Photos: Peru's Machu Picchu reopening Sunday after pandemic closure

The 15th century stone complex will receive 675 visitors a day starting Sunday

Published: October 28, 2020 15:40 AP and compiled by Balaram Menon, Senior Web Editor

1 of 14

Except workers repairing roads and signs, Peru's majestic Incan citadel of Machu Picchu is eerily empty ahead of its reopening Sunday after seven months of closure due to the coronavirus pandemic. Image Credit: AP

2 of 14

A lama lays on the grass at the Machu Picchu archeological site, where only maintenance workers gather while it's closed. The long closure of Peru's No. 1 tourist draw, which has hammered the local economy, marks the second time it has been shut down since it opened its doors to tourism in 1948. The first time was in 2010 when torrential and prolonged rains forced it to close. Image Credit: AP

3 of 14

The stone complex built in the 15th century will receive 675 visitors a day starting Sunday, the director of Machu Picchu archaeological park, Jose Bastante, told The Associated Press during an exclusive visit to the near-empty ruin ahead of its reopening. Image Credit: NYT

4 of 14

The famous sundial "Intihuatana" stands at the empty Machu Picchu archeological site. "We have a limited 30% admission capacity in compliance with biosafety measures and protocols," Bastante said while supervising final preparations to open the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Image Credit: AP

5 of 14

The site is accustomed to receiving 3,000 tourists a day, though it recently passed regulations limiting visitors to 2,244 visitors a day to protect the ruins. Image Credit: AP

6 of 14

Still a large number given experts belief that in the 15th century a maximum of 410 people lived in the citadel on the limits of the Andes mountains and the Amazon. Image Credit: AP

7 of 14

Before entering, visitors will have their temperatures taken and will be required to wear masks and stand at least 2 meters apart. Groups, including a guide, cannot be larger than eight people, and children under 12 will not be allowed. To avoid crowding, visitors will travel on four circuits. Image Credit: AP

8 of 14

Tour operators are offering packages costing $250 to visit Machu Picchu, which before the pandemic would have cost at least $750. | Above: Rooms are empty at a closed hotel amid the COVID-19 pandemic in Aguas Calientes, near Machu Picchu. Image Credit: AP

9 of 14

Peru's tourism revenues have been frozen since it decreed a general lockdown March 16 to stop the spread of the novel coronavirus. So far, 34,197 people have died from COVID-19 in the country. Image Credit: AP

10 of 14

Machu Picchu is Peru's tourism jewel and in 2018 drew 1.5 million visitors. Image Credit: AP

11 of 14

The citadel was built in the 15th century as a religious sanctuary for the Incas at an altitude of 2,490 meters. Image Credit: AP

12 of 14

Restaurants are closed amid the COVID-19 pandemic in Aguas Calientes, at the base of Macchu Pichu. Image Credit: AP

13 of 14

The Machu Picchu archeological site is devoid of tourists while it's closed. Image Credit: AP

14 of 14

The Machu Picchu archeological site is devoid of tourists while it's closed. Image Credit: AP

Photos News

Photos: Peru's Machu Picchu reopening Sunday after pandemic closure

More From Photos

In pictures: Rain, thundershowers across the UAE

Photos: Sharjah Children’s Reading Festival kicks off

Photos: Tensions rise as US pro-Palestinian student protests spread

Look: Our amazing Earth seen from above

GULFNEWS SECTIONS

Trending

Photos: Peru's Machu Picchu reopening Sunday after pandemic closure

More From Photos

In pictures: Rain, thundershowers across the UAE

Photos: Sharjah Children’s Reading Festival kicks off

Photos: Tensions rise as US pro-Palestinian student protests spread

Look: Our amazing Earth seen from above

GULFNEWS SECTIONS