Machu Picchu has reopened

Machu Pichhu in the Cuzco region is a mystical place, a UNESCO wonder of the world and the main tourism attraction in Peru.

The Peru Ministry of Culture, through the Decentralized Directorate of Culture of Cusco, announced the reopening of one of the seven wonders of the World, Machu Picchu.

This is good news for Peru Tourism and also for the city of Cusco. This high-altitude city in the Andes relies on tourism as the gateway to Machu Picchu.

At an altitude of about 8000 feet, Machu Picchu, now one of the 7 wonders of the world, is a small city in the Andes, about 44 miles northwest of Cuzco, Peru, which was once the political heart of the Inca Empire. Machu Pichu is located about 3000 feet above the Urubamba Valley. It covers 80,000 acres and means “Old Peak” in the indigenous Quechua, and is known as the lost city of the Incas.

The statement says:

1. The reopening of the Machupicchu Sanctuary is set, starting on Wednesday, February 15, 2023, under the same conditions, schedules, and circuits established, after making the commitment jointly with the institutions that comprise the Machupicchu Management Unit (UGM), municipal authorities of Machupicchu and Ollantaytambo, directors of the Chamber of Commerce and leaders of social organizations, to guarantee the security of the monument, and transportation services, thus, visitors can enjoy the experience of the visit. 

2. For this purpose, the Head of Machupicchu National Archaeological Park has been requested to adopt the pertinent measures for the attention of visitors. 

3. This decision reaffirms the importance to opt for dialogue and peace, under the articulated work of the authorities with the population, which requires the resumption of cultural activities and the economic reactivation of Cusco. 

Machu Picchu was closed due to political unrest in Peru. More than 400 tourists were stranded.

During the crisis, Peru set up a Tourist Protection Network (an inter-institutional network) that maintains permanent communication with tour operators, tourism agencies, and other related services, and works jointly with the Tourism Directorate of the National Police of Peru to help tourists as needed.

Safe tourist corridors were also created from the airports to historic centers in affected areas like Cusco, Arequipa, Puno, and Tacna. Peru’s tourism board suggests travelers download the Tourist Police Peru app.