Machu Picchu takes action against uncontrolled tourism

The Inca citadel of Machu Picchu , located on the eastern slope of the central mountain range of Peru , has similar problems to those of Barcelona , Rome , Florence or Venice , due to the enormous tourist demand from April to October.

The local authorities of the Peruvian archaeological zone have brought in measures to control the flow of tourists who visit one of the 7 New Wonders of the World .

The restrictions started on July 1 establishing trial timed tickets to Machu Picchu, granting entry for a specific period of time, either a morning ( 6am-noon ) or afternoon ( noon-5.30pm ) entry. All visitors must be accompanied by a uthorized guides and selfie poles and umbrellas are forbidden .

Tourist Invasion

Uncontrolled tourism

is not only limited to the archaeological site, this issue extends to the town of Aguas Calientes , where buses depart to the so called “ Lost City of the Incas .”

Machu Picchu is visited by more than a thousand people daily, hence new regulations were established to meet the requirements that the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization ( Unesco ) has exhibited in the last two years.

The institution threatened the Government of Peru to add Machu Picchu to its list of World Heritage Sites in Danger if the tourist management of the area did not improve however, the institution was satisfied with the new regulations taken at the moment.

sg