Crews search for missing helicopter in Peru June 7, 2012 -- Updated 1759 GMT (0159 HKT) 14 people were on the missing chopper, authorities say Harsh weather conditions have complicated search efforts, police say The helicopter went missing Wednesday in a remote, mountainous area (CNN) -- Rescuers in Peru were searching Thursday for a helicopter that went missing in a region that boasts some of the country's most popular tourist destinations. The helicopter, carrying 12 passengers and two crew members, went missing Wednesday evening in a remote area of the department of Cusco, the state-run Andina news agency reported. Harsh weather conditions complicated rescue efforts Thursday, said Gen. Hector Dulanto, chief of the police rescue operation. It was snowing heavily in the mountainous area where officials lost contact with the chopper, he said. Ground crews were searching for the helicopter and its passengers, he said, but the snow has prevented another helicopter from aiding in the search. The Cusco department houses some of Peru's most popular tourist destinations, including Machu Picchu. Journalist Maria Elena Bellaunde contributed to this report.