Peru Shuts Down Machu Picchu Amid Widespread Protests

Peru Shuts Down , Machu Picchu , Amid Widespread Protests.

NBC reports that the government of Peru has indefinitely shut down the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu amid anti-government protests that began last month.

NBC reports that the government of Peru has indefinitely shut down the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu amid anti-government protests that began last month.

According to Peru's Culture Ministry, the country's most famous tourist attraction has been closed , “to protect the safety of tourists and the population in general.”.

According to Peru's Culture Ministry, the country's most famous tourist attraction has been closed , “to protect the safety of tourists and the population in general.”.

Tourism Minister Luis Fernando Helguero said that there were 417 visitors trapped at the ancient site, over 300 of them foreigners.

The news comes as protestors have descended upon Lima, demanding that President Dina Boluarte step down.

The news comes as protestors have descended upon Lima, demanding that President Dina Boluarte step down.

On January 21, police raided Peru's largest public university in Lima, evicting protesters who were being housed on campus while taking part in demonstrations.

On January 21, police raided Peru's largest public university in Lima, evicting protesters who were being housed on campus while taking part in demonstrations.

According to Interior Minister Vicente Romero, over 100 people were detained in the raid.

Last month, the protests were sparked by the impeachment and imprisonment of then-President Pedro Castillo.

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NBC reports that Castillo was Peru's first leader with a rural Andean background and was forced from office after attempting to dissolve Congress.

NBC reports that Castillo was Peru's first leader with a rural Andean background and was forced from office after attempting to dissolve Congress.

Castillo is currently being detained on charges of rebellion.

NBC reports that over 55 people have died in widespread unrest following the ousting of Castillo and his replacement with Boluarte.

NBC reports that over 55 people have died in widespread unrest following the ousting of Castillo and his replacement with Boluarte