Peruvian President Ollanta Humala recently shared plans for a new airport near Machu Picchu.
On Wednesday, President Humala enacted a law allowing land in Chinchera (near Cusco) to be used for the new international airport, stating, “This new airport will not only mean more tourists will be able to come, but it will generate more jobs.” He added the airport will also help surrounding communities by adding to their value.
For those visiting the ancient Inca ruins, Cusco is generally the starting point, which where the airport is intended to go.
The citadel of Machu Picchu was built in the 15th century and rediscovered in 1911. To protect the land, only 2,500 visitors are allowed each day, but with an airport nearby, many are wondering how protected the environment will remain.
The ruins are a world heritage site and Unesco, the UN’s cultural agency, has warned about uncontrolled access and urged conservation be made a priority.
The Peruvian government will invest roughly $460 million to the project, not including compensation to the farming communities whose land will be seized under the law recently enacted expropriation law.
