I marvel at the breathtaking scenery of Machu Picchu’s ancient ruins, one of South America’s most popular tourist destinations, against the blue sky as alpacas “lawn mow” away. Originally designed to house around 750 inhabitants in the Andes Mountains, the Incas abandoned Machu Picchu when the Spaniards arrived in South America in the mid-1500s. It remained untouched for centuries until its rediscovery in 1911 by Hiram Bingham III.
During my tour, I couldn’t help but wonder how much my footprint, among the millions of others that flock here, contributes to the sacrifices this significant but fragile treasure is making for some economic benefits to Peruvians.
Millions of tourists have flocked to visit the remarkable home of the Incas since the 1980s. When proclaimed a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1983, Machu Picchu registered 145,566 visitors.
By 2000, that figure surpassed 420,000, and by 2019 it reached its all-time high of 1,585,262 visitors, according to the Peruvian Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism. This year, more than two million tourists are estimated to visit Machu Picchu following the COVID-19 pandemic.
Tourism, however, has added to the detrimental effects leading to the erosion of the ruins, on top of natural effects, including constant heavy rain and landslides. Cultural anthropologist Lynn Meisch said, “vibrations from thousands of pounding feet are loosening walls, and tourists venturing off the paths erode the soils.”
In response to the influx of tourists year after year that added to the immense weight and pressure, Machu Picchu is sinking 2 to 3 cm each year, according to my tour guide. To slow the sinking, UNESCO suggested blocking off certain areas and limiting the number of daily visitors to 2,500 as tourists were also vandalizing and damaging the site.
In spite of UNESCO’s recommendations, the Peruvian government has done nothing to limit the daily capacity of tourists. Moreover, with over 130,000 residents relying on tourism from hotels, restaurants, and souvenir shops, Machu Picchu has only increased sales and become a cornerstone of Peru’s economy, generating over $40 million in revenue from the site’s entry fees alone annually. But is it worth the damage exacerbated by tourism?
Considering the evident erosion and sinking of Machu Picchu, it is crucial for Peru to consider the long-term consequences of financial gains over the preservation of this ancient wonder. The need for the public to put pressure on the preservation of Machu Picchu now is stronger than ever.
In 2022, former Minister of Foreign Relations Manuel Rodríguez Cuadro tweeted in Spanish, “The extension to 5,000 per day of tourists…violates international standards that oblige Peru to preserve it and not destroy it.” Cuadro added how this “opens the way for UNESCO to declare it a world heritage in danger.”
Other leaders like Cuadro should push for preservation.
Prioritizing preservation
My trip to Machu Picchu drove home the realization that tourism should not come at the expense of a nation’s natural and cultural history. Granted, the economic benefits are undeniable, but finding a balance at this precarious moment in history is critical.
Implementing sustainable measures by the Peruvian government to mitigate the negative impact on this historical site, lowering visitor quota, and raising awareness about the importance of responsible tourism would all usher in a new mindset of respect among visitors and residents that could aid in slowing down Machu Picchu’s sinkage.
These are some ways to pave the way for the natural landmark to thrive. Until a more restorative way of visiting Machu Picchu is found and implemented, finding a way to lower the quota of daily visitors is a logical place to start. Achieving a balance between revenue and preservation is challenging but leaves open the opportunity for the perpetual sharing of a unique culture with the world and generations to come.
Other historical monuments, parks, and cultural sites like Machu Picchu, including the Galápagos Islands, suffer similar effects of a tourist economy and visitors who inadvertently contribute to the destruction of the environment and its biodiversity. The tradeoff of achieving overall lower revenue is worth ensuring a better future for all.
Each of us can play a part in the preservation of these magnificent places as we stay informed and take action, recognizing the lasting impact our visits have on these natural treasures. Resources abound with ways to reduce the effects of our tourist footprint, including The National Geographic, New York Times, and Wanderlust.
