Australian hiker dies in Peru after fall on Inca Trail
cusco: An Australian tourist traveling the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu in Peru died after falling down a valley, according to state news agency Andina.
A body believed to be that of 53-year-old Mathew Cameron Patron was found on a cliff along the road by members of Cusco’s High Mountain Rescue Unit (USAM) on Thursday afternoon, Andina said Friday.
Cusco Police District Chief Gen. Virgilio Velasquez said authorities believe Patron tripped and fell while walking with a group that included his wife and a guide on Wednesday afternoon.
Velasquez said Patron and his wife arrived in the city 12 days ago and set out on a four-day journey from the Ollantaytambo region to Machu Picchu via the Inca Trail.
According to Velasquez telling Andina, “We have information that shows that he tripped while crossing a wooden bridge and probably tried to hold on to the wooden railing, but the railing gave way and he himself slid into the cliff. Unfortunately, he fell down the valley.”
Authorities will investigate the circumstances surrounding the fall.
Police said they are currently waiting for the body to be recovered for transport to the town of Machu Picchu Pueblo at the base of the Inca citadel and then to the city of Urubamba for an autopsy.
The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) has been contacted for comment.
