The mist-shrouded ruins of Machu Picchu are magical. They are one of the best-known surviving examples of Inca planning and technology nestled beside the sacred mountain of Huayna Picchu. The site is a famous example of harmonious planning with the integration of built structures into the sacred landscape. In 1983, the entire site was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. UNESCO warned the Peruvian government in April that Machu Picchu will be removed from the World Heritage List if work begins on the construction of the cable car planned for the site.

Until today Machu Picchu has been a sanctuary for both body and spirit; a place to sit in contemplation and wonder at the marvels of a people who created such a place. Now the special qualities of the site are about to be thrown aside to serve corporate priorities.

The original plans were scrapped as explained in a recent letter from UNESCO to a Sacred Sites Member:

The Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu is a World Heritage site since 1983 for both its cultural and natural values. Since 1996 the World Heritage Committee has been discussing the deficient management arrangements for the site and the possible impact of a cable car as a means of access to the ruins. Several expert missions were sent to Peru, the most recent one in 1999 was headed by myself. Its report formed the basis for Committee's recommendations to the Peruvian authorities. There is now a joint management unit for the park, there is a master plan and things are progressing slowly.

The government of Peru decided in May of this year [2001] to suspend the cable car project and we hope that now an in-depth study can be undertaken on the carrying capacity of the site and the best way to manage tourism.

Regards,

Herman van Hooff
Chief of Section
Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean

UNESCO World Heritage Centre
7, place de Fontenoy
75352 PARIS 07 SP
FRANCE

Telephone: 33-1-45 68 18 69
Fax: 33-1-45 68 55 70

As recently as August of 2001, however, the Peruvian Minister for Tourism, as speaking publicly about a new Cable Car scheme to the back of the ruins. This may indicate that the Orient Express is exerting pressure on the Peruvian government. Any plan of this type is unacceptable. Machu Picchu is a World Heritage site of a very sacred nature, however, the new plan is even worse than the original plan. The lower terminal would be located on a stretch of the river that has frequent landslides. The upper terminal, in addition, would be located within the ruins themselves.

We suggest you send a new round of
Send Urgent Action Letters Immediately to:

---For the latest updated information about Machu Picchu go to http://www.mpicchu.org/new.html

ssif / preservation / Machu Picchu