Case Study Responsible Tourism :

Machu Picchu and the Inca Trail Peru

Know the main attractions of Machu Picchu.

Examine ecotourism in Machu Picchu.

Attractions of Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu, the 'Lost City of the Incas' is the best-known and most spectacular site in South America. Machu Picchu are quechua (indigenous Indian) words that mean "old" and "mountain".

Stunning scenery with the snowy peaks of the Andes (over 6,000 metres), fast flowing rivers and deep valleys.

Major tourist attractions include the Temple of the Sun , Temple of Three Windows and the Inca Bridge

Machu Picchu (Quechua: Machu Pikchu) – "Old Mountain", is a pre-Columbian Inca site located 2,430 metres (7,970 ft) above sea level. It is situated on a mountain ridge above the Urubamba Valley in Peru. Most archaeologists believe that Machu Picchu was built as an estate for the Inca emperor Pachacuti (1438–1472). Often referred to as "The Lost City of the Incas".

EcotourismE = Environmental: natural environments and wildlife are safeguarded.

P = People: considers the needs of, and involves, local communities.

S = Sustainable: looking after today's tourist needs does not damage those of future generations.

Machu Picchu was declared a World Heritage

cultural and natural site in

1983 and comprises about

80,000 acres.

Admission to Machu Picchu has

increased from $10 to $20.

The contract that the

government had awarded to Peru Hotels SA to build a cable car has been

blocked.Programa

Machu Picchu, a conservation

program is being established to

protect the environment and the development

of the town of Aguas Calientes.

Conservationists say visitors should wear soft shoes to reduce pressure

on the ruins

The indigenous people of Peru

are actively involved in working to

preserve their spiritual and

cultural heritage.

The town of Aguas Calientes will now receive 10 percent of ticket receipts

from Machu Picchu to improve the infrastructure,

including sewage and waste treatment.

There is a limit of 2500 people a day allowed to visit the site ruins at Machu

Picchu.

Flights are not allowed over the

Inca ruins of Machu Picchu.

Porters will not be asked to carry

more than 20 kilos.

All rubbish must be carried out of the

Trail.

Groups may not stay more than

four nights on that portion of the Inca

Trail that lies within the Machu Picchu sanctuary

The trail will be closed one month each

year for maintenance (January or February).

Only licensed tour operators are permitted

to sell Inca Trail packages.

Assigned camp sites with proper

toilet facilities must be

used.