One of South America’s biggest tourist destinations, the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu, reopened for all its visitors in Peru on Wednesday. The destination was closed in December and January owing to the social unrest in Peru. Machu Picchu is a declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is set high in the Andes Mountains, right above the Urubamba River valley. Tourists can finally visit this beautiful place after months of protests.
Machu Picchu Is Open For Visitors
According to a statement released by the Cultural Ministry, the decision reflects the joint commitment of the institutions that comprise the Machu Picchu Management Unit, the municipal authorities of Machu Picchu and Ollantaytambo, the directors of the Chamber of Commerce, and leaders of social organisations to ensure the safety of the monument and transportation services so that visitors can enjoy their visit.
The Ministry gave out more information on the same, where it mentioned that 45 foreigners and 38 domestic tourists were the first to enter the place after reopening. Apart from this, 700 visitors visited the sanctuary in the course of the day. Travellers must note that you will need a permit to visit these UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
The Inca Citadel Was Abandoned Once
In December, protests took place due to the expulsion and jailing of former Peruvian President Pedro Castillo. This left many tourists stranded in the Andes and forced the authorities to evacuate Machu Picchu. They also halted the trains that ran between the city of Cusco and this site. These protests have been going on in south Peru but the current situation is way calmer than before.
This mountain citadel, Machu Picchu, was built in the 15th century for an Incan emperor. It was abandoned during the Spanish conquest. American explorer Hiram Bingham. rediscovered this in 1911. People visiting the place on their summer vacation from Argentina were lucky enough to match the timing of its reopening.
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Cover Image Courtesy: Wikimedia Commons