After temporarily closing due to ongoing unrest in Peru, Machu Picchu has reopened to tourists from Wednesday 15 February along with rail transportation to the Cusco area. The major monument had been closed to visitors since 21 January.
Promperú, Peru’s tourism, exports and investment body, issued a statement where the Ministry of Culture confirmed that Machu Picchu would be fully open and operating for visitors to enjoy the experience.
Local Cusco authorities will work jointly to ensure the security of the monument and transportation services, the statement added.
The decision to reopen to tourists will allow cultural activities to resume and reactivate economic recovery in the area.
“We’re excited to welcome the reopening of Machu Picchu,” Chimu Adventures Co-Founder and Managing Director Chad Carey told Karryon.
“The recent protests in Peru were driven by a small minority and we know that the broad majority of Peruvians are keen to see the normal resumption of tourism in the country.
“Tourism is a major employer in Peru and many families’ incomes rely on foreign visitors.
“I’m currently in South America and finding the most areas are back to pre-pandemic norms.
“I hope that the reopening of Machu Picchu will encourage more Australians to consider South America for their next holiday.”
Machu Picchu temporarily closed to visitors from 21 January to preserve the monument and safeguard tourists, sanctuary staff and the general population.
Protests and demonstrations have occurred across Peru following the change of government on 7 December 2022, including in the tourist hubs of Cusco, Puno and Arequipa, which left hundreds of travellers stranded without transport.
Peru declared a nationwide 30-day state of emergency in December following protests after the arrest of the country’s president after elections.
Airports, beaches fully open
Likewise, the tourist attractions in the north and east zones of Peru, as well as the northern beaches, are fully open and unimpacted by the recent unrest and continue to welcome local and international visitors.
Peru’s domestic airports are also operating as normal except for the Inca Manco Caìpac International Airport (Juliaca, Puno), which suspended operations as a precaution.
Arequipa’s International Alfredo Rodriìguez Balloìn Airport is operating 6am–10pm and is only open to passengers with scheduled flights.
Smartraveller advice for Peru remains unchanged with Australian travellers advised to reconsider the need to travel to the southern areas of Peru due to widespread roadblocks and transport disruptions.
For more info, visit smartraveller.gov.au
