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Peru explores option to increase visitor capacity to Machu Picchu

13:50 | Cusco (Cusco region), Nov. 24.

Government authorities will explore the possibility of increasing the number of visitors to the Archaeological Park of Machu Picchu —Peru’s main tourist and cultural attraction— which currently receives up to 675 visits a day since it reopened its doors to tourists on November 1.

This announcement was made by Culture Minister Alejandro Neyra, who specified that the Machu Picchu Historic Sanctuary Management Unit —made up of the ministers of Culture, Foreign Trade-Tourism, and Environment, as well as Machu Picchu Town Mayor, and Cusco Region Governor— will explore this possibility considering the good results obtained after its recent reopening.

"We are ready to take stock of the protocols implemented. There is good news. We are willing to explore the possibility of allowing more than the 30% admission capacity (that is currently allowed), which is a number that we have to establish. The conditions are in place to increase the number of visitors," he said.

In statements to Andina news agency, the minister of Culture highlighted that there is a great interest in visiting Machu Picchu and that the biosafety measures implemented at the archaeological park are complied with.

"We have encouraging news. Biosafety measures are being complied with, small groups are entering (Machu Picchu), social distance is maintained, and each group visiting the site is made up of up to eight people," he stated.

The Archaeological Park of Machu Picchu reopened its doors to tourists on November 1, offering free admission for Cusco as well as national tourists during the first month, and then extending the deadline for free entry until the end of the year in order to promote tourism.

The reopening of Machu Picchu aroused a widespread interest, especially in October when Cusco's authorities allowed the visit of Japanese Jesse Katayama to the Inca citadel, who fulfilled his dream of being able to enter after nearly 7 months of mandatory quarantine decreed by the Government of Peru to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic.