A train collision on the route to Peru's famed Machu Picchu archaeological site has left multiple people injured, including seven Canadian citizens. The incident occurred on December 31, 2025, casting a shadow over what is typically a busy tourist corridor.
Details of the Machu Picchu Route Collision
The accident involved a collision between trains servicing the popular tourist destination of Machu Picchu, located in the Cusco department of Peru. While Peruvian authorities reported one fatality and at least thirty injuries overall, Global Affairs Canada confirmed that seven Canadians were among those injured. The exact cause of the collision is under investigation by local officials.
This section of railway is crucial for transporting visitors to the iconic Inca citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The incident highlights the potential dangers on transport routes in remote and mountainous regions, even those frequented by international travelers.
Canadian Government Response and Travel Advisory
Following the crash, Canadian officials have been actively involved. Global Affairs Canada stated it is providing consular assistance to the affected Canadian citizens and their families. The department is in contact with local Peruvian authorities to gather more information and support the injured tourists.
While the department has not issued a new travel advisory specifically for the Machu Picchu railway, it consistently advises Canadians traveling abroad to exercise a high degree of caution, register with the Registration of Canadians Abroad service, and purchase comprehensive travel insurance. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of such precautions, even when visiting major tourist destinations.
Context and Aftermath
The train crash near Machu Picchu disrupts travel at a peak time, following years of tourism recovery after the COVID-19 pandemic. Images from 2020 showed the ancient site completely empty during global lockdowns, making the return of visitors a significant economic and cultural event for Peru.
The broader news cycle on December 31, 2025, included various other stories impacting Canadians, from winter storms paralyzing parts of Ontario to health recalls and sports announcements. However, the incident in Peru stands out as a serious international event directly affecting Canadian travelers. The focus now remains on the recovery of the injured and the official investigation into the cause of the collision.
