The Threat of International Tourism to the Sacred Machu Picchu

According to the esteemed travel platform Trip Advisor, the visitor experience at Machu Picchu is deemed a unique and unforgettable journey, exuding an aura of awe and mysticism. The location's nature necessitates a fair amount of trekking to fully savor the visit. The more daring travelers often choose to access the citadel via the Inca trail, an option widely embraced. Visitor sessions are bifurcated into morning and afternoon, each lasting four hours. The early morning session is highly recommended, as the reduced cloud cover and mesmerizing sunrise provide an unparalleled spectacle. Engaging a knowledgeable tour guide is advisable, as they offer valuable insights into the site's heritage, various structures, and ancient ruins. The hiring of such guides has been praised as a pivotal component of the Machu Picchu experience.

Perched amidst breathtaking scenery and rich biodiversity, it comes as no surprise that this mountaintop citadel boasts numerous panoramic vistas. For those seeking to explore the entire site, staying in the nearby town of Agua Calientes is a prudent choice.

While the majority of reviews and experiences concerning Machu Picchu are positive, there are some areas where the visitor experience could be enhanced. An overarching theme in negative reviews revolves around the issue of over-tourism, with a constant influx of people and buses diminishing the aesthetic charm and overall ambiance of the place. Moreover, long queues and waiting times further dampen the experience, especially during the peak season in July. Visitors have also voiced concerns about the lack of well-prepared guides, with some providing inaccurate and conflicting information about the sites. Inadequate safety barriers and signage have also been noted, which poses significant risks due to the site's precarious location.

To address these concerns and improve the experience for current and future visitors, it is beneficial to consider the recommendations presented by Pedersen in his 2002 Manual on World Heritage Management. One of the key suggestions is to employ tour guides to monitor and manage tourist behavior at the site. This not only ensures safety but also obviates the need for intrusive safety barriers that could harm the site's integrity. This approach could also create additional employment opportunities for the local community, commensurate with the influx of visitors. The number of tour guides should align with the size of the tour groups and be regulated based on the site's carrying capacity. Tour operators could contribute to guide training, significantly enhancing the overall interpretative experience. By gathering visitor data, including language preferences and motivations for visiting Machu Picchu, the training of guides can be tailored to deliver a more personalized and insightful encounter with the area. Education programs elucidating the site's significance, available resources, and prevailing threats can sensitize tourists and foster a deep respect for this historic and natural marvel before they enter.

Pedersen also advocates for limiting tourists to areas with higher durability, thereby safeguarding the site. These sections could undergo reinforced maintenance, particularly during the month of January. The inaccessible sites could be experienced through audio-visual aids, guidebooks, and expert knowledge provided by certified tour guides. Implementing higher visitor charges and additional facilities might deter the excessive influx of tourists while offsetting any potential revenue loss. Insights from Larson and Poudyal's 2011 analysis of Machu Picchu reveal that tourism profits primarily benefiting outside agencies pose a threat to local development and Peruvian culture. By ensuring that tour guides are recruited from the local community, the region can reap greater benefits, curbing any harmful expansion of tourist facilities, and fostering an authentic cultural exchange between global visitors and the Andean culture, direct descendants of the Inca civilization responsible for constructing the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu. The Peruvian government and tourism board can also spearhead eco-tourism initiatives to conserve Machu Picchu and redirect a portion of the tourist flow to other parts of Peru, such as the Choquequirao ruins, thereby relieving the pressure on Machu Picchu.