LIMA, Peru (AP) — Machu Picchu reopened on Wednesday after being closed for three weeks amid antigovernment protests, Peru’s culture ministry announced.<\/p>\n
The decision was an agreement between authorities, social groups and the local tourism industry to guarantee the security of the tourist attraction and transport services.<\/p>\n
Protests calling for the resignation of President Dina Boluarte and members of Peru’s Congress have shaken the region, including Cusco, for more than two months. The demonstrations caused a blockade of the train tracks leading to Machu Picchu.<\/p>\n
The protests have led to 60 deaths: 48 civilians who died in clashes with security forces, 11 civilians killed in traffic accidents related to road blockades and one policeman who died inside a patrol car when it was set on fire, according to data from the Ombudsman’s Office.<\/p>\n
The closure of Machu Picchu on Jan. 21 forced the government to airlift more than 400 tourists from Machu Picchu to the city of Cusco by helicopter.<\/p>\n