Machu Picchu people reject the installation of cable

The authorities and people of Aguas Calientes, a town near the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu, are opposed to the installation of a cable car or funicular as it endangers the preservation of the archaeological complex.

Lima. Dpa .-
The mayor of Aguas Calientes, Edgar Miranda, quoted by Lima today, said that the inhabitants of this district, through which to enter Machu Picchu, "are the guardians of the Inca citadel and not permit its installation."

Miranda said that this position has been communicated to the government after a meeting on Monday between representatives of both sides and further indicated that the installation of an electric hoist is prohibited by city ordinance.

Machu Picchu, a citadel constructed of stone on top of a mountain, 2350 meters above sea level, is a World Heritage Site since 1983 and remains by far the main tourist attraction in Peru.

Miranda recalled that in 2001 the people spoke the same way. The central government then suspended the project by not receiving authorization from the National Institute of Natural Resources.

The head of the Archaeological Park of Machu Picchu, Fernando Astete said the construction of this transport system may compromise the rock formation and even cause the collapse of part of the monument.

Astete said that the congestion of visitors would be difficult to handle, so that these projects must have environmental impact studies.

The head of the Regional Tourism department of the Cusco -Machu Picchu-that is, Jean Paul Benavente said the project seeks to implement new routes of access and the principle of conservation and sustainability of the complex pre-Columbian.

The president of the Chamber of Tourism of Cusco, Boris Gómez, said in turn that the electric elevator could allow up to 10,000 tourists arrive daily and contribute to the development of the surrounding localities.

Aguas Calientes authorities announced that in April presented a tourism plan that will include new options for admission to the Inca citadel, including the new list of Seven Wonders of the World.

Resource: www.lanacion.com.py - Spanish to english