HUNDREDS of tourists have been left stranded at Machu Picchu during major protests that have ground transport to a halt.

The lifeline train from the world-famous tourist spot was stopped due to a protest, Peru 's tourism minister said.

This service was suspended on Monday due to "rocks of various sizes" blocking the route amid the demonstrations.

Protesters are objecting to a new bus company that has been commissioned in the area.

It all kicked off when the contract of Consettur, which runs the tour buses, had expired.

Those protesting have blasted a lack of "transparency and fairness" in the process of replacing the company .

A total of 1,400 tourists were evacuated from the historic Inca city on Monday, according to Tourism Minister Desilu Leon.

But this means around 900 peo

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