09:01 | Cusco (Cusco region), Oct. 9.
The
Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu —Peru's main tourist icon and a World Heritage Site— will reopen to tourists in November, although with a restriction on the number of visitors per day, the Ministry of Culture has confirmed.
It must be noted that the archaeological site will reopen once the corresponding authorities have verified the implementation of biosafety protocols to ensure the safety of visitors.
Neyra reported that he will be visiting archaeological parks on Friday in order to verify the implementation of the abovementioned protocols. He will be joined other State ministers and Cusco's regional authorities.
"There is not an exact date (for the reopening) yet. We are holding meetings with ministers and, next week, there will be an important launch in the tourism sector to announce the reopening of tourism activities in safe destinations," he affirmed.
The Culture sector has stipulated that both museums and archaeological parks will be allowed to open at 50% capacity.
"We are going to inspect archaeological parks on Friday, including Machu Picchu. The biosafety protocols have been approved, so we are going to review their implementation. If all the conditions are met, the reopening will occur in November," he explained.
In statements to Andina news agency, the minister confirmed that only 675 people a day will be allowed to visit Machu Picchu, that is, 30% of its total capacity.
Visits must be conducted in groups of eight people, who will be accompanied by a tour guide.
Additionally, all visitors shall maintain social distancing of 1.5–2 meters.
(END) PHS/MAO/RMB
Published: 10/9/2020