The protests are due to start in Cusco, gateway to the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu, on Wednesday (4 January). The FCDO has warned the demonstrations can "easily spread" to other parts of the country.

"These protests are unpredictable and can escalate quickly and include violence," the FCDO further advised in an updated statement issued during the early hours of Wednesday morning (4 January).

"You should take particular care to avoid all areas of protests. If possible, you should remain in a safe place. You should also monitor local media, including social media channels."

Train services in the south, including those serving Machu Picchu, will be temporarily suspended as of Wednesday (4 January) as a precautionary measure.

It comes after hundreds of people became stranded in Machu Picchu last month owing to travel disruption caused by widespread protests, blockades and curfews following the ousting of president Pedro Castillo, who was impeached and removed from office early last month.

Once the tourists were evacuated from the Machu Picchu area, the country’s major regional airports – in Arequipa, Cusco, Juliaca and Ayacucho – began to reopen.