Machu Picchu protesters disrupt tourism over ticket sales

Visitors to Peru’s iconic Machu Picchu site were met by protesters angry with the government for privatizing ticket sales at the Inca citadel.

Visitors to Peru's iconic Machu Picchu site were met by protesters angry with the government for privatizing ticket sales at the Inca citadel.

Launching what they called an "indefinite strike," tour operators and residents closed shops and blocked the tracks of a tourist train, compelling those on board to don rain jackets and walk the remaining three kilometers to the entrance.

"We are against the systematic privatization of Machu Picchu. The people are not in agreement; this (ticketing) company was contracted illegally," community representative Darwin Baca told AFP.

The demonstrators banged on drums, waved flags and demanded the minister of culture resign.

A local collective claims that the company granted the contract for ticket sales, Joinnus, will make as much as $3.2 million per year in commissions from the new system, which started on Saturday.

As evening fell, police used tear gas to disperse a group of protesters blocking the railway line, according to an AFP reporter at the scene. Authorities have not reported any arrests.

Rail operator Ferrocarril Transandino announced it would suspend service on Friday between Ollantaytambo and Machu Picchu due to the clashes between protesters and police.