Families visiting Peru have been stuck in Machu Picchu for days after the new government declared a national emergency on Wednesday.
Tourists from around the world have been left stranded in the ancient city after the arrest of the country's president led to an explosion of violent protests on the streets.
The main access to the UNESCO World Heritage site, the railway, was blocked off as the government suspended the rights of “personal security and freedom” across the Andean nation for 30 days.
Acts of vandalism, violence and highway blockades led Defence Minister Luis Otarola Peñaranda to claim “a forceful and authoritative response from the government" was required.
LATAM Airlines Peru said operations to and from Alfredo Rodríguez Ballón International Airport in Arequipa and the Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport in Cuzco, 75 kilometers (46 miles) from Machu Picchu, had been temporarily suspended.
According to local reports 800 tourists were stranded in Machu Picchu, with food quickly running out.
Diane Thao, an American tourist in the town where the train to Machu Picchu arrives, told the Telegraph: "Our hotel informed us that they’re going to cut back on food supplies and offer just eggs and coffee until supplies come to town because the markets are running low."
Today the UK Government issued a warning for British people considering heading to Peru.
"British nationals should take particular care to avoid all areas of protests," the travel advice reads.
"If possible, you should remain in a safe place. You should also monitor local media, including social media channels, and be aware that travel around the country is extremely difficult. You should plan ahead for severe disruption to any plans.
"Travellers arriving in Lima are advised that there is currently no ability to travel to/from many regional areas including Cusco and Arequipa, and further disruption is possible.
"Lima airport is restricting entry to passengers only with valid flight tickets. Travellers should recheck with their airline and tour operator and revisit travel plans ahead of any travel."
Peru has been wracked by nearly a week of political crisis and unrest that have undermined stability.
The troubles have “been increasing in such magnitude that the very idea of order, the very idea of authorities that can govern the country in some way is called into question,” said Jorge Aragón, a political science professor at Pontifical Catholic University of Peru.
Peru’s new president, Dina Boluarte, was sworn in by Congress last week hours after lawmakers ousted eft-wing president Pedro after he tried to dissolve parliament and rule be decree.
Protesters have blocked streets in Peru’s capital and many rural communities, demanding Castillo’s freedom, Boluarte’s resignation and the immediate scheduling of general elections to pick a new president and replace all members of Congress.
At least seven people have been killed, including a teenager who died Wednesday after being injured during protests in Andahuaylas, a hospital director said.
