Sacsayhuamán: metal mesh removed from access area due to environmental impact and affectation of the landscape

The Ministry of Culture, through the Decentralized Directorate of Culture of Cusco (DDC), ordered the immediate removal of a metal mesh that had been placed in the pedestrian access to the Archaeological Park of Sacsayhuaman, in the Sapantiana sector, in the region Cusco.

The measure was executed by park staff, under the supervision of DDC specialists, and due “to the notorious landscaping affectation and environmental impact, which generated said mesh in the pedestrian way”.

Magda Mateos, director of the DDC Cusco, pointed out that this mesh will be replaced by a living fence of native forest species in the area.

In addition, the improvement of the stone wall located at the entrance of the Sapantiana post will be carried out, in order to double the security and control of visitors. This is due to the irregular entry of people into the archaeological park in the area.

Mateos indicated that with the support of the Provincial Municipality of Cusco, the Public Ministry and the National Police of Peru, measures will be taken to improve citizen security and control of visitors, prioritizing the conservation of cultural heritage and environmental impact.

The Ministry of Culture also reported that surveillance of this access point has been stepped up, where citizen security problems that affect cultural heritage constantly arise.

The newspaper “La República” reported that the same authorities of Culture of Cusco had authorized days before the placement of the metal mesh to one of the 13 families that have private properties that are part of the archaeological park.

The metal mesh had been placed for about 30 meters, affecting this important Inca heritage. (Photo: Ministry of Culture)

The data

In the Archaeological Park of Sacsayhuaman, the Inti Raymi or festival of the sun is staged in June of each year. In the next few days, the announcement of the activities for this year’s celebration will be made.

In the following days, tickets for Inti Raymi will also go on sale, which this year will be with 100% capacity. The organizers estimate the sale of 3,800 tickets as it was before the coronavirus pandemic. The celebration did not take place in 2020 and last year it was done virtually to avoid contagion.