Peru's Machu Picchu: Inca citadel is ready for peak tourist season

The Inca citadel of Machu Picchu is prepared to welcome tourists during the high season in Cusco, as confirmed by Guido Bayro, Chief of the Decentralized Culture Directorate in Cusco (DDC Cusco), during Peru's Independence Anniversary Holidays (July 27-29).

In a statement to Andina News Agency, Bayro mentioned that during Holy Week last March, when visitor numbers typically rise, the citadel wasn't ready for the current demand, which has now reached its permitted capacity of 5,600 visits per day.

"The current number of tourists visiting Machu Picchu is within the expected range. During Holy Week, we refrained from authorizing 5,600 visitors because the site was not prepared for such an impact," he explained. Bayro noted that more domestic tourists are visiting now, especially during the mid-year holiday period for schoolchildren, though this number might decrease soon.

Regarding improvements at the Inca citadel, he mentioned the installation of wooden structures such as stairs, ground protection paths, safety railings, and geoblocks to minimize impact.

Bayro acknowledged some visual criticisms but stated that these additions were based on recommendations from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

"UNESCO appreciates our efforts to protect Machu Picchu. When the organization authorized the 5,600 visitor capacity, it provided us with a contingency plan to follow," he said.

Expert's visit

Bayro also revealed that Dr. Douglas Comer, whose study supported the increase in visitor capacity, recently visited Machu Picchu.

"We met on July 24 and visited Machu Picchu on July 25 to ensure compliance with UNESCO's measures," Bayro said. "We discussed for almost three hours the measures we have taken and our capacity to respond to negative impacts, focusing on immediate remediation supported by technical studies," he added.