Peru: Controls tightened in Machu Picchu llaqta over alleged informal handicraft sales

09:20 | Lima, May. 15.

The Ministry of Culture, through the Decentralized Directorate of Culture in Cusco (DDC Cusco), has ordered the immediate strengthening of control, supervision, and surveillance measures in Machu Picchu llaqta, Cusco region, southeastern Peru.

The decision follows the detection of an isolated case involving the alleged informal sale of handicrafts inside the archaeological park.

Following the incident, the DDC Cusco launched the corresponding investigation actions to determine responsibilities and adopt the pertinent administrative measures.

Machu Picchu National Archaeological Park Chief Cesar Medina emphasized that conservation regulations are rigorous.

"The Regulation on Sustainable Use and Tourist Visits is categorical: These practices are incompatible with the management and protection of our heritage," the official emphasized.

Therefore, he underscored that a larger deployment of supervisors has been ordered across all sectors and circuits to ensure that order and integrity at the site are not undermined again.

Preliminary investigations indicate that the incident involved a citizen who may have been unaware of the regulations in force.

Nevertheless, the Culture sector emphasized that ignorance of the rules does not exempt visitors or citizens from complying with regulations within a highly sensitive heritage site.

(END) NDP/TMC/MVB

Published: 5/15/2026