UNESCO recognizes improvement in Machu Picchu Historic Sanctuary management

The United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) recognized the progress showed by the Peruvian State in the integral management of the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu in Cusco thanks to a multisectoral work.

During the 39th Session of the World Heritage Committee held in Bonn, Germany, UNESCO noted the work carried out by the National Service of Natural Protected Areas (Sernanp) in coordination with Ministries of Culture, Environment, Foreign Trade and Tourism, as well as the Regional Government of Cusco (GRC) and the Machu Picchu District Municipality.

Peruvian government officials showed the progress made in the preparation of the Public Use Plan, the Site Plan for the West Access of the Natural Area, and the Regulations on Sustainable Use and Tourist Visitation for the Conservation of the Llaqta of Machu Picchu.

The updating of the Inca Trail Regulations –which govern the tourism management in the Historic Sanctuary and the development of the carrying capacity study for the Llaqta of Machu Picchu– the Inca Trail Network and the Hiram Bingham road, were other aspects involved in the decision-making process of not including this archaeological monument in the “List of World Heritage in Danger.”

The country was given 18 months to fully implement the recommendations of the World Heritage Committee. 

Peru’s representatives issued a commitment document inked by authorities involved in the management of the sanctuary, which underscores the conclusion and implementation of the Risk Management Plan of Machu Picchu.

It also includes the decision to create specific prevention-oriented contingence plans that must be adopted to mitigate disaster effects such as fires and landslides –which put the safety of locals and visitors at risk– and the natural and cultural heritage in the natural protected area.

The approval of the Master Plan of the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu 2015-2019 was one of the most important management tools for the Committee, as it shows the coordinated work among state organizations directly involved in the task.

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Source: Andina

Machu Picchu is reforested with Queuña trees

Reforestation is important to avoid soil erosion and other impacts of the nature, that is why more than 2000 hectares of the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu have been reforested with the plantation of Queuña trees.

All this process of planting has been in charge to the National Service of Natural Protected Areas (SERNANP) and the foresters of the area. The project has already been executed, and it happened thanks to the support achieved by the management of Machu Picchu and the company of energy Electro Sur Este.

The reforestation initiative was created in order to protect the areas affected by the excessive shepherding and the forest fires in the area. This effort will allow a regeneration of the plant surface.

The aim of the project is to protect the biodiversity that makes Machu Picchu as one of the most important protected areas of Peru.

The work of reforestation was carried out in Toccopujio's community, to this labor the Huayllabamba's community joined by planting more trees.

The initiative includes an environmental education program, to raise awareness about the importance of protected natural areas, and the care of trees which is just begging to grow.

This program is being promoted also by the government, the people and the private sector.

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• Inca Trail Tours
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New app helps hikers explore Inca Trail in Cusco

Hikers coming to Machu Picchu via the Inca Trail, one of the most popular tough treks on earth, can now download a new app named Camino Inca before heading out on their journey.

Users will be able to access virtual maps on their smart phones or tablets, a useful tool for those attempting the steep climbs and descents to the renowned Sun-Gate overlooking Machu Picchu.

There are several maps available in the app inducing, among others, the 4-day Traditional Trail, as well as the Salkantay and Choquequirao treks, which take 5 and 8 days, respectively.

Once downloaded, the maps can be viewed at any time without the need to be connected to the internet.

Travelers can also find information about archaeological sites, description of local birds and a photo gallery.

The Hi-Tec Camino Inca, available free of charge on iOS or Android, was created by the photographer Walter West.

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Source: Andina

Peru announces Machu Picchu reopening in April

PromPeru today surprised ITB in Berlin by announcing the re-opening of the vital rail link to the ruins of Machu Picchu.

The line was severely damaged in heavy rains and floods which hit the country in January and eroded railway tracks between Cuzco, Ollantaytambo and the Inca citadel.

Following the successful completion of track repairs ahead of schedule, it has been confirmed that, weather permitting, PeruRail will recommence its Vistadome train service to Aguas Calientes , the station for Machu Picchu Pueblo, on March 29.

The Inca Citadel of Machu Picchu will reopen to tourists on April 1, travelmole.com reports.

Initially train services will operate between Pisacucho, a station beyond Ollantaytambo, and Aguas Calientes, with a replacement bus service from Wanchaq Station in Cuzco bringing passengers by road to Pisacucho.

The train journey will take 1 hour 20 minutes and the drive approximately 2 hours 30 minutes.

It is estimated that it will be possible to make the entire journey from Poroy station in Cuzco to Machu Picchu by rail from July 2010, subject to favourable weather conditions.

PeruRail also operates a backpacker service and the luxury Hiram Bingham train between Cuzco and Machu Picchu.

The backpacker train will resume at the end of April and the Hiram Bingham will be back in operation at the end of June.