The Ministry of Culture of Peru deported 5 tourists and held back one after they were caught damaging the nation&rsquos pride, Machu Picchu.

The six foreigners, 4 men and 2 women, were caught by the staff of Machu Picchu National Archaeological Park during early hours of the morning in the viewpoint of the Temple of the Sun.

The tourists, among Argentines, Chileans, Brazilians and French, entered the llaqta of Machu Picchu illegally at night on January 11, 2020.

According to the authorities, the group fractured a lithic element that broke off a wall, causing it to fall from a height of approximately six metres (20 feet) and crack the floor. Faecal matter was also found at the site.

According to a release by the Ministry of Culture, &ldquoIn this regard, the Chief of the National Archaeological Park of Machupicchu of the Culture Directorate of Cusco, the anthropologist José Bastante demanded that the Commissioner of Machupicchu expedite the investigations corresponding to the shortest term in order to determine the responsibility of the offenders and to be the case, those responsible are sanctioned according to current regulations.&rdquo

Five of the defaulters were deported while one has been held back and will face charges.

&ldquoThe Ministry of Culture invokes national and foreign visitors to respect and protect the Archaeological Heritage of the Nation, since if events of this nature occur they will be subject to administrative and legal actions that the entity will promote in defense and protection of the Cultural Heritage of the Nation,&rdquo added the release.