Peru finally reopened Machu Picchu with a huge bang this weekend. It was unlocked to the public with a gratitude ceremony and lights show, as few tourists visited the Inca sanctuary for the first time ever 8 eight months.
The country of Peru is gradually opening its tourism economy amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. This month witnessed the return of flights to Lima from Toronto, Orlando, Houston, Miami, Atlanta, New York, and Los Angeles, as well as from Sao Paulo, Mexico City, and Buenos Aires.
Soon, flights to Europe can be added to the schedule, though several countries on the continent are now getting a second wave of coronavirus infections.
On Sunday, Machu Picchu opened to some tourists at 30% capacity. That is exactly 675 visitors each day. This routine is set to continue for the foreseeable future. They welcomed the first-ever group of visitors with a gratitude ceremony, where the first tourists gave thanks to the nation. 45 local artists participated in the program, while messages from individuals all around the globe were shown onto the citadel.
This event was attended by Rocío Barrios, a tourism minister who gave a “safe travels” seal to the UNESCO world heritage. This ensures that the land of Machu Picchu and its neighboring region, including transport hubs, hotels, and local restaurants are complying with improved safety and health measures.
According to Ms. Barrios, tourism in the area is returning gradually and responsibly.
To enter Peru, people should show proof of a negative coronavirus PCR test. The test must be taken no more than 72 hours before the flight. Both face shields and face masks should be worn at the airport. At the start of October, stores were allowed to operate at 60% capacity, while restaurants at 50% capacity. Other archaeological sites and museums all over the country are already operating at 50% capacity, alongside the implementation of strict safety and health measures. Tour operators and travel agencies are also allowed to restart their own businesses.
Machu Picchu opens for one stranded tourist.
Peru has opened Machu Picchu’s Inca ruins for a single tourist from Japan who waited nearly 7 months to visit. The tourist, named Jesse Katayama, was scheduled to visit Machu Picchu back in March. However, it closed because of COVID-19.
Alejandro Neyra, the culture minister, said that Mr. Katayama submitted a special request. He was permitted to visit the ruins with the head of the park. In a recorded video taken at the top of Machu Picchu mountain, he celebrated his long-awaited trip.
Peru has reported over 849,000 COVID-19 infections, as well as 33,000 deaths ever since the pandemic started, as per the data gathered by Johns Hopkins University. You can get more articles like this on the Quikmaps website.
