Australian man dies after falling down ravine on hike to Machu Picchu

An Australian antheral has died aft falling down a ravine portion walking connected the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu successful Peru, section authorities person said.

Members of the High Mountain Rescue Unit successful the metropolis of Cusco recovered the assemblage of Matthew Cameron Paton, 53, connected Thursday, astir 300m (984ft) down an abyss adjacent the "50 Gradas" conception of the trail.

On Wednesday, Paton - who arrived successful Cusco astir 12 days agone with his woman - had been reported missing aft helium fell done a breached railing arsenic helium was hiking the celebrated Peruvian upland way with a radical of tourists and a guide, constabulary said.

Authorities volition analyse the origin of the autumn and Paton's assemblage is expected to beryllium transferred to a adjacent town.

Cusco Police Region Chief General Virgilio Velasquez said hunt and rescue operations were launched connected Wednesday aft helium received reports of the missing man.

"We person accusation indicating that helium seemingly tripped portion crossing a woody span and helium apt tried to clasp onto the woody railing," Velasquez said, according to Peruvian quality outlet Andina.

"But it gave mode and helium slipped into the abyss on with it. Unfortunately, helium fell down the ravine," Velasquez added.

In a statement, a spokesperson for the Police Association of Victoria (TPAV) said its unit and members were shocked and saddened by "the nonaccomplishment of 1 of our members successful a tragic mishap overseas".

"Matt's publication to policing, done some his relation successful grooming constabulary and arsenic a TPAV Assistant Delegate, was typical of the attraction and interest helium had for his colleagues and his privation to springiness backmost to policing," the relation said.

The BBC has interaction the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade for comment.