08:54 | Cusco (Cusco region), Aug. 1.
During the last week of July, which included the long holiday weekend marking Peru's Independence Day anniversary, more than 26,000 domestic and foreign tourists visited the citadel or llaqta of Machu Picchu, the
Decentralized Culture Directorate (DDC) in Cusco has reported.
From July 24 to 30, 26,319 people visited the Inca llaqta, of whom 14,065 came from abroad and 12,254 were Peruvian nationals, including 819 locals from Cusco, who entered free of charge on Sunday, July 30, according to the
Ministry of Culture (Mincul).
Following
Ministerial Resolution No. 289-2023-MC, which
allows Peruvian visitors over 65 and under 12 years of age to enter Machu Picchu free of charge, about 300 people have been able to visit the Inca citadel since last July 28.
Out of the total, 285 were minors, who arrived accompanied by their relatives, while 108 were senior citizens.
This benefit will be available until August 15, in order to promote domestic tourism.
Regarding visits in general, the day with the largest number of visitors was July 25 (3,923), which is within the range of visitor's capacity of 4,044 per day, the head of the Machu Picchu Archaeological Park, Alicia Fernandez Florez, reported.
During the past week, Culture Ministry experts worked on the conservation, rescue, control, and visitor guidance at the llaqta of Machu Picchu, which helped meet visitors' expectations as they toured different areas and alternate routes (Machu Picchu, Waynapicchu, and Huch'uypicchu mountains, as well as the Inca Bridge).
Moreover, the permanent monitoring of visitors was ensured, as well as the protection of the citadel.
The actions make it possible to ensure the preservation of cultural heritage and the management of visits.
(END) PHS/TMC/JOT/RMB/MVB
Publicado: 1/8/2023