by Lea Thin, freelance writer
Machu Picchu, regarded as one of the most stunning UNESCO World Heritage Sites, is more than just an architectural marvel. For the indigenous people of the Andes, particularly the Quechua, it holds profound spiritual and cultural significance. Their connection to Machu Picchu is deeply rooted in the Andean Cosmovision, a worldview that emphasizes harmony between humanity, nature, and the cosmos. However, the increasing mass tourism and plans to construct a new airport in the region threaten this sacred bond.
Sacred Heritage and Energy Center
For the Quechua and other indigenous communities, Pachamama—Mother Earth—is a divine entity that grants fertility and protection. She is honored through rituals that often involve coca leaves, flowers, and other offerings. Machu Picchu’s architecture reflects these spiritual beliefs, with its temples, terraces, and observatories aligned to mirror cosmic principles. The place is an energetic hub, a place where rituals and prayers strengthen the connection between worlds. The mountain peaks surrounding Machu Picchu are ‘Apus’ – sacred spirits or protective deities who watch over the land. Indigenous communities believe that these Apus can bestow spiritual energy and influence the well-being of the people. The Inca road network, the 30,000-kilometer-long Qhapaq Ñan, connects Machu Picchu to other sacred sites, symbolizing the transition between the physical and spiritual realms.
Tourism: A Threat to Indigenous Spirituality
Currently, about 1.5 million people visit Machu Picchu annually—double the limit deemed sustainable by UNESCO for the ecologically sensitive site, situated at the intersection of high mountains and tropical rainforest. The economic benefits of tourism in the region are undeniable: the sector creates jobs and supports investments in education, healthcare, and infrastructure. However, such progress must not come at the expense of indigenous culture and spirituality. Dr. Jean-Jacques Decoster, an anthropology professor at Cusco’s UNSAAC University and Intangible Heritage expert, stresses the importance of protecting Peru’s cultural and natural heritage. “The carrying capacity of Machu Picchu must be strictly monitored to ensure respect for the site.” In recent years, the Peruvian government has implemented measures to manage these pressures, such as requiring licensed guides, setting fixed visiting hours, and increasing ticket prices. However, the government has also repeatedly raised the daily visitor cap, most recently to 4,094 people per day, driven by economic interests. While tourism provides livelihoods for many, it also marginalizes indigenous perspectives. Decoster warns that commercializing indigenous traditions dilutes the sacred meaning of ancient knowledge: “Growing visitor numbers are disrupting the ability of indigenous communities to conduct their spiritual rituals in peace and dignity. Ceremonies that were once intimate, deeply spiritual acts are now often staged for tourist entertainment, leading to a commercialization that strips the rituals of their true significance.”
A New Airport in Chinchero: Opportunity or Risk?
Plans for the new Chinchero International Airport (AICC) near Cusco, the historic Inca capital, have sparked heated debate. The airport is intended to improve access to Machu Picchu and potentially double tourist numbers. While the tourism industry celebrates, archaeologists and environmentalists voice grave concerns. More than 40,000 square metres of runways, terminals, and cargo facilities poses a serious threat to the ecological balance of the region and the cultural landscape, which includes terraced fields and paths built by the Incas, warns Decoster, who co-authored an UNESCO study on the project’s potential impacts. “Increased visitor flows will likely exacerbate existing management challenges, such as exceeding carrying capacity. Without proper oversight, this could accelerate the degradation of archaeological sites.It could also lead to the construction of new tourist infrastructure, such as access roads, car parks and additional services, as well as work to provide basic services such as water, drainage, sewerage, electrification and others. On sections of the Qhapaq Ñan, the soil could degrade, ecosystems could be affected, and noise is already a problem.”
Indigenous Resistance: Fighting for Rights and Recognition
The new opportunities for income that arise from the airport are likely to result in unplanned urban growth on unauthorized areas. This poses a higher risk of natural disasters to the local population, many of whom are indigenous, who live under precarious conditions in these areas. Furthermore, the access to Llacta might be reduced for locals in favour of increased tourism revenue. The indigenous population of Cusco could therefore face fewer opportunities to visit Machu Picchu due to the growth of tourism. This could lead to undesirable conflicts and alienate the local population from their own roots. Indigenous organisations such as ONAMIAP and COICA actively advocate for the protection of sacred sites and criticise projects that threaten the spiritual connection of indigenous communities. Their demands include legal recognition of land rights, involvement in tourism decision-making, and respect for their spiritual practices. In the past, initiatives such as the TINKU platform have sought to promote dialogue between indigenous communities and tourism stakeholders. Their approach was to develop alternative tourism models that respect indigenous spirituality and the environment. As Decoster, the founder of the former TINKU organisation, notes: “Intercultural dialogue is essential to ensure that the sacred traditions of the Andean peoples are not undermined by mass tourism.”
Balancing Tradition and modern times
Machu Picchu remains a symbol of the deep connection between the Andean peoples and their environment. However, preserving its sacred significance while harnessing tourism’s economic potential presents a significant challenge. Dr. Decoster concludes: “It is the duty of the Peruvian nation to protect its cultural and natural heritage from damage, alteration, or destruction, as such threats endanger not only the environment but also the identity of society and its communities. Sustainable solutions for Machu Picchu require a sensitive approach that respects indigenous communities while safeguarding the site’s culture and environment.”Key measures include limiting visitor numbers to preserve the site’s physical and spiritual integrity and reducing overcrowding and pollution. Establishing sacred zones exclusively for indigenous rituals could allow the Quechua and other groups to continue their spiritual practices undisturbed. Actively involving indigenous communities in tourism management is also vital, ensuring they benefit economically while playing a central role in developing sustainable practices. Only through such a respectful and balanced approach can Machu Picchu endure as both a tourist destination and a spiritual heart of the Andean people.
