Relief for Remaining Tourists in Peru - 355

photo by EduardoZThe AP reported this morning that good weather today is likely to allow the final evacuation of tourists from Machu Picchu, Peru. The evacuation of 2,542 tourists has occurred since Monday due to heavy rains causing mudslides that have blocked the one land route into and out of the area. Evacuation of the oldest and youngest came first with that accounting for 1,131 visitors. When skies cleared yesterday rescue efforts continued. As of today 800 are still in Pueblo, the closest village to the ruins and a town of only 4,000 people.

The abundance of people stranded has put strains on local food and water supplies as well as lodging. Shop keepers have raised their prices of goods and rooms as ATMs have been emptied leaving many without funds to afford the price-gouging. Some backpackers have taken to sleeping in the central plaza, others have shared beds. Some locals have offered their help by sharing communal pots of food.

After the evacuation is complete, Machu Picchu will remain closed for weeks. The government will need time to repair roadways and railroad tracks leading to the area. These were all washed out by the mudslides making them impassable.  The Inca Trail which leads travelers on a four-day trek to Machu Picchu was closed Tuesday after the mudslides caused the death of two people.

Many people backpack in this popular destination seeking adventure and most would expect to rough it a little on their trip. However, as one stranded tourist put it for many the conditions of this week were “a bit more than we bargained for.”

Lori Rice is a freelance health and travel writer, and Galavanting travel news and reviews correspondent. You can follow her adventures at 3 Star Traveler or explore her thoughts as a nutritionist, wellness advocate and foodie traveler at Fake Food Free.