Australian tourist dies after falling during hike on Inca Trail in Peru

An Australian man has died while hiking the Inca Trail in Machu Picchu, Peru.

Peruvian media reports that a 53-year-old Australian man fell while walking along the popular tourist route at around 2pm local time on Wednesday.

It is understood the man, believed to be Mathew Cameron Patron, fell into a 400 to 500 meter embankment while walking.

Cusco’s Decentralized Directorate of Culture said in a statement that Patron was hiking the Wiñaywayna – Intipunku section of the Inca Trail, the final section, when he fell into a ravine in an area known as “50 Steps.”

50 Steps is the name given to an extremely steep stone staircase leading to the ruins of Sun Gate.

According to travel websites, they are also called the “monkey steps” because hikers have to climb parts of them on their hands and knees.

After the incident, rescue teams immediately started a search in an area that was difficult to access.

Items possibly belonging to Patron have been found, Cusco’s Decentralized Directorate of Culture said.

His body was found and retrieved during the rescue operation on Thursday.

Nine.com.au has contacted the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) for comment

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