Landslide near Machu Picchu: Highway cleared quickly, but railway damaged
In the morning, a rock collapse occurred near the second tunnel in the Puente Ruinas sector. The falling rocks blocked the carretera Hiram Bingham road connecting the town of Machu Picchu Pueblo with the ancient citadel, as well as the railway line towards the Hidroeléctrica station.
Municipal emergency services cleared the road in about an hour and a half, allowing tourist buses to fully resume their usual transportation schedule. At the same time, the rail connection to Hidroeléctrica remains closed: Ferrocarril Transandino S.A. reported track damage at kilometer 111+800, where debris removal and technical inspection will require additional time.
Trains between Ollantaytambo and Machu Picchu Pueblo are still running, although there may be minor delays and changes to the boarding points. The landslide also completely destroyed the local chapel dedicated to Señor de Qoylluriti, but there were no deaths or injuries.
Context
Sector Puente Ruinas is located at the exit of the village Machu Picchu Pueblo (Aguas Calientes) on the banks of the Urubamba River. It is near the bridge of the same name that the walking route begins with stone steps to the entrance to the citadel and tickets are checked for travelers who climb without a bus.
The railway branch towards the Hydroelectric Power Plant serves as a budget alternative route to Machu Picchu: tourists often get there by car from Cusco, after which they cover the last section by train or on foot along the tracks.