Australian man dies after falling down ravine on hike to Machu Picchu

An Australian man has died after falling down a ravine while walking on the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu in Peru, local authorities have said.Members of the High Mountain Rescue Unit in the city of Cusco found the body of Matthew Cameron Paton, 52, on Thursday, about 300m (984ft) down a steep slope near the "50 Gradas" section of the trail.On Wednesday, Paton - who arrived in Cusco about 12 days ago with his wife - had been reported missing after he fell through a broken railing as he was hiking the famous Peruvian mountain trail with a group of tourists and a guide, police said. Authorities will investigate the cause of the fall and Paton's body is expected to be transferred to a nearby town.Getty ImagesThe man died after falling down a ravine on the Inca Trail to Machu PicchuCusco Police Region Chief General Virgilio Velasquez said search and rescue operations were launched on Wednesday after he received reports of the missing man."We have information indicating that he apparently tripped while crossing a wooden bridge and he likely tried to hold onto the wooden railing," Velasquez said, according to Peruvian news outlet Andina."But it gave way and he slipped into the abyss along with it. Unfortunately, he fell down the ravine," Velasquez added.