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1,400 tourists evacuated from Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu welcomes an average of 4,500 visitors per day

Снимка: БГНЕС/ EPA

About 1,400 tourists were evacuated from Machu Picchu due to a protest in the area of the famous archaeological site in Peru, Agence France-Presse reported, citing authorities, BTA reported.

Demonstrators demanding that a new company take over the bus service between the nearest train station and Machu Picchu clashed with police. Fourteen police officers were injured while clearing a roadblock.

The authorities managed to evacuate about 1,400 tourists, but 900 others remain stranded in the area.

A meeting is scheduled between government representatives and unions in an attempt to find a solution that will satisfy the demonstrators.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1983, Machu Picchu welcomes an average of 4,500 visitors a day, many of them foreigners, according to official figures, AFP noted.