As you may recall, back in January, the famed Machu Picchu site was closed down due to heavy rains damaging the railways leading up to Aguas Calientes. The Inca citadel, built in the mid-15th century, attracts over 2 million visitors a year and can only be reached via helicopter or train (or a 28-mile jungle trek!). With portions of the railway washed away, tourism has taken a hard hit; the Peruvian government estimates losses at over $160 million.
Machu Picchu
The bright side? The railway was originally expected to reopen in mid-April, but due to improvements in weather, may open earlier! This is excellent news for the residents of Lima and Cuzco, the capital of the province where the Inca site is located. Without the influx of tourists to this area, many artisans and businesses are without work. The livelihood of local artisans, like those of Mayu, depend on people visiting the ruins and purchasing goods and services in the surrounding area.
Aguas Calientes-January
A slated April 1st opening would be fantastic news for our friends in Peru as well as the millions of tourists who make the trip to Cuzco each year. Fingers crossed for good weather and speedy recovery efforts!
For more updates on Peru, check back to Mayu or follow our friend Stuart at En Peru.
Tags: artisan, artisans, Artisans from Peru, Fair Trade, Hand-knit, machu picchu, Mayu, mayu art
