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[CULTURE] · Peru · 15 sources

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Machu Picchu wildfire forces train suspension, threatens forest

A wildfire that ignited on Monday in the Machu Picchu Historic Sanctuary has burned about 1.5 hectares of primary forest at kilometre 107.4 of the access road, near the base of Cerro Poques. The fire is classified as a mixed type, affecting both surface vegetation and underground material, and is being fought on steep terrain with slopes up to 70 percent.

Specialized brigades from the National Service of Protected Natural Areas (Sernanp) are combating the blaze, comprising 15 park rangers, eight municipal workers and six staff from the transport company that serves the citadel. The Ministry of Environment has called in military personnel to reinforce the effort.

The Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism (Mincetur) has suspended train operations on the Ollantaytambo–Machu Picchu section for safety, cancelling three departures from Ollantaytambo and seven from Machu Picchu. PeruRail confirmed the cancellations, leaving hundreds of tourists stranded during the high‑season period when the site receives up to 5,600 visitors daily. Authorities continue permanent monitoring of the incident and have asked visitors for patience while conditions are secured.

Entities

Cerro Poques · El Algarrobal · Machu Picchu · Machu Picchu Historic Sanctuary · Mincetur (Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism) · Ministry of Environment (Peru) · PeruRail · Richard Sánchez · Sernanp (National Service of Protected Natural Areas) · Servicio Nacional de Áreas Naturales Protegidas por el Estado (Sernanp)

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