Just before going on the Inca Trail, I had read in the
Guardian, that an Aussie and a Kiwi tourist had been arrested after streaking
through Machu Picchu.
We therefore kept a close eye on the Aussie couple in our
group, but while Alex did get his legs out once or twice, that was as far as it went and they successfully
managed to stay clothed.
The authorities at Machu Picchu are taking this incident very seriously though, hence the appearance of the following sign at the front gate.
The authorities at Machu Picchu are taking this incident very seriously though, hence the appearance of the following sign at the front gate.
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| I'd love to hear that conversation with the embassy! |
There are also other rules and regulations to be followed
while in Machu Picchu. The ticket explains that there should be no loud
shouting or whooping, but we also found that jumping photos are also not
allowed. This was the best we could manage (please don't tell anyone), before being told about this rule.
And guards around the site were on the look-out for
potential jumpers. They managed to stop a couple before they’d
even managed to jump, successfully identifying their intent to achieve a
jumping photo.
Machu Picchu was once a religious site and the authorities
in Peru want to preserve its sanctity. You wouldn’t take a jumping photo in a
church or run naked through it.
However, equally, the area is no longer used for religious
purposes. Tourists wanting to take a jumping photo are demonstrating how happy
they are to be there and it is pretty harmless. I am not sure that the Incas would
have been that upset by it!
Leave your thoughts below.
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For more on our time on the Inca Trail, in Machu Picchu and in Cusco see:
El Camino de Inca
Machu and Wayna Picchu
Chilling in Cusco
For more on our time in Peru see:
Our Top 5 - Lima
On the Gringo Trail
Into the Colca Canyon
Poor old Puno
Hmmm... this is interesting. It's sometimes hard to tell where to draw the line, because people are going to cross it wherever you happen to place it. I have seen some truly atrocious behavior while travelling. I'm talking my mouth literally fell to the floor atrocious behavior/manners. I feel like these kind of rules are made for The Rude Tourist, but they end up affecting the average traveler most. I think in many circumstances, rule or not, rude and thoughtless people will be rude and thoughtless.
ReplyDeleteYes too true - particularly at the big tourist sites. And they will affect the average traveller the most as they will follow the rules!
ReplyDeleteIt did seem a bit arbitrary though-you can wave and smile, but no jumping! I think the streaking is on another level though!
Salkantay trek is the alternative to the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu was recently named among the 25 best Treks in the World, by National Geographic Adventure Travel Magazine.
ReplyDeleteThe Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is rated among the best trekking trips in the world because of the exquisite beauty of its natural surroundings; these include different ecological areas from high deserts to Andean Tropical rain forests.
ReplyDeleteI think the Important thing to remember is we are tourist visiting another countries sacred sites and that their requests are more important than our "need" for a photo of someone jumping. I wouldn't go to Westminster Abbey or Stonehenge and jump, so why do it in Machu Picchu?
ReplyDeleteI think the Important thing to remember is we are tourist visiting another countries sacred sites and that their requests are more important than our "need" for a photo of someone jumping. I wouldn't go to Westminster Abbey or Stonehenge and jump, so why do it in Machu Picchu?
ReplyDeleteThe Inca Trail is the ultimate hiking route to Machu Picchu, featuring stunning landscapes, ancient ruins, and vibrant Quechua culture. This exclusive trek offers breathtaking views and culminates at the iconic Sun Gate, making it an unforgettable adventure.
ReplyDelete