Americans have been stranded in Peru as violent protests erupted following the ouster and arrest of President Pedro Castillo.
About 200 travelers are stranded abroad in Machu Picchu after political unrest caused rail services leading to airports to grind to a halt in the village.
Castillo was arrested last week after trying to “dissolve Congress and rule by decree.” His arrest led officials to declare a 30-day national emergency on Wednesday as his followers led to “vandalism and acts of violence.”
Brian Vega, a Miami-Dade firefighter, visited Machu Picchu alone and was unable to leave the village when protesters blocked the railroad.
“We’re isolated,” Vega told NBC News. “The only way in is by train or otherwise by helicopter.”
At least 20 people have died in the protests in Peru, despite the declaration of a state of emergency banning residents from gathering.
Several hundred Americans have been stranded in Peru following political unrest during the arrest of President Pedro Castillo. Pictured: Miami-Dade, Fla. Fire Chief Brian Vega
Protesters have halted railway operations by laying trees and massive rocks on the tracks
Castillo (above) was arrested after allegedly attempting to dissolve Congress and rule by decree, prompting nationwide protests
The country’s main airports, including Arequipa and Cusco, were open Monday, but the US embassy in Peru warned that ongoing demonstrations could disrupt flight routes to the airport and prevent planes from taking off.
Vega suggested that if he can’t get to one by rail, he could go to the nearest open airport.
Some people may have been able to leave the village over the weekend after “restricted” train services were offered to get tourists close enough to Cusco to walk the rest of the way.
Amy Madden and her tour group walked 18 miles to a nearby town in hopes of catching a train to an operating airport.
“We got on that bus and hit a roadblock,” Madden told NBC. “And we all got out and the crowd came towards us. One of the men had a hard-on like a gun in his hand and they ran straight towards the bus driver. We were horrified.”
For those desperate to get out of the area, the embassy announced a charter flight from Cusco to Lima was available Monday night with limited seats for $125 per person.
Other commercial flights from Cusco to Lima are available throughout the week, but it’s unclear how many are offered per day.
Amy Madden (third from left) and her tourist group walked 18 miles to a nearby town in hopes of catching a train to an operating airport
Madden said she witnessed protesters pull out a gun and threaten a bus driver who was helping her group get to the airport
Demonstrators placed large stones on train tracks. Workers are seen above trying to remove the stone
Soldiers were seen on the streets of Lima on December 18 after the state of emergency was declared
At least 20 people have died in the protests in Peru
Colorado resident Tom Gray was able to catch a bus from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes with some of his tour group over the weekend.
The bus ride was the last on offer, leaving several Americans stranded in the village when they encountered more than a dozen trees and boulders blocking the road.
“Our leader had to bribe the protesters to clear the rocks away so we could return to our hotel,” Gray said.
Gray booked his flight to Lima for Tuesday evening.
Naala Brewer, a professor at Arizona State University, traveled to Peru on December 9 amid civil unrest, confident that the demonstrations would not be as bad as the news announced.
Brewer flew into Cusco’s airport — which is closest to Machu Picchu — and began her vacation.
“Everything seemed fine,” Brewer told Fox News. “We saw a bit of peaceful protest… nothing major.”
The ASU professor was scheduled to leave the country on December 12, but her flight was canceled after hours of waiting at the airport.
After reaching out to Arizona government officials, Brewer hoped to be home by Sunday night.
Naala Brewer, a professor at Arizona State University, went to Peru after Castillo’s arrest, believing the protests would not be that bad
She attempted to leave Cusco airport on December 12, but her flight was cancelled. She stayed in the country for about six more days
Meanwhile, a Miami-Dade police officer returned home to Florida Monday after being stuck in Peru for days.
Sergeant Jessenia Munoz was welcomed home by first responders and family members when she arrived at Miami International Airport.
Munoz was stuck in a hotel near Cusco amid the political unrest and unsure when she would be able to return home.
“It was just frustrating not having an answer, not being able to move, not being able to do anything,” Munoz told Local 10. “I hope everyone who was able to go was able to go, but supposedly things will start again . ‘
Sergeant Jessenia Munoz, a Miami-Dade police officer, returned home after being stranded in Peru
She was welcomed home by first responders and family members when she arrived at Miami International Airport
Castillo, a leftist elected in 2021, was removed from office by lawmakers on December 7 and later arrested.
His vehicle was intercepted while driving through Lima’s streets with his security detail. Prosecutors accused him of trying to apply for political asylum at the Mexican embassy.
Since his arrest, Castillo has been held at the DIROES police facility in Lima.
He urged supporters to come to jail and said he should be released after the first seven days of pre-trial detention.
Castillo has denied allegations of rebellion and conspiracy.
The former president also called on the Inter-American Court of Human Rights to stand up for him as dozens gathered inside the prison to demand his release.
His position was taken over by then-Vice President Dina Boluarte.
Castillo, a leftist elected in 2021, was ousted by lawmakers on Dec. 7
Vice-President Dina Boluarte took over as President
Defense Secretary Alberto Otarola declared a state of emergency over “vandalism and acts of violence” and roadblocks.
The declaration includes the suspension of rights to “personal security and liberty,” including freedom of association and freedom of movement.
Authorities can also search people’s homes without permission or a court order.
Demonstrators have blocked roads in Peru’s capital Lima and many rural communities, demanding the freedom of Castillo, Boluarte’s resignation and the immediate calling of general elections to choose a new president and replace all members of Congress.