Many people overseas will have heard from some sources that Inca sites – specifically Machu Picchu – are being “overwhelmed” by tourists and that visitor numbers are too high.
The news is not, in fact, as bad as some people would have it. Firstly, let us remember that Peru as a whole still receives fewer visitors in a year than the Italian city of Florence does in August. Also, it is worth pointing out that UNESCO recently removed Machu Picchu from its list of endangered World Heritage Sites in recognition of the fact that the Peruvian state’s management of the site has improved enormously.

The fact that annual visitor numbers to Peru have doubled in the last ten years to 1.8 million last year – 800,000 of whom visited Machu Picchu - is a fact that should be celebrated. At last Peru is leaving behind its past reputation as a dangerous destination once wracked by insurgency and hyperinflation – the security threat in Peru disappeared back in 1992, but overseas memories of such strife have taken a long time to be healed.  

Today Peru is enjoying unprecedented stability and growth. Its democratically elected centre right government is overseeing 9% annual economic growth and it is committed to lifting its people out of poverty. Let us remember that tourism is one of Peru’s biggest foreign currency earners, and although it may be true that many sections of civil society still do not benefit directly from such growth, it cannot be denied that the government is using much of its new-found income to invest in affordable housing, job creation and food relief programs which will bring benefits to all Peruvians with time.

And then of course there are the environmental benefits of travel to Peru. Although it can be argued that any kind of tourism is bad for the environment – particularly when long-haul flights are involved – we should not overlook the fact that the Peruvian rainforest remains largely intact thanks to tourism. Currently Peru’s 42 protected natural areas cover an area of 127,000 square kilometers, or 4.3% of the country’s surface area. And if they are to stay that way local people need to know that the land and its flora and fauna are worth more intact than if they are devastated for agriculture or industry. In other words, increased visitor numbers to Peru’s natural wonders will ensure the continued survival of these still untouched wilderness areas.

Peru is one of the most beautiful, fascinating, varied and rewarding travel destinations anywhere in the world.

“Peru: Beautiful by Nature”. Come and see it for yourself!!