British travellers in Peru have been warned to avoid protests causing travel disruption as curfews were imposed in the south of the country.
The latest in a series of Foreign Office travel alerts came amid reports that as many as 800 tourists have been stranded around Machu Picchu since Tuesday after the 70-mile rail connection with the nearest city, Cusco, was suspended.
Most of the travellers from various nationalities are reported to have been left in a town at the foot of the mountain topped by the Unesco World Heritage site.
A 30-day state of emergency was declared on Wednesday with a five day curfew also in place from today across southern Peru amid widespread outbreaks of violence following the ousting and arrest of former president Pedro Castillo.
The mayor of the Machu Picchu region, Darwin Baca, called for humanitarian support from the government, seeking helicopters to help to evacuate tourists from countries including the US, Mexico and Spain, according to national media reports.
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office said in updated travel advice: “British nationals should take particular care to avoid all areas of protests. If possible, you should remain in a safe place.
“You should also monitor local media, including social media channels, and be aware that travel around the country is extremely difficult. You should plan ahead for severe disruption to any plans.
“The ongoing protests are causing severe disruption to local travel.
“The protests have resulted in road blockades, the suspension of train services (including PeruRail and IncaRail train services to/from Machu Picchu) and regional airport closures, including Arequipa, Ayacucho, Juliaca (Puno) and Cusco airports.”
Britons in the South American country were also advised to liaise with their local airline, hotel or tour operator “for further advice and assistance that they will provide to mitigate disruption, and for information on alternate arrangements being made for onward travel, including bus and rail journeys”.
The FDCO added: “Travellers arriving in Lima are advised that there is currently no ability to travel to/from many regional areas including Cusco and Arequipa, and further disruption is possible.
“Lima airport is restricting entry to passengers only with valid flight tickets.
“You should follow the authorities’ advice and monitor local media closely. Avoid large gatherings and protests.”