Star Metro - Protesting Peru residents block trains to Machu Picchu

A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1983, the ancient fortified complex receives some 4,500 visitors on average each day, many of them foreigners, according to the tourism ministry.

Authorities have not given a figure for stranded tourists or an evacuation plan.

Residents are demanding that a new company be chosen to run the buses that ferry visitors from the Aguas Calientes train station at the foot of Machu Picchu, to the site itself.

Visitors arrive at Aguas Calientes from the city of Cusco -- the Inca empire's ancient capital -- some 110 kilometers (68 miles) away.

The previous bus firm's contract had come to an end after a 30-year concession, but services have continued -- presumably by the same company.

Residents similarly pressed home their social demands in January last year, when some 1,200 tourists had to be evacuated from Machu Picchu -- some without ever laying eyes on the site.

A year earlier, Machu Picchu was closed for 25 days during protests over the impeachment and arrest of then-president Pedro Castillo.

Machu Picchu was built in the 15th century at an altitude of 2,500 meters (about 8,200 feet) on orders from the Inca ruler Pachacutec.

It is considered a marvel of architecture and engineering.

Tourism is key to the economy of Peru.

D.Ch. Nadeau--SMC