Domestic and foreign tourists will be able to explore and enjoy archaeological sites in the direction of the Inca citadel of Machupicchu, as well as the nature characteristic of the jungle, while hiking along the new route that is being implemented by the Decentralized Culture Directorate (DDC) in Cusco
Such sites include Inca cities, bastions, and rock-based terraces that are strategically located on the left bank of the Vilcanota River (a.k.a. Urumbamba River), at kilometer 82 of the Ollantaytambo-Machupicchu railway. They had been covered by nature before being rediscovered.
Maritza Rosa Candia, head of DDC Cusco, told that this will be another alternative to divert the tourist flow and to promote visitors’ stay in the district of Machupicchu Town, located in the province of Urubamba.
This route, which has been named “Valley Floor” on a preliminary basis, is located in the lower part of the valley, at 2,040 m above sea level.
The area has a lush vegetation and features access points to the Inca Trail network leading to the upper part of the world heritage site.
“They (the archaeological sites) include Isla Chico, Salapunku, Torontoy, Patallaqta, Wiñayhuayna, Choquesuysuy, Chachabamba (…),” Maritza Rosa Candia explained, noting that there are more than 15 well-preserved archaeological sites available for visitors.
According to estimates, about 500 visitors will be permitted to use the Valley Floor route per day, compared to the permitted daily limit of 4,044 visitors to the Inca citadel, according to Ministerial Resolution No. 000255-2023-MC, which will be effective until December 31 this year.
“Who likes to spend a few hours in a place and then return? This should not be a simple visit, but a destination, so that they (tourists) can enjoy the cultural richness that Cusco and Peru have to offer,” she remarked.
The DDC’s head commented that visitors will be able to stay for at least 2 days, one day on the Valley Floor and another one at the Llaqta (the citadel of Machupicchu).