Thousands of Machu Picchu tourists stranded, as deadly Peru protests rage
- Cusco international airport has been closed since supporters of ousted president Pedro Castillo tried to storm the terminal
- Major roads and train stations have also been affected, leaving tourists stuck near the famous Inca citadel
Peru’s Congress on Friday rejected a move to bring forward elections as deadly protests left thousands of tourists stranded in the gateway city to Machu Picchu.
Protesters are demanding the release of ousted president Pedro Castillo, the resignation of his successor Dina Boluarte and for fresh elections to be held.
But Congress voted against a bill to bring forward elections by more than two years from 2026 to December 2023.
It comes with demonstrations escalating and the death toll rising after protesters on Thursday night tried to storm the airport in the southern city of Ayacucho that was being guarded by soldiers.
Health minister Rosa Gutierrez said on Friday that 18 people had been killed in clashes since Castillo was arrested on December 7, with two cabinet ministers resigning over the deaths.
Peru was plunged into political crisis last week after Castillo was impeached and arrested following his attempt to dissolve parliament and rule by decree.