Peru: Machu Picchu welcomes record-breaking 5,600 visitors daily in tourism revival
In a bid to breathe new life into its tourism industry still grappling with the aftermath of the pandemic, Peru has announced a significant surge in daily access to its iconic Machu Picchu.
The revered Inca citadel, nestled 130 kilometers from Cusco, is set to accommodate up to 5,600 visitors a day, a substantial increase from the previous limit of 3,600 to 3,800.
The Culture Ministry’s statement revealed that this enhancement, effective from January 1, is part of the government’s strategy to rejuvenate tourism, which played a pivotal role in Peru’s economy prior to the Covid-19 outbreak.
Before the pandemic struck in 2020, the country attracted approximately 4.5 million visitors, a number that dwindled to an anticipated 2.2 million by the end of this year.
Machu Picchu, an architectural marvel built in the 15th century on the orders of Inca ruler Pachacutec, stands at an altitude of 2,500 meters (8,200 feet). Recognized for its historical and cultural significance, the site earned UNESCO World Heritage status in 1981.
Notably, Peru faced challenges last September when it temporarily closed three sectors of Machu Picchu due to the strain caused by the surge in visitors. This move emphasizes the delicate balance between promoting tourism and preserving the integrity of the ancient site.
“The lost city of the Incas,” as Machu Picchu is famously known, captured the world’s imagination when American explorer Hiram Bingham stumbled upon it in 1911. The allure of this archaeological wonder has not only inspired awe but also found its way into popular culture, with the character of Indiana Jones on the silver screen drawing partial inspiration from Bingham’s adventures.
As Peru opens its gates wider to the enchanting Machu Picchu, the nation anticipates a resurgence in tourist footfall, contributing to the broader recovery of its tourism-dependent economy.
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