An Australian tourist has died after reportedly slipping and falling about 300m into a ravine in Peru.

Mathew Cameron Patron, 53, was walking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu when he reportedly fell about 2pm on Wednesday, local media reported, citing police.

“We have information indicating that he apparently tripped while crossing a wooden bridge, and he likely tried to hold onto the wooden railing, but it gave way and he slipped into the abyss along with it. Unfortunately, he fell down the ravine,” Cusco Police Region Chief General Virgilio Velasquez said.

His body was located on Thursday afternoon, about 300m from the “50 Gradas” sector along the Wiñaywayna–Intipunku route, where he is believed to have fallen.

A specialist high-angle rescue team also located his backpack, shoes and other belongings during the search.

Patron had arrived in Cusco with his wife 12 days before the incident, and was travelling with a group of visitors and a guide at the time.

The couple had set out on the four-day Inca Trail trek to Machu Picchu from the Ollantaytambo district.

Authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding the fall.

More to come …

SOURCE: https://7news.com.au/news/australian-tourist-dies-after-falling-into-ravine-on-inca-trail-in-peru-c-22322208