Peru says rail link to Machu Picchu to be partially restored by end of March

Peru says Machu Picchu service back soon

LIMA, Peru — Peruvian officials say they expect train service to the Inca ruins of Machu Picchu will be restored March 29.

Fierce rains in January washed out the rail link, the only terrestrial means of arrival other than by foot.

Transport minister Enrique Cornejo told Congress last week that while rail service from Cuzco to Peru’s famed tourist site won’t be restored until June at the earliest, the last 28 kilometers (17 miles) will be ready by month’s end.

Tourists will be able to take a bus from Cuzco to the town of Ollantaytambo, then go by road to the rail link.

Peru’s deputy tourism minister, Hjalmar Marangunich, says the combination road-rail trip via Ollantaytambo should not take much more time than the 3 1/2 hours the train journey required.