Train services to Machu Picchu have resumed after heavy rain washed away the rail tracks earlier this year.
Up to 1,000 tourists are now expected to travel to the world heritage site on buses and the restored rail services each day, giving a boost to Peru’s tourism industry. According to reports, Machu Picchu lost £1 million each day it was closed.
Trade and tourism minister Martin Perez said the public and private sectors had done an “excellent job” at repairing the link.
“Little by little, we will increase the number of tourists to 2,500 and 3,000 per day,” Perez told El Comercio newspaper.
Authorities flew in the actor Susan Sarandon to lend some Hollywood glamour to the reopening, declaring her the “godmother” of the event. “We are sure Machu Picchu is going to amaze her,” Perez said.
Tourists were stranded near Machu Picchu in January when landslides blocked the railway line to the city of Cuzco.Hundreds were rescued by helicopter in a week-long operation.