14:32 | Cusco (Cusco region), Aug. 22.
Experts at the Decentralized Culture Directorate of Cusco (DDC) intensify conservation, restoration, and enhancement works of seven sectors within the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu
in order to diversify tourist visits and mitigate the damage.
According to Fredy Escobar, director of the DDC-Cusco, around 5,000 travelers —including domestic and foreign tourists— visit the Llaqta or Machu Picchu citadel
every day using the same route.
However, the journey to Huayna Picchu
is expected to change and be decentralized (due to the normal annual increase) "so that visits are not concentrated in the most significant core area."
To that end, itinerant groups composed of archaeologists, biologists, and workers —250 in total— work in the archaeological sectors of Qorihuarachina, Machu Q'ente, Salapunku, Andenes Orientales, among others, to enhance them.
"For example, the Intihuatana or solar clock, as well as other attractions, are closed to visitors at certain times of the day, and the same occurs at the Condor Temple. Tourists are told this from the beginning, and they understand because this is not the only place in the world that sets such conditions, especially here, at a world heritage site," Escobar explained.
"Tourists do not enjoy the entire place despite paying a fee to the owners of such archaeological sites."
"There is a process now, the visitor gets in, completes the tour, and is invited to leave."
Coordinated efforts with tour guides are essential to organize such visits, as they are the ones in charge of them.
In addition, experts are working to enhance other sectors in Machu Picchu