With important agreements aimed at resolving the issues of Machu Picchu, the meeting led by
It was attended by Cusco Governor Werner Salcedo; Urubamba Province Mayor Ronald Vera; Machu Picchu District Mayor Elvis La Torre; Urubamba Province district mayors; as well as government officials and representatives of tourism associations.
During the event —which lasted more than five hours— the mayors of Urubamba and Machu Picchu pledged to "cooperate in implementing the contingency plan, which will include the entry of buses to facilitate transportation service, as well as logistical aspects related to the sustainability and safety of the service."
At a press conference following the meeting, the minister announced that both authorities will convene the companies Torontoy and Cosettur on September 19, 2025, so that within five days they can implement the entry of buses, the logistical measures to ensure the sustainability of the service, and the security measures to guarantee the protection of tourists and transport units.
Likewise, the Urubamba Province Municipality committed to provide information on the schedule of the public bidding process for granting the new concession for tourist transportation service on the Hiram Bingham route.
The Cabinet member stated that, at the request of the Cusco governor, it was agreed that issues related to the comprehensive management of Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley of the Incas will be addressed in a multisectoral forum.
Moreover, she stressed that all participants reaffirmed their willingness for dialogue and respect for the rule of law.
Resumption of activities
At another point, Minister Leon underscored the mayors' commitment to the resumption of tourism activities.
"Both authorities have pledged to coordinate with their communities to call for calm and prevent protests, while this dialogue with the companies takes place," she emphasized.
The government official stated that the objective is to ensure there are no further impacts of protests in the area "so as not to affect visitors to Machu Picchu, because what matters to us is: safeguarding our heritage and guaranteeing the safety of visitors."
The minister explained that support has been provided by the Interior Ministry, which has increased the number of police agents from 100 to 160 to strengthen security in the area.
"The Interior (Ministry) will continue providing support to contribute to security and offer security assistance to the provincial municipality," she explained.
It is worth noting that the 679 visitors who had remained stranded in Machu Picchu after the blockades and acts of violence on the railway have already been evacuated to Ollantaytambo.
It was recalled that, through Mincetur's coordination with the Interior and Transportation-Communications Ministries, 1,400 tourists who had remained in the area were evacuated last Monday.
Cusco governor's position
On the other hand, Minister Leon expressed surprise at the attitude and statements of the Cusco governor, who questioned the Executive Branch, alleging it had not provided a real solution to the problem.
"We are at a time when we all must work together to move our destination forward. This is not about particular political interests; it is about moving a destination forward that fills us with pride," she emphasized.
Lastly, Minister Leon stressed that tourism is a strategic pillar for Peru's economic development.
She added that the National Government will maintain an open-door policy to consolidate agreements aimed at ensuring the security, competitiveness, and sustainability of Machu Picchu.
The meeting was attended by Deputy Tourism Minister Aracelly Laca; Deputy Cultural Heritage and Cultural Industries Minister Moira Novoa; Undersecretary for Dialogue Management at the Presidency of the Council of Ministers (PCM) Carlos Eyzaguirre; National Service for Natural Areas Protected by the State (Sernanp) Chief Jose Carlos Nieto; as well as representatives from the Interior and Transportation-Communications Ministries.
Also present were the district mayors of Ollantaytambo, Maras, Huayllabamba, Chinchero, and Yucay, along with other local government officials from Cusco region.
The session included the participation of Congress members from Cusco, Luis Aragon and Katy Ugarte, as well as representatives of tourism associations and civil society.
(END) NDP/TMC/MVB