An Australian police officer who fell to his death while hiking to Peru's famed Machu Picchu is being remembered as a dedicated family man with a passion for travel.
The body of Victorian Sergeant Matt Paton was recovered by Peruvian rescuers on Thursday local time in an abyss about 300 metres from a trail leading to Machu Picchu.
Sgt Paton fell from the Inca Trail on Wednesday afternoon while with a guided group headed to the ancient Inca citadel, one of the South American nation's most visited sites.
The 52-year-old's relatives said they were "shattered by this loss".
""It seems surreal at the moment - everyone is bereft," the family said in a statement on Friday.
"Family was the most important thing to Matt. He was dedicated to his family including his wife of 31 years and their three children. He adored his family. And we adored him."
