Machu Picchu Reopens to Visitors After Temporary Closure Due to Protests

Machu Picchu, the renowned Inca citadel hidden in the Andes, has reopened to visitors after being closed for three weeks due to anti-government demonstrations. The UNESCO World Heritage site, which typically sees thousands of daily visitors, remained empty for 25 days during the closure.

The closure was prompted by ongoing civil unrest in Peru following the ousting of former President Pedro Castillo. Protests over corruption charges and demands for fresh elections led to key access routes to Machu Picchu being blocked. Despite the ongoing demonstrations, officials have assured that the historic monument is now safe to visit.

The reopening of Machu Picchu has been welcomed by tourism agencies. The train service that transports people and cargo from Cusco to Machu Picchu town has resumed operations, allowing tourists to access the archaeological park. The site, built in the 15th century by Inca emperor Pachacútec, saw its first groups of visitors entering on Wednesday, taking advantage of the sunny weather.

As of midday, approximately 700 tourists had visited the site, with the Ministry of Culture stating that the capacity is set at 4,044 visitors per day in eight shifts from 6 am to 4 pm. During the closure, officials took the opportunity to perform maintenance and conservation work on the routes and passages of the stone citadel.

Tourism agencies, including Intrepid Travel, are now restarting trips to Peru and Machu Picchu. Intrepid Travel has announced that it will resume trips to Peru on March 1, with 25 scheduled departures over the month. The tourism industry in Peru has been heavily impacted by the closures and protests, resulting in significant losses. The government estimates that the losses will exceed $400 million, with regions like Lima, Cusco, Puno, and Arequipa being among the most affected.

Tourism is a vital sector for the Peruvian economy, providing employment opportunities and attracting millions of visitors each year. The reopening of Machu Picchu and the resumption of tourism activities are hopeful signs of recovery for the industry.