Peru: Australian tourist found dead after falling into abyss while heading to Machu Picchu

18:30 | Urubamba (Cusco region), May. 21.

Agents from Cusco's High Mountain Rescue Unit (USAM) on Thursday afternoon located the body of Australian tourist Mathew Cameron Patron, 53, who had been reported missing after falling from the Inca Trail while heading to the Machu Picchu Inca citadel.

The remains were found in an abyss approximately 300 meters from the "50 Gradas" sector along the Wiñaywayna–Intipunku route, from where he fell Wednesday afternoon while traveling with a group of visitors and a guide to the Wonder of the World, Machu Picchu.

The Machu Picchu Police Station confirmed that authorities are awaiting the recovery of the body for its transfer to Machu Picchu Pueblo (Town), a procedure that will be carried out with the participation of representatives from the Public Ministry (Prosecutor's Office).

The foreign tourist's body will be transferred to the morgue in the city of Urubamba for the legally required autopsy.

However, authorities will also begin investigating the circumstances surrounding the fall.

Cusco Police Region Chief, General Virgilio Velasquez, said Mathew Cameron Patron and his wife arrived in the city 12 days ago and headed to the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu from Ollantaytambo district, a four-day journey.

After his disappearance was reported, he ordered and coordinated the search and rescue operations carried out by agents from the High Mountain Rescue Unit (USAM) and the Machu Picchu Police Station personnel.

Rescue workers from the Directorate of Culture, the National Service for Natural Areas Protected by the State (Sernanp), and other institutions joined the effort.

"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.