The Peruvian government has officially declared an increase in the entrance fee to the iconic archaeological site of Machu Picchu, located in the southern region of Cusco, starting May 1. The increase is meant to provide necessary resources for the maintenance of the park's natural assets, as explained by Teresa Mera, the Minister of Foreign Trade and Tourism. This decision follows a proposal approved by the Machu Picchu Management Unit in 2022, although its implementation had been delayed for various reasons.

Under the new pricing structure, foreign tourists aged 18 and older will see an additional charge of 11 soles (approximately 3.2 dollars), raising their total entrance fee to 163 soles (about 48.6 dollars). For foreign minors aged between 3 and 17 years, the increase will be 5 soles (around 1.5 dollars). This adjustment is viewed as necessary for ensuring the sustainability and preservation of the park, which attracts a large number of visitors annually and is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

The announcement underscores the ongoing challenges faced by Peru in balancing tourism with environmental conservation. As Machu Picchu continues to draw millions of tourists each year, authorities emphasize the importance of maintaining the site's integrity and natural surroundings, using the increased fees to fund essential maintenance efforts. This decision comes at a time when global travel is recovering from the disruptions caused by the pandemic, and tourism revenue is crucial for the local economy in Cusco and beyond.