An Australian policeman has died after falling several hundred metres into an abyss while walking with a group of tourists and a guide on the Inca Trail in Peru.

The accident occurred on Wednesday afternoon (local time) while the hikers were on their way to the World Heritage-listed site of Machu Picchu.

Matthew Paton – a 52-year-old Victorian Police sergeant – had reportedly arrived in the Peruvian city of Cusco with his wife 12 days earlier.

Cusco Police Region Chief General Virgilio Velasquez told Peruvian news agency Andina that Paton appeared to have tripped while crossing a wooden bridge.

“He likely tried to hold onto the wooden railing, but it gave way and he slipped into the abyss along with it,” he said.

“Unfortunately, he fell down the ravine.”

The ABC was told by local police the father-of-three fell through a damaged security barrier.

Cusco’s High Mountain Rescue Unit found Paton’s body around 300 meters from the “50 Gradas” sector along the Wiñaywayna–Intipunku route on the Inca Trail, according to Andina. It was recovered on Thursday (local time).

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.”

Paton had always wanted to travel to Peru and had been learning Spanish before the trip, they said.

“He was always up for an adventure and to learn something and to experience something new.”

The Inca Trail to to Machu Picchu is popular with hikers. Photo: Wikimedia Commons

Victoria Police said Paton’s death was a tragedy.

“We are in contact with his wife Jane, who was with him on holiday, and family are flying to Peru from Australia,” it said in a statement.

“Victoria Police is doing everything in its power to provide whatever support it can.”

Paton joined the force in 2009, and became an instructor at the Victoria Police Academy in 2017. He was due to start in a new role as a senior sergeant position next month.

“A proud Queenslander, he was a passionate follower of the Maroons and Brisbane Lions,” the police statement said.

“Matt loved travelling, exploring historic sites and cultures. He is survived by his wife and three children Ainsley, Luke and Meg.”

–with AAP