(CNN) – About 300 tourists from around the world have been stranded in the ancient city of Machu Picchu, according to the mayor, after Peru was placed under a state of emergency following the impeachment of the country’s president.
Darwin Baca, mayor of Machu Picchu, said Peruvians, South Americans, Americans and Europeans are among the stranded travelers.
“We have asked the government to help us and set up helicopter flights so we can evacuate the tourists,” Baca said. The only way in and out of the city is by train, and those services are suspended until further notice, he said.
“PeruRail said they are still reviewing the situation,” Baca explained.
The United States is in contact with American citizens stranded in Peru, a State Department spokesman told CNN on Friday.
“We are providing all appropriate consular assistance and are monitoring the situation closely. Due to privacy and security considerations, we will not go into further detail about the number of US citizens who have been contacted,” he added the spokesperson
The U.S. Embassy in Peru said in a statement early Friday that the Peruvian government is organizing an evacuation of foreigners from Aguas Calientes, a town that serves as the main access point to Machu Picchu.
“We will post a message with instructions as soon as the assistance plan is confirmed. Travelers in Aguas Calientes/Machu Picchu Village should follow the instructions of local authorities if they choose to remain in place for travel assistance in Cusco, as well as any travelers who may choose to travel on foot,” the statement added.
Lack of food in Machu Picchu
Mayor Baca also warned that Machu Picchu is already suffering from food shortages due to the protests, and the local economy is 100% dependent on tourism.
Baca asked the government, headed by the new president Dina Boluarte, to establish a dialogue with the local population to put an end to the social unrest as soon as possible.
PeruRail said it would help affected passengers change their travel dates.
“We regret the inconvenience these announcements cause our passengers; however, they are due to situations beyond our company’s control and are intended to prioritize passenger and employee safety,” the company said in a statement.
Tourists stranded elsewhere in Peru
Travelers wait outside Cuzco’s airport on Friday after it was closed due to protests.
Paul Gambin/Reuters
LATAM Airlines Peru said operations to and from Arequipa’s Alfredo RodrÃguez Ballón International Airport and Cuzco’s Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport, 75 kilometers (47 miles) from Machu Picchu, had been temporarily suspended.
“LATAM is constantly monitoring the political situation in Peru to provide relevant information as it may affect our air operation,” the airline said in a statement.
“We await the response of the competent authorities, who must take corrective measures to ensure safety for the development of air operations.”
He added: “We regret the inconvenience this situation beyond our control has caused our passengers and reinforce our commitment to safety and air connectivity in the country.”
US, UK and Canadian warnings
Demonstrators clash with police during a protest this Thursday in Lima.
Sebastian Castaneda/Reuters
The US State Department has issued a travel advisory for citizens traveling to Peru, which it has listed as a level three “reconsider travel” destination.
“Demonstrations can bring local roads, trains and major roads to a standstill, often with no advance notice or estimated timescales for reopening.
“Road closures can significantly reduce access to public transport and airports and can disrupt travel within and between cities,” it warns.
The UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office has also warned its citizens about the situation.
He also told travelers arriving in the capital Lima that there is no possibility of travel from many regional areas, including Cusco and Arequipa, and that further disruptions are possible.
British citizens were also warned to respect Peruvian curfews and to monitor local news and social media for further information.
Tourists running out of medicine
American tourist Kathryn Martucci spoke to CNN about being stuck in Machu Picchu, Peru.
Courtesy of Kathryn Martucci
An American tourist stuck in Machu Picchu has run out of medicine and isn’t sure when she’ll be able to get out of the small town and get more, she tells CNN.
Florida resident Kathryn Martucci, 71, was traveling in a group with 13 other Americans when Peru entered a state of emergency, she said.
According to Martucci, his tour group was unable to catch the last train out of the small town before the railroad was suspended.
Her son Michael Martucci, who lives in the United States, also spoke to CNN and has been trying to help his mother find a way out.
“They’ve been since Monday, and now she and the other people she’s with are running out of the medicine they need,” Martucci said. “There’s nothing in the small town they’re stuck in. They’re safe and have food, thankfully, but there’s no way to get more medicine.”
Martucci said his group was scheduled to stay at Machu Picchu for two days, so they were told to pack light and only bring a two-day supply of medicine.
On Friday morning, Martucci said his guide took his group to the town hall to be medically evaluated in hopes that local officials would understand their situation and help them find a way out.
“There were about 100 tourists in line and we waited two hours before seeing the doctor,” Martucci said. “They told me that it was a priority, and that they would try to get me in a helicopter from Machu Picchu in the next two days.”
However, Martucci isn’t sure if that will happen, she told CNN.
“There are several people who need help, and one helicopter can only carry 10 people. We don’t know what’s going on.”
