Peru: Train to Machu Picchu to resume operations on July 1, authorities say

Peru's Vice Minister of Transports, Hjalmar Marangunich, participated in the ceremony of official reopening of the railway that connects Cusco and Machu Picchu.

The official explained that the trains will resume operations starting July 1.

Marangunich also remarked that the most critical spots were the kms. 77, 78 and, where it was necessary to build a completely new, reinforced embankment.

The vice Minister informed that during the first months there will be restrictions in the trains' speed, and that repair works will continue along all the way during all the year.

Sting, Sandra Bullock and Bette Middler likely to visit Machu Picchu, Peru

Peru's Minister of Trade and Tourism, Martín Pérez, said that his sector is working in bringing international celebrities like Sting and Bette Middler to Machu Picchu, as part of the strategy to promote Cusco worldwide.

“Susan Sarandon's visit had a great media coverage. Actually it was way bigger than we had expected and her visit helped us increase tourism by 7%,” he said.

“Sarandon's photos in Machu Picchu were seen all around the globe,” remarked Perez.

The government decided to invite celebrities as a way to help rebuild tourism in Cusco, after the heavy rainfalls and floods that took place last January.

Perez said that he would also like to bring Sandra Bullock to visit Cusco.