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Peru: Cusco - Machu Pucchu train services to be suspended due to strike in Espinar

By Isabel Guerra

(09/21/2010)The three train services from Cusco to Machu Picchu citadel have been suspended during Tuesday and Wednesday, due to the farmers' strike in Espinar, where local residents are protesting against the construction of a dam as a part of the Majes-Siguas II project, in Arequipa.

The protesters, who allege that this project will leave their province waterless, are already in their eight day of strike,

PeruRail, IncaRail and Andean Railways, the three companies operating train services between Cusco and Machu Picchu, told Associated Press that the service will be temporarily halted those days “to grant the safety of the tourists.”

Some 1,500 visit Machu Picchu daily, and the only way of getting there is the railway.

The companies denied the versions that allege that this suspension may be related to a wildfire that has started seven km. away from the citadel.

This farmers's protest started on Sept. 13, and will extend to Cusco city starting tomorrow, said the strikers.

Eloy Condori, from the public transportation union in Cusco, told Associated Press that they will go on strike supporting the farmers in Espinar, who have always suffered from periodical water shortages and are now concerned about the possible effects of the Majes-Siguas project, which includes a dam in the Apurimac river basin, their source of water.