Work begins on Machu Picchu's new airport, despite protests

11 Jun 2019

Work begins on Machu Picchu’s new airport, despite protests

Work begins on Machu Picchu’s new airport, despite protestsWork has started on a new international airport in Chinchero, Sacred Valley (the area where Machu Picchu is located).

Peru plans to make the Machu Picchu citadel* more accessible to tourists.

Petition to cancel the project

Peruvian art historian Natalia Majluf has started an online petition to cancel the project.

It has been signed by Peruvian and international academics as well as local residents.

The petition says the project will endanger one of the most important historical and archaeological sites in the world.
 	Other sites in the Sacred Valley, like Pisac, Moray and Ollantaytambo will also face environmental damage.
 	It will increase the water shortage that already exists.

Peruvian President Martin Vizcarra says necessary studies have been conducted and it is safe to build an airport there.

The new airport will be capable of handling larger planes from many international destinations.
 	It will attract more tourists to the region which will benefit local communities.

Overtourism is already a major issue at Machu Picchu.

New ticket rules were put in place starting 1st January 2019, limiting tourists to visiting at scheduled times.

*Citadel (noun): A fortress, typically one on high ground above a city.

Image Credits: Wikimedia Commons

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Work has started on a new international airport in Chinchero, Sacred Valley (the area where Machu Picchu is located). Peru plans to make the Machu […]

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