Peru Shuts Down , Machu Picchu , Amid Widespread Protests.br NBC reports that the government of Peru has indefinitely br shut down the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu amid br anti-government protests that began last month.br NBC reports that the government of Peru has indefinitely br shut down the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu amid br anti-government protests that began last month.br According to Peru's Culture Ministry, the country's br most famous tourist attraction has been closed , “to protect the safety of tourists br and the population in general.”.br According to Peru's Culture Ministry, the country's br most famous tourist attraction has been closed , “to protect the safety of tourists br and the population in general.”.br Tourism Minister Luis Fernando Helguero br said that there were 417 visitors trapped at br the ancient site, over 300 of them foreigners.br The news comes as protestors have br descended upon Lima, demanding that br President Dina Boluarte step down.br The news comes as protestors have br descended upon Lima, demanding that br President Dina Boluarte step down.br On January 21, police raided Peru's largest public university br in Lima, evicting protesters who were being housed br on campus while taking part in demonstrations.br On January 21, police raided Peru's largest public university br in Lima, evicting protesters who were being housed br on campus while taking part in demonstrations.br According to Interior Minister Vicente Romero, br over 100 people were detained in the raid.br Last month, the protests were sparked br by the impeachment and imprisonment br of then-President Pedro Castillo. .br NBC reports that Castillo was Peru's first leader br with a rural Andean background and was forced br from office after attempting to dissolve Congress.br NBC reports that Castillo was Peru's first leader br with a rural Andean background and was forced br from office after attempting to dissolve Congress.br Castillo is currently br being detained on br charges of rebellion.br NBC reports that over 55 people have died br in widespread unrest following the ousting br of Castillo and his replacement with Boluarte.