The New Normal
The world has changed and thus travel has changed. Long after the COVID-19 pandemic is behind us, the planet will feel like a different place for years to come.
We will likely be reminded of such by guidelines that may linger in travel and tourism to keep us safe, just in case COVID, or something like it, could ever pop up on the map again.
So, you’ve booked your trip to Peru to visit one of the wonders of the world: Machu Picchu.
You’ve taken care of everything through TOUR IN PERU, and gotten the best prices you can find on the market.
But what exactly awaits you when you get on that airplane?
A Few Changes
There are now three time slots, or shifts for visiting the Inca city. These are part of a wider range of regulations. Among them are also the new rule that visitors to Machu Picchu must be accompanied by a tour guide.
Each tour guide is responsible for no more than 16 people at a time. And once you leave the citadel, you will not be able to re-enter.
Everyone is aware that days of wonder are inside the boundaries of Machu Picchu. But sadly, it is necessary to limit visits to four hours per shift. This is a healthy regulation in the long run.
First and foremost, this will mean saying goodbye to long lines with slow egress. Your arrival at Machu Picchu will be met with less congestion on whatever road or train car you took, and you will gain entry in relatively short order.
Help Keep The Wonder Wonderful
Second, these regulations will allow for the preservation of Machu Picchu.
The Grand Inca Citadel is indeed made of stone, but those stones are old and time can make any stones crumble. The presence of people and their constant activity bring about a form of accelerated aging to the ancient ruins.
Strong reminders are unpleasant, but necessary in our day for making sure that Machu Picchu remains a beautiful place to visit for a long time: There are security cameras and security guards in and around Machu Picchu, so please. Do respect local rules.
It’s not like a misunderstanding that can get someone thrown out of a local bar. Depending on the situation, a tourist could find themselves barred from entering Machu Picchu for life!
On a lighter note, there are many ways to make the most of those four hours that you are able to have a look at a piece of an old world that has been a secret for a very long time.
Be creative in the way you get there. Sure, you can take the traditional route by means of the Inca Trail. You’ll discover why it’s a popular means of getting to the citadel, but consider a less traveled and more-affordable-to-book route, the Salkantay trek.
A quick word for people with a flair for technology. If you’re planning on taking your drone for a flyover, you can go ahead and bring it, but it won’t be allowed inside Machu Picchu. It will be allowed just about everywhere else in the country and on the trails, but not inside the citadel.
TOUR IN PERU can secure the accommodations you need to see not only the ancient Inca city, but any other part of Peru that strikes your fancy.
Plan out the places you’re going to eat. Find out what lesser known sites or restaurants or activities are along the way. Machu Picchu is one part of Peru, not the other way around! Take time to look around!
See you in Peru in 2021!
