Machu Picchu to undergo new study for tourism and conservation

The Peruvian government has launched a new study to manage visitor flows and heritage conservation at Machu Picchu. The project, titled the Carrying Capacity and Acceptable Change Limit Study, aims to establish a scientific and technical foundation for decision-making regarding the management of the historic sanctuary.

Executed by the firm ARS Progetti SPA over a 190-day period, the study is a collaborative effort involving the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism (Mincetur), the Ministry of Culture, and the National Service of Natural Areas Protected by the State (Sernanp). The research will analyze visitor flows, territorial conditions, the state of cultural and natural heritage conservation, and the quality of tourism services.

The process will follow four phases: planning and initiation, diagnosis and baseline, evaluation and modeling, and final proposal and implementation. This initiative aligns with the Master Plan for the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu – Machu Picchu National Archaeological Park 2026-2031, seeking to balance sustainable tourism with the protection of the site for future generations.