castillo was ousted last week. In Cusco, the airport has been closed since Monday, when protesters tried to storm the terminal and about 5,000 tourists are stranded in the city.
Even the trains to the world heritage Machu Picchu have been standing still since Tuesday after strikes during the protests. Close to 800 tourists from several different countries are stuck in a town at the foot of the mountain on which the Inca city is located. About 200 of them reportedly left the city on foot in an attempt to reach another city from where they can catch a train to Cusco.
On Saturday, a military helicopter is expected to arrive at Machu Picchu to transport the stranded tourists to Cusco, according to city officials.
Pedro Castillo was deposed and arrested after he tried on December 7 to dissolve parliament and impose emergency laws.
A court has ruled that Castillo will be detained for 18 months – this after ruling that he is no longer covered by the immunity from prosecution that the country’s president normally enjoys.
Castillo’s supporters describe the president as kidnapped, while authorities say the allegations against the ousted leader must be thoroughly investigated.
On Wednesday, Peru declared a nationwide state of emergency – which Castillo’s supporters are defying with furious protests.