Andina

Peru: Tourists enter Machu Picchu Inca citadel normally

Photo: ANDINA/Percy Hurtado Santillán

Photo: ANDINA/Percy Hurtado Santillán

12:24 | Cusco (Cusco region), Dec. 20.

Since very early on Wednesday, domestic and foreign tourists have been entering the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu, in Cusco region, as normal.

In recent hours, the Ministry of Culture suspended the sale of virtual tickets on the tuboleto.cultura.pe platform, which was initially scheduled to begin today.

Visitors have been waiting in line since the early hours in Machu Picchu Pueblo (Machu Picchu Town) —also known as Aguas Calientes (Hot Waters)— to get on Consettur company buses, heading and entering this world wonder.


Under a climate typical of this season on the jungle's edge, tourists enter one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, in accordance with Ministerial Resolution No. 000255-2023-MC that allows for 4,044 visits per day. Said regulation is in force until December 31.

However, this morning video clips and photographs were released about a sit-in led by Machu Picchu Archaeological Park Workers' Union members to voice their opposition to the outsourcing of ticket sales.

These protests, by Culture Directorate workers and representatives of tourism agencies, have also been taking place in the city of Cusco since last weekend.

Virtual ticket sales suspended

The Peruvian Ministry of Culture, in response to its commitment to the preservation of Machu Picchu Historic Sanctuary and the enhancement of the cultural public service for optimal offer, affirmed that it works transparently and for the benefit of closing gaps.

It also announced that a "brief (period of) time for recognition and familiarity" will be granted to the tuboleto.cultura.pe platform, before starting ticket sales for 2024.

In a statement, the Ministry of Culture indicated that it has influenced the process of approaching potential users through two virtual meetings, plus one in person held in the city of Cusco, attended by more than 600 participants.

Various positive contributions for the better management of the new sales platform were received.

Finally, it was reported that the Culture Directorate in Cusco will enter into a process of administrative reorganization, with the purpose of making its processes more transparent and providing better services to citizens, as requested by the Workers' Union via letter dated December 13, 2023.

(END) PHS/MAO/MVB

Publicado: 20/12/2023