Peru faces infrastructure and heritage risks in Huancayo, Cusco, and Chilca

Several infrastructure and heritage concerns have emerged in Peru. In Huancayo, an old mansion in the city center collapsed following demolition work on an adjacent property. The incident, reportedly caused by an excavator, has affected local businesses including a restaurant, an optical shop, and an aesthetic clinic. Because the building is located in a Monumental Zone, municipal authorities are restricted from clearing debris without permission from the Decentralized Culture Directorate.

In Cusco, the Comptroller General of Peru warned that Machu Picchu is suffering structural deterioration due to visitor overcrowding during 2024 and 2025. An estimated 91,836 visitors exceeded the permitted capacity, leading to erosion of original floors, loss of coverage, and damage to pre-Hispanic terraces. Officials are investigating potential administrative responsibility among staff for failing to properly register visitors via the digital ticketing platform. Unesco has previously expressed concern regarding daily admission limits.

Additionally, the District Municipality of Chilca is evacuating its main building due to severe structural deterioration. The 1964 structure has developed significant cracks and fissures, exacerbated by recent seismic activity. To mitigate risk, the municipality is restricting public access, moving archives to lighter locations, and planning a full relocation to rented premises within 15 days.