; that means 75 per hour —including tourist guides— starting July 1, the day on which the resumption of services for tourists is scheduled, Cusco Region Governor Jean Paul Benavente has reported
In remarks to Andina news agency, the regional authority stated that limited visits are part of the health protocol's first stage, which includes the evaluation of
social distancing, the use of face masks, and the restriction in certain areas, among others.
"This will allow us to propose a single direction so that there are no crossings," he stressed.
For his part, Jose Bastante —head of the
Machu Picchu Archaeological Park— explained that these are four circuits established in the llaqta or Inca citadel: two in the upper part and two in the lower part, with circuit times ranging from 1 hour and 20 minutes to 2 hours as the maximum allowed.
"During the visitor tours, there will be a rigorous work by tourist guides for the strict fulfillment of the protocol, which will not prevent the attractiveness from being appreciated in all its magnitude. In some parts, the circuits converge, and rules will be set there under a ‘traffic light’ mechanism," the official explained.
"Wooden stairways are being implemented to protect the lithic elements, so that once the llaqta is opened, everything will run smoothly, and we won't have any COVID-19 contagion risks, in accordance with the protocol," he stressed.
On Friday, both authorities participated in the review and validation of protocols with representatives of the Ministries of Culture and Environment, the Municipality of
Machu Picchu, and the Regional Government of Cusco. The general protocol will deserve the evaluation and approval of the Regional Directorate of Health (Diresa), as well as of the Ministry of Health (Minsa).
"We are looking for security, health control and, above all, social distancing," Governor Benavente underlined.
Before the COVID-19 pandemic spread, entrance to
Machu Picchu exceeded 2,500 visitors per day and reached over 5,000 during the high season.