Skip to content
Access — Break-in — Coronavirus — cusco — Expands — Famous — From — Hot-Topics — inca ruins city — Lima — machu — Machu Picchu — Peru — picchu — Resuscitation — To the — Tourism

Peru expands access to the famous Inca ruins of Machu Picchu

Peru expands access to the famous Inca ruins of Machu Picchu

,   and  ASMedia
3 min read
Peru expands access to the famous Inca ruins of Machu Picchu
Peru expands access to the famous Inca ruins of Machu Picchu

Unlocking More of Machu Picchu: Peru's Tourism Revival Strategy

Post-pandemic, Peru is dedicated to expanding access to the breathtaking Inca ruins of Machu Picchu, with tourism being a crucial economic sector for the country. In September, three areas in Machu Picchu were temporarily closed due to high visitor numbers, but the Peruvian government remains optimistic about its future.

The Inca's Legendary City

Built in the 15th century by the Inca ruler Pachacutec at an elevation of approximately 2500 meters, Machu Picchu is a marvel of Inca architecture. The city was rediscovered in 1911 by US explorer Hiram Bingham and has since been declared a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Cusco, the city located around 130 kilometers away, is also a popular destination for tourists, offering a glimpse into the Inca civilization. Despite the closure of certain areas, Machu Picchu remains a top attraction, drawing visitors from around the globe.

Peruvian Tourism: On the Recovery Trail

Before the pandemic, Peru welcomed around 4.5 million tourists annually. However, this figure is projected to drop to 2.2 million in 2022. Authored by Stern magazine, the below paragraphs share details on how Machu Picchu is contributing to Peru's tourism sector revival:

  1. Expanding Access: Peru is pushing to broaden access to Machu Picchu, hoping to attract more tourists. While the closure of some areas might seem counterintuitive, the Peruvian government remains confident in the site's potential.
  2. Preserving and Promoting: Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, Machu Picchu remains a captivating attraction. Visitors can reach the site via train, bus, or the renowned Inca Trail. The Peruvian government is considering opening more areas of the site to visitors.
  3. Unexpected Boost: Despite visa restrictions and other travel complexities, Machu Picchu has emerged as a resurging force for Peru's struggling tourism sector. During a season typically slower for tourism, the site attracts a significant number of visitors.
  4. Alternative Treks: Tour operators, like Alpaca Expeditions, promote alternative treks to Machu Picchu, such as the Lares Trek and the Short Inca Trail. These routes help distribute tourist traffic more evenly, offering visitors unique experiences.
  5. Enhanced Circuits: Machu Picchu offers three different circuits, each boasting its own charm and benefits. These circuits facilitate visitor flow and help reduce congestion.
  6. Streamlined Ticketing: The ticketing system for Machu Picchu has been streamlined to manage visitor numbers better, with online bookings and the recommendation to secure tickets well in advance.
  7. Extended Exhibition and Cultural Festival: The Australian Museum in Sydney has extended its Machu Picchu and the Golden Empires of Peru exhibition until May 11, 2025, with a two-day festival, Fiesta de Perú, planned for February 2025.

Collectively, the above initiatives aim to improve the visitor experience, manage tourist flow, and establish a more sustainable and inclusive tourism sector in Peru.

Source:

Enrichment Data:

  1. The Australian Museum in Sydney has extended its Machu Picchu and the Golden Empires of Peru exhibition until May 11, 2025, with a vibrant two-day festival, "Fiesta de Perú," from February 22-23, 2025, featuring live music, dance performances, Peruvian culinary experiences, artisan markets, and cultural activities[1].
  2. Alpaca Expeditions promotes alternative treks to Machu Picchu, such as the Lares Trek and the Short Inca Trail, which offer unique experiences and help distribute tourist traffic more evenly[2].
  3. Machu Picchu offers three different circuits for visitors: the Main Circuit, the Mountain Circuit, and the Sun Gate Circuit. Each circuit includes specific sub-circuits that allow treks to adjacent mountains and visits to specific citadel areas[3].
  4. The ticketing system for Machu Picchu has been simplified to assure better management of visitor numbers. Online bookings are encouraged, and visitors are advised to secure tickets well in advance, especially during peak season[3].

[1] "Machu Picchu and the Golden Empires of Peru" Exhibition, Australian Museum, [2] Alpaca Expeditions, [3] "Visiting Machu Picchu: Everything You Need to Know," Peru for Less,

Latest