Yesterday afternoon, Tuesday 30 December, two tourist trains heading to Machu Picchu, the famous Inca city in Peru, collided causing one victim and numerous injuries. The accident occurred in the Pampacachua area, along the railway line that connects the archaeological site to the city of Cusco, about 10 kilometers southeast of Machu Picchu, near the Qoriwayrachina site. The deceased person was identified as Roberto Cardenas Loayza, a 61-year-old train driver.
According to local authorities, numerous foreign tourists were traveling on board the trains, many of whom were in serious conditions. Overall, over 40 people suffered injuries of varying degrees. Ambulances, rescue teams and railway police personnel intervened at the scene of the accident to manage the emergency. The authorities have activated security protocols and initiated contacts with the embassies of the countries of the tourists involved.
Choque between trains of Peru Rail and Inka Rail at km 82 (Qorihuayrachina) are several times. We urgently requested ambulances to evacuate the affected people. Please wait for the official report on serious causes. Occur on a key route to Machu Picchu. pic.twitter.com/02ZZNNCKem
— Cusco Post
– Noticias del Cusco (@cuscopost) December 30, 2025
Rail traffic is suspended
The images released by local media show wagons with broken windows and dented sides, stuck along the railway line immersed in the surrounding vegetation, next to large boulders. The precise causes of the collision have not been disclosed at the moment. The railway company has suspended services along this route pending further investigations, while investigations continue to determine any liability.
A train driver was killed and 40 more people were injured in Peru after two trains collided on the railway leading to the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu, the Andean nation’s top tourist site https://t.co/4zbPcazV2a pic.twitter.com/dKDhnjWKgV
— Reuters (@Reuters) December 31, 2025
Machu Picchu is one of the most visited tourist sites in Peru, with around 1.5 million visitors each year. Most tourists reach the site via train to Aguas Calientes, a small village located at the foot of the ruins. The Inca city, built in the 15th century, is famous for its perfectly fitted stones and its role as an imperial sanctuary.
Over the last ten years, tourism in the area has increased by 25%, although it is also influenced by local political tensions and demonstrations that sometimes block the railway line. In addition to the train, Machu Picchu can be reached on foot via the route from Ollantaytambo, a route that requires approximately four days of walking.
You might also be interested in:
