Peru said Monday it is considering a temporary closure of the Machu Picchu site after residents went on strike for four days against what they called the “privatization” of ticket sales to the world's most visited Inca site .
• Also read: Peru: Strike slows tourist activity in Machu Picchu
Because of this social movement, nearly 700 tourists were evacuated from the most visited Inca site in the world on Saturday.
According to Culture Minister Leslie Urteaga, given the lack of dialogue between the parties, the leaders of the mobilization proposed closing the site for security reasons.
“We will examine the demands of the collective, including the closure of the Llapta (citadel). It would be painful for everyone, but we will evaluate it,” Mr Urteaga told the public broadcaster.
Opponents launched an “unlimited” strike movement on Thursday to denounce the Culture Ministry's decision to hire a private intermediary to manage online ticket sales.
A local collective says the Joinnus company could benefit from commissions of up to $3.2 million per year thanks to the new system.
Many companies have opened their curtains since Thursday and train operator Ferrocarril Transandino suspended services to the site on Friday due to the demonstrations.
The Ministry of Culture reiterates that the new sales system is intended to control the flow of tourists and preserve the citadel, a World Heritage Site since 1983.
The archaeological complex is located 130 kilometers from the city of Cusco and at an altitude of 2,438 meters. It was built in the 15th century on behalf of the Inca Emperor Pachacutec (1438-1470) and discovered in 1911 by the American explorer Hiram Bingham.