Tourism returns to normal in Machu Picchu but not everyone celebrates the news

The flow of tourists to the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu considered one of the seven wonders of the modern world, is slowly returning to pre-pandemic visitation levels.

However, tourism entrepreneurs understand that the increased frequency of trains to the area is playing a trick on them.

Since mid-February, the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu has been operating after several months of closure.

First due to the Covid pandemic and then to the protests against the Dina Boluarte government, unleashed in Peru after the dismissal of Pedro Castillo, determined by Congress on December 7, 2022.

Thus, the reactivation of the flow of tourists seems to reach the levels before the beginning of the pandemic in 2020 since the archaeological site filled the capacity for the long weekend of this Easter Week 2023.

Machu Picchu Chamber of Commerce president Maycol Ugarte told local media La Republica that entrance tickets to the sanctuary put on sale for the weekend of April 7-9 were sold out.

“We are talking about 3,044 visitors, not counting the 1,000 tickets sold directly in Machu Picchu town, [where] between 100 and 150 are sold daily. We hope to reach capacity,” explained the tourism businessman.

However, not all tour operators are celebrating the news.

Many hoteliers have complained that visitors are not staying in Aguas Calientes or Machu Picchu Pueblo, as it is known among locals.

This is due to the increased frequency of trains to the archaeological site, so tourists arrive and leave on the same day.

“We have a problem. Tourism is going up, but visitors are returning the same day.”

“They no longer stay overnight in town because the railroad companies have increased train frequencies, and 85% of tourists return immediately.”

“There is concern among business people”, added Ugarte.

The hoteliers will request a meeting with the representatives of the train operators (Peru Rail and Inka Rail) to analyze the problem, given that the new frequencies are economically and occupationally detrimental to other sectors dependent on tourist activity.

“We have to find a solution. The hotels and lodges in Machu Picchu are empty.”

“Restaurants are not as welcoming as before.”

“There is not the reactivation we were hoping for.”

“Tourism is increasing, but this is not reflected in business.”

“Hopefully, we will reach a good understanding.”

“We have debts to pay”, concluded the local businessman.

With information from Sputnik