Tourist dies after falling into gorge while hiking to Machu Picchu

An Australian tourist died after falling into a gorge while hiking the "Inca Trail" towards Machu Picchu, in Peru.

The body of police officer Matthew Paton was found on Thursday night (21), local time, police in the Australian state of Victoria, where he worked, told CNN.

9News, an Australian CNN affiliate, reported that he fell off the trail at 2pm on Wednesday (20).

The father of three fell from a height of between 400 and 500 meters during a difficult section of the trail, 9News reported.

Paton, 52, was in Peru with his wife to walk the Inca Trail, a popular route that ends at Machu Picchu, a citadel built by the Incas in the 15th century.

The 42-kilometer route takes hikers through steep mountainous terrain, reaching altitudes of 4,200 meters.

Victoria Police said Paton "loved traveling, exploring historic sites and different cultures."

Paton's family members were on their way to Peru, the note added.

In a statement, the family said they were "devastated by the loss. It feels surreal at this time - everyone is inconsolable."

Matt Paton joined Victoria Police in 2009, before becoming an instructor at the Victoria Police Academy in 2017. - Courtesy of Victoria Police via CNN Newsource
According to his family, Paton was "always up for an adventure" and "always wanted to travel to Peru", even learning Spanish for the trip.

Paton joined Victoria Police in 2009, before becoming an instructor at the Victoria Police Academy in 2017.

He was due to take up a new role as senior sergeant next month.

Victoria Police Chief Mike Bush said: "His colleagues and the entire police family are devastated by the tragic loss of a wonderful and caring person."

CNN has contacted Peru's Ministry of Culture and the country's Tourism Police for comment, as well as the Australian Embassy in Lima.

The Inca Trail takes tourists from the Urubamba River, near Cusco, to the ruins of Machu Picchu. The trek normally takes four days.

Train collision in Peru leaves one dead and at least 40 injured | LIVE CNN

According to government data, 1.5 million people visited the site last year. Visitors can also choose to take the train from Cusco to the nearby town of Aguas Calientes instead of hiking.

In December, a train accident on the railway line killed one person and injured 30.

Machu Picchu: the wonders of the mysterious Inca sacred city

Source: CNN