Case Study Responsible Tourism : Machu Picchu and the Inca Trail Peru Know the main attractions of Machu Picchu. Examine ecotourism in Machu Picchu.

Attractions of Machu Picchu Machu Picchu, the 'Lost City of the Incas' is the best-known and most spectacular site in South America. Machu Picchu are quechua (indigenous Indian) words that mean "old" and "mountain". Major tourist attractions include the Temple of the Sun , Temple of Three Windows and the Inca Bridge Stunning scenery with the snowy peaks of the Andes (over 6,000 metres), fast flowing rivers and deep valleys.

Machu Picchu (Quechua: Machu Pikchu) – "Old Mountain", is a pre-Columbian Inca site located 2,430 metres (7,970 ft) above sea level. It is situated on a mountain ridge above the Urubamba Valley in Peru. Most archaeologists believe that Machu Picchu was built as an estate for the Inca emperor Pachacuti (1438–1472). Often referred to as "The Lost City of the Incas".

Ecotourism E = Environmental: natural environments and wildlife are safeguarded. P = People: considers the needs of, and involves, local communities. S = Sustainable: looking after today's tourist needs does not damage those of future generations.

Admission to Machu Picchu has increased from $10 to $20. Machu Picchu was declared a World Heritage cultural and natural site in 1983 and comprises about 80,000 acres. Admission to Machu Picchu has increased from $10 to $20. The contract that the government had awarded to Peru Hotels SA to build a cable car has been blocked. Programa Machu Picchu, a conservation program is being established to protect the environment and the development of the town of Aguas Calientes. Conservationists say visitors should wear soft shoes to reduce pressure on the ruins The indigenous people of Peru are actively involved in working to preserve their spiritual and cultural heritage.

Flights are not allowed over the Inca ruins of Machu Picchu. The town of Aguas Calientes will now receive 10 percent of ticket receipts from Machu Picchu to improve the infrastructure, including sewage and waste treatment. There is a limit of 2500 people a day allowed to visit the site ruins at Machu Picchu. Flights are not allowed over the Inca ruins of Machu Picchu. Porters will not be asked to carry more than 20 kilos. All rubbish must be carried out of the Trail. Groups may not stay more than four nights on that portion of the Inca Trail that lies within the Machu Picchu sanctuary

Assigned camp sites with proper toilet facilities must be used. The trail will be closed one month each year for maintenance (January or February). Only licensed tour operators are permitted to sell Inca Trail packages. Assigned camp sites with proper toilet facilities must be used.