The Llaqta or Inca citadel of Machupicchu expects to receive more than 1.1 million visitors this year, according to a projection from Peru’s Ministry of Culture, which noted that the current visitor capacity per day is 3,044 people. This figure includes the number of visitors to all circuits and at all times.
The current visitor capacity is in line with UNESCO recommendations and has been strictly determined based on the needs to preserve the monument declared Natural and Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
Cusco’s Decentralized Culture Directorate (DDC) reported that the Inca Llaqta of Machupicchu received 447,800 visitors in 2021, despite the fact that it was closed in February due to COVID-19-related pandemic restrictions.
The visits in 2021 increased in percentage terms, in accordance with the biosafety measures and visitor capacity limits established by the Government.
“We continue to work hard on the care, maintenance, and conservation of Machupicchu, despite the restrictions imposed due to the pandemic, and a pleasant visit for tourists is ensured,” said Jose Bastante, head of the Machupicchu Archaeological Park.
The Llaqta (Inca Citadel) of Machupicchu is one of the 60 archaeological monuments within the Historic Sanctuary or National Archaeological Park of Machupicchu.
Historically known as the Ancient Town of the Inca named Guaynapicchu, the spot served as a political, religious, and administrative center back in the Inca era.
Its strategic location allowed territorial control in high Andean and Amazonian areas.
New Wonder of the World
On 7 July, 2007, the Inca Empire’s most representative construction was named one of the New 7 Wonders of the World along with the Great Wall of China, the Taj Mahal in India, Petra city in southern Jordan, the Roman Coliseum, Christ the Redeemer in Rio, and the Maya Chichen Itza archaeological site in Mexico.
Safe Travels Stamp
In October 2020, Machupicchu was one of the first destinations to get a ‘Safe Travels’ stamp from the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC).