After being closed for 7 months, Peru’s number 1 tourist attraction will reopen this Sunday. Machu Picchu has been the area’s main economy driver, and due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it was forced to shutdown for only the second time since opening to tourism in 1948.
Of course, the reopening will come with enhanced safety protocols and limitations to ensure guests’ and locals’ safety.
While the park typically can see up to 3,000 visitors in a day, starting Sunday that number will be reduced to only 675 visitors each day.
“We have a limited 30% admission capacity in compliance with biosafety measures and protocols,” José Bastante, director of Machu Picchu archaeological park, told The Associated Press.
Visitors to the park can expect to have their temperatures taken, a mandatory mask requirement, as well as social distancing of at least 2 meters between others.
While the local economy has taken a drastic hit, tour operators are finding ways to draw in visitors. It is being said that tour guides will offer tours for as low as $250, a more than $500 discount from the average $750 price.
So if seeing Machu Picchu is something you have always dreamed of, this may the perfect opportunity to do so. It is best to fly into Lima and then take a bus or plane to Cusco. From there, you can take a train to Machu Picchu. Either way, it’s worth the amazing view you’ll get once there.