Andina

Peru's Culture Ministry: Our aim is to care for Machu Picchu and ensure enjoyable visits

Photo: AFP

Photo: AFP

08:42 | Cusco (Cusco region), Oct. 25.

Culture Minister Leslie Urteaga has confirmed that a meeting with representatives of the Front for the Defense of the Interests of Machu Picchu Town will be held on Thursday to present her sector's goal of protecting and preserving the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu and ensuring enjoyable visits of tourists.


The minister noted that the meeting will feature officials from the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism (Mincetur) and the Commission for the Promotion of Peru for Export and Tourism (PromPeru), as well as representatives of travel agencies and tour operators.

Moreover, Urteaga remarked that the Peruvian State is in charge of the preservation and conservation of Machu Picchu, which was declared a World Cultural Heritage Site by UNESCO.

According to the Cabinet member, the aim is to prevent the recurrence of situations such as those which occurred a few months ago during the high season, when visitors had to wait in long queues to get a ticket to visit the Inca citadel.


"We are working with Mincetur and other sectors involved to enhance the service, so that visitors can have a positive experience during their stay at Machu Picchu," she stated.

In remarks to RPP Noticias, the government official affirmed that she agrees that visitors should stay longer in Machu Picchu Town, but to carry out other activities rather than waiting in a queue for hours in order to get a ticket.

Regarding the proposal to extend the visitor capacity at the Inca citadel, Minister Urteaga underscored that various options are being assessed to improve the visit experience, enhance the tourist circuits, and reduce the schedule for visits.


"The most important need here is the preservation of the archaeological site," she pointed out.

In statements to Cusco-based Salkantay radio station, she reiterated her sector's readiness for dialogue and the goal of preventing tourists from experiencing difficult situations when entering Machu Picchu.

(END) MAO/RMB/MVB

Published: 10/25/2023