Portugal Colonial - Tourists return to Peru's Machu Picchu after community protest

Access to the site had been blocked since Monday as protesters placed logs and rocks on train tracks to demand their interests be represented in the bidding process for a new bus operator.

Protesters clashed with police, which said 14 officers were injured.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1983, the ancient, fortified complex receives around 4,500 visitors a day, many of them foreigners, according to the tourism ministry.

Visitors travel some 110 kilometers (68 miles) by train from the city of Cusco -- the Inca empire's ancient capital -- to the Aguas Calientes train station, then take a bus to the entrance of Machu Picchu.

Authorities on Tuesday evening evacuated 156 visitors, adding to another 1,400-odd that had to be extricated overnight Monday.

Hundreds more made their own way down on foot.

Among the foreign tourists were French, Japanese, American, Brazilian, German, and Portuguese nationals, according to the list seen by AFP.

PeruRail announced the resumption of operations Wednesday after residents announced a truce until Saturday for negotiations.

The protest was organized by the Machu Picchu Defense Front, which has vowed to continue its action until the new transport company is chosen to provide bus services between Aguas Calientes and the citadel.

The previous company's 30-year concession has expired, but it has continued to provide services to the ire of residents who insist the community must have a stake in a new operator.

The citadel, located at an altitude of 2,438 meters, was built in the 15th century by order of Inca emperor Pachacutec (1438-1470).

It is considered a marvel of architecture and engineering, but has repeatedly been the scene of protests by locals pressing social demands.

Tourism is key to the economy of Peru.

V.F.Barreira--PC