14:30 | Cusco (Cusco region), Feb. 15.
The expected sale of entry tickets to the
Inca citadel of Machu Picchu —Peru's major tourist attraction located in Cusco region, which has officially reopened its doors starting February 15— began today a few minutes before 7:00 a.m. (local time).
The sale takes place at the Cultural Center located in Machu Picchu Town district and, according to reports, only 1,000 tickets are allowed to be sold.
It should be noted that two tickets were sold to tourists from Lima in just a few minutes. Those visitors had remained in said locality waiting for the reopening of one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World.
Potential buyers started to show up at 8:00 a.m., after the arrival of the first train coming from Ollantaytambo.
Moreover, visitors gathered at the bus stop to catch the first shuttles running from Machu Picchu Town to the Inca citadel.
In a statement, the
Ministry of Culture reported that
Machu Picchu would reopen its doors today, offering the same conditions, schedules, and routes that were established before its closure ordered on January 21.
According to the government agency, the decision was adopted after having committed to it, together with institutions comprising the Machu Picchu Management Unit (UGM), municipal authorities of Machu Picchu and Ollantaytambo, directors of the Chamber of Commerce, and leaders of social organizations, to ensure safety of the monument and transport services.
"The Machu Picchu National Archaeological Park Central Office has been requested to adopt the necessary measures to receive visitors," it stated.
The reopening responds to the need for supporting dialogue and peace, in the context of coordinated efforts between authorities and the population, who demand the resumption of cultural activities and economic recovery in Peru's southern Andean region of Cusco.
(END) MAO/RMB/MVB
Published: 2/15/2023