After protestors blocked access to Machu Picchu, the Peruvian government dropped its plans to privatize the ticketing process for the iconic tourist attraction. However, according to a new report, the regional president of Cusco and the mayor of the Machu Picchu district have now reversed the ban. This will now allow the outsourcing of the sale of entry tickets by a private company.

Peru reverses plans to ban the ticketing process for Machu Picchu

According to a report by AP News, Peru’s Minister of Culture Leslie Urteaga is still concerned over “alleged irregularities and a loss of $1.8 million for tickets not reported by state offices.” For this reason, the South American country will move the ticketing process to an online platform managed by the Peruvian national government.

Meanwhile, this has resulted in the deal with Joinnus – a virtual ticket company owned by wealthy businessmen – has now been rescinded. The company took over ticket sales in mid-January, 2024.

Effects of the ban

Peru’s most famous tourist attraction, Machu Picchu was almost completely abandoned following the week-long protest. Due to this, the local government suspended the rail service to the site. Moreover, due to this, hotels and restaurants in the region also suffered.

 

However, after the Peruvian government rescinded the previous deal, the rail service quickly resumed. However, the number of returning tourists has been low. Moreover, according to tourism unions, the impact of the protests could end up costing the tourism industry around $4.7 million.

While the protests were ongoing, four countries, Brazil, France, Germany and the United States, issued travel advisories. These related to the “lack of water and other essentials resulting from transport disruptions.”

About Machu Picchu

The official Machu Picchu guide describes the iconic attraction as “a masterpiece of art, architecture, and engineering in perfect harmony with nature.” Moreover, they described the site as the most well-known legacy of the Inka civilization. While the site was abandoned during the second half of the sixteenth century, Machu Picchu was never lost. After that time, the site was occasionally visited and occupied by local farmers.

Colonial documents also refer to the “Llaqta of Machupicchu” as “the settlement of the Inkas” or the “Old village of the Inka named Guaynapicchu.”

Meanwhile, Machu Picchu remains a masterpiece of art, engineering and architecture, in perfect harmony with nature. Moreover, is the best-known legacy of the Inka civilization. The name Machu Picchu first appeared in a cartographic document in 1874, prepared by engineer Herman Göhring.

In 1911, Hiram Bingham, a professor at Yale University, visited the site and was impressed by its beauty and majesty. He returned the following year with a team of professionals who conducted excavations and research in the area.

If you haven’t already done so, visit Machu Picchu in Peru this year. Find out more about the history of the iconic architectural site on its official website.