16:15 | Cusco (Cusco region), Aug. 24.
In response to the high demand from tourists to visit the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu and at the request of locals, the Peruvian
Ministry of Culture —through the Decentralized Culture Directorate in Cusco (DDC Cusco)— has authorized the physical sale of up to 1,000 entry tickets a day.
This was announced on Wednesday, in a statement in which the Ministry of Culture explained that such measure was taken keeping in mind the capacity limit provided for in Ministerial Resolution No. 224-2022-DM/MC and the non-transferable nature provided for in the Ministerial Resolution. No. 216-2018-DM/MC.
The document also refers to the existence of unauthorized or formal tourism operators that resort to bad practices, which end up affecting the cultural heritage and sustainable tourism in the area.
Given this situation, the government agency stated that it is coordinating with authorities of the tourism sector, the Prosecutor's Office for Crime Prevention, the National Institute for the Defense of Competition and the Protection of Intellectual Property (Indecopi), the health sector, and the National Superintendence of Labor Inspection (Sunafil) to deploy multisectoral operations in the area.
Moreover, said coordination efforts seek to prevent mistreatment of tourists, ignorance of labor rights by tour operators, frauds, harm to consumers, or other forms of violation of rights.
"We urge tour operators, social leaders, and officials in regional or local entities within Cusco, to avoid confusion among the population and those interested in visiting the Llaqta of Machu Picchu, as well as to stop saying that tickets are available, when they are not," the statement reads.
They were also urged to stop referring to a capacity that is not real or saying that Machu Picchu's capacity will increase to more than 4,044 visitors.
According to the Ministry of Culture, these actions have resulted in an excess demand based on speculation, which ends up affecting visitors.
(END) NDP/LZD/RMB/MVB
Published: 8/24/2022