LIMA, PERU — A local ******* has temporarily suspended train service taking tourists to the ancient Incan citadel of Machu Picchu, the most visited place in Peru.

******* leader Oscar Valencia says hundreds of demonstrators have blocked the railway, prompting the rail company to suspend service Tuesday and Wednesday. Peru Rail said it temporarily stopped service as a safety measure.

Valencia told The Associated Press on Tuesday that demonstrators want Peru Rail to dedicate two train cars for residents of a region lacking adequate local transportation. The ******* coincided with an economic summit of Asia-Pacific leaders opening in the capital of Lima.

A regional ****** chief says about 700 officers have been sent to Machu Picchu and nearby areas. About 1.7 million visitors travel to Machu Picchu each year, including around 800,000 foreigners.