(The following appeared on the Los Angeles Times website on February 21, 2010.)
LOS ANGELES — The switchback railroad used by 90 percent of tourists to reach Machu Picchu will be closed at least two months for repairs, spoiling the travel plans of thousands and affecting the economy of the area of southeast Peru that depends on tourism.
In late January, the last of 3,900 tourists, who were stranded in Machu Picchu after torrential rains and mudslides swept away parts of the Transandino Railroad, were evacuated. The rail line was damaged in eight places. The Inca Trail, the walkway hikers use to approach the site, was also destroyed in places.
About 500 Americans were among those stranded. One Argentine tourist and his Peruvian guide were killed.
Although there are magnificent Inca ruins in Cuzco, just 50 miles away, and other nearby towns, most tourists come to the region to see the former Inca stronghold, discovered in 1911 by Hiram Bingham and designated a UNESCO World Heritage site.