Stranded at Machu Picchu?

We had it all planned to go to Cuzco tonight. I would finally see the Incan capital. I'm glad we didn't.

Cuzco, and another department called Apurimac, have declared a 60-day state of emergency due to the worst torrential rains in 15 years. 

Already, two people have died and more than 120 houses have been affected, some completely washed away, by the flooding. 

Flooding has also blocked off the highway from Cuzco to Aguas Calientes, the last stop on the road to Machu Picchu. Almost 2,000 tourists were stranded there, many of whom were flown out today by helicopter. I'm not sure what to think about the helicopter tourist show, besides the fact that it could have been us!

So I finally understand what Peruvians mean when they say that there are only two seasons here--dry and wet. It's even sprinkled in Arequipa for the first time in five months!