13:05 | Cusco (Cusco region), Jan. 24.
The Decentralized Culture Directorate of Cusco (DDCC) and the Management Unit of the
Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu have ordered the temporary closure of the Inca Trail Network due to the occurrence of landslides —caused by heavy rains— in different stretches of this tourist route.
The measure —put into effect yesterday until further notice— seeks to safeguard the integrity of visitors who follow the route to reach the archaeological site and protected natural area, which is the principal tourist attraction of Peru
inscribed on the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites.
According to local authorities, this complies with Article 10 of the "Regulation of Sustainable Tourist Use of the Inca Trail Network of the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu."
"In light of this, all tourist activities have been suspended in the area, so visitors and users in general are urged to take the necessary precautions and comply with the provisions issued to that effect," they said.
Similarly, they asked visitors who are still on the Inca Trail Network to take exit at Km 107 in Choqessuysuy sector.
Three victims
According to DDCC, a person died and two other were injured after a landslide struck part of the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, 150 meters away from Pacaymayo Alto camp, on Thursday.
The tragedy took place at around 2:00 PM. The fall of mud and rocks —triggered by heavy rains in southern Peru— took the victims and members of the Tourism Alpaca travel agency by surprise.
Right after that, the Management Unit of the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu activated the protocol established for these emergencies, thus contacting the National Police and Public Ministry.
(END) LZD/MAO/RMB/MVB
Published: 1/24/2020