13:27 | Cusco (Cusco region), May. 21.
Cusco Police reported that
Australian tourist Mathew Cameron Patron, 53, who had been listed as missing in the Machu Picchu Archaeological Park, may have slipped and fallen into a 400- to 500-meter-deep abyss while heading toward the Machu Picchu Inca Citadel.
Command Chief, Police General Virgilio Velasquez, on Thursday confirmed that authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding the disappearance, since the visitor was traveling at the time with a group of tourists and a guide.
"We have information indicating that he apparently tripped while crossing a wooden bridge, and he likely tried to hold onto the wooden railing, but it gave way and he slipped into the abyss along with it. Unfortunately, he fell down the ravine," Velasquez indicated.
Mathew Cameron Patron arrived in Cusco 12 days ago with his wife.
The visitor decided to hike the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu after entering through Ollantaytambo district, a journey that lasts four days.
After passing the Wiñaywayna archaeological complex on the way to Intiwatana, the foreigner fell from an area known as “50 Gradas” into an abyss with steep terrain and dense vegetation.
Search Resumes
The police general stated that search operations resumed this morning.
A team of agents from the High Mountain Rescue Unit climbed to the summit carrying their respective equipment to descend into the area.
They were joined by rescue personnel from the Directorate of Culture, the National Service for Natural Areas Protected by the State (Sernanp), and the Municipality of Machu Picchu.
Police personnel from the Machu Picchu Police Station began operations yesterday afternoon once the alert had been received.
For several hours, law enforcement agents carried out a gradual vertical descent into the accident area and suspended the search due to poor visibility.
Part of the investigation will also involve verifying whether the company that transported the tourist was formally registered. The guide accompanying the group, who belonged to the agency, was taken in for questioning.
Authorities also hope to determine whether the missing visitor carried a cellphone that could help locate him through GPS or signal tracking, although the area lacks mobile phone coverage.
"We are making our utmost effort. During the night, we coordinated with the specialized police unit, and we hope to obtain positive results today so we can find him," Velasquez concluded.
(END) PHS/FGM/MVB
Publicado: 21/5/2026