If they asked to describe Machu Picchu In a word, until a while ago most would have said “wonder.” Today, the word chosen would be “crisis.” Our Bucket-List destination degrades alarmingly. And the authorities only fight who has the most involutive and populist proposal. The most recent case: the regional governor of Cusco requires the absolute management of Machu Picchu. As always, personal and supporters above the common good.
What are your credentials to handle our number 1 tourist attraction? He never defended tourism. Before each blockade (since 2022 the call Front of Defense has closed access to Machu Picchu 17 times) all he did was put out in profile. Faced with high issues, such as direct ticket sales, its reaction has been silence. Not surprising, the mayor of Machu Picchu Pueblo is his party partner. When the Sanctuary Lodge concession won, instead of calling a contest, he tried to take control of the hotel, as he intends with Machu Picchu. But at least run works? Neither. Adding the mining, gas and tourist canon, Cusco has received more than 30,000 million soles. But the inability to management of the regional government is Pasmosa: the road that unites Cusco with the Sacred Valley gives a pity, the fast road to connect the city with the future Chinchero airport is not even in diapers and the basic services in the region are poor.
The image of the destination is very beaten. Tourists already begin to doubt. And the Ministry of Culture, showing its zero knowledge of how tourism works, intends to put tickets for 2026 only at the end of this year. Do you think the foreigner plans their trips from one day to the other? This seems like a great campaign, not for promotion, but of deterrence.
As a sector, we demand two urgent and inevitable actions. First, governance. The Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism has to lead a technical, multisectoral team, by Machu Picchu. It is not just about selling tickets, you have to know how to manage, invest, put in value. Second, Machu Picchu must declare critical active. This will allow greater availability of funds, better protection from the site and guarantee its uninterrupted operation. Otherwise, we are aimed at an escalation of the crisis and the potential closure of the attractiveness. We lived it in 2010, when rains and floods had been closed for two months, generating an 80% drop in receptive tourism. We are warned.
