Machu Picchu Closed Due To Protests

The ancient citadel of Machu Picchu may have survived invasions and government chaos of the past but the World Heritage site has just been shuttered due to widespread protests and violence. “In view of the current social situation in which our region and the country are immersed, the closure of the Inca trail network and Machu Picchu has been ordered, as of January 21, until further notice,” Peru’s Culture Ministry said in a statement. The closure is necessary “to protect the safety of tourists and the population in general.” Read more. NPR coverage.