The airlift implemented by the Peruvian government to evacuate visitors and residents of Machu Picchu town to Ollantaytambo and Cuzco airport has been completed successfully.  There are no longer any tourists in the area who wish to leave.

Heavy rains causing severe flooding in the Machu Picchu region have caused a series of landslides which severely damaged and eroded railway tracks between Cuzco, Ollantaytambo and Machu Picchu, the only means of vehicular access to the ancient Inca citadel.

PeruRail services are currently suspended and none of the Company’s trains have been able to operate between Ollantaytambo and Machu Picchu since 23rd January. 

Engineers from the railway network operator, Ferrocarril Transandino S.A. (FTSA), who because of Peru’s annual rainy season from November to March are experienced in the quick and safe repair of landslide damage, have already begun work to the track between Machu Picchu and Hydroelectrica, a town upriver from Machu Picchu.  This route will be reopened within 7-10 days, subject to favourable weather conditions.

FTSA estimates that works to the damaged railway tracks between Ollantaytambo and Machu Picchu, the traditional access route for tourist and local trains from Cuzco, will be completed in approximately eight weeks, subject to favourable weather conditions. 

Orient-Express’ 31 room hotel, the Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge, was not damaged by the floods.  All guests have been evacuated and the hotel remains ready to welcome guests as soon as access to Machu Picchu is reinstated.

Hotel Rio Sagrado, in the Sacred Valley, has reopened, having been evacuated when river levels were very high on 26th January.  The property was not damaged.

ENDS/…..

For further media information please contact Pippa Isbell or Vicky Legg at +44 20 7805 5067, Pippa.isbell@orient-express.com or Vicky.legg@orient-express.com

Passengers who are scheduled to travel to the Hotel Monasterio, Hotel Rio Sagrado or Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge before the 31 March are asked to contact their travel consultant or:

Orient-Express Central Reservations USA
+1 800 237 1236 (toll free) or +1 843 937 9066

Orient-Express Central Reservations Europe
0845 077 2222 (toll free) or +44 207 921 4010

Passengers who are scheduled to travel before 31 March on the Hiram Bingham train to Machu Picchu should contact their travel consultant or PeruRail for further information and advice on their journey.