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Peru: New Bridge to Machu Picchu Good for Tourists, Locals, but Maybe Not for Site

No Comments | April 4th, 2007 | Trackback

A new bridge over the Vilcanota River at the village of Santa Teresa has opened a new route to Machu Picchu. The route involves a day-long bus ride and a seven-mile hike from the village along railroad tracks. Village residents and officials are pleased with the development because of the economic boost they expect to get from tourists taking this route rather than the expensive train journey to the historic site. Already Santa Teresa is receiving 200 tourists a day compared to a half dozen only a few years ago. Government cultural experts and archaeologists are unhappy, though, fearing an increase in tourism will erode the famous ruins. UNESCO is also concerned that rising tourism numbers may endanger the site.