Peru: Culture Ministry rules out Machu Picchu's projected carrying capacity of 27,000

11:10 | Lima, Jun. 26.

The Ministry of Culture (Mincul) reaffirmed that the projection of 27,000 people as the carrying capacity of Machu Picchu —Peru's main tourist attraction— is "absolutely unfeasible," as any potential modification is subject to technical studies by the competent units within the sector. To date, there is no completed or ongoing technical basis to support such a projection.

"The carrying capacity of the llaqta (citadel) of Machu Picchu is dynamic, with 4,500 daily visitors during the low season and 5,600 during the high season, as established by Ministerial Resolution No. 404-2024-MC," the Ministry stated in a press release.

The government agency clarified that "any modification to this carrying capacity is subject to technical studies conducted by the competent units of the Ministry of Culture."

It stated that coordination is underway with the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism (Mincetur) to sign an agreement to update the Machu Picchu carrying capacity study, which has been in effect since 2015.

Mincul's Proposals

Within its scope of responsibilities, the Ministry of Culture is proposing improvements to the routes, which require technical support regarding the evaluation of geological, topographic, biological, and engineering feasibility; a proposed plan for visitor scheduling and frequency; and an operation and maintenance plan for the modern structures implemented.

"Therefore, it is important to emphasize that the projection of 27,000 people as the carrying capacity is absolutely unfeasible, given that, to date, there is no completed or ongoing technical basis to support it," the document states.

The Ministry of Culture guarantees that any approved technical proposals will continue to preserve the physical attributes and the Outstanding Universal Value (OUV) for which Machu Picchu was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

(END) JOT/MVB

Published: 6/26/2025