Natural disasters in Peru do not affect Machu Picchu
Natural disasters in Peru do not affect Machu Picchu
https://www.ticketmachupicchu.com/natural-disasters-peru-not-affect-machu-picchu/Peru has a fairly eroded geography and also endures the intensity of climate changes. These sudden changes generate various suspicions and sometimes false news that persuade international tourists not to visit Machu Picchu. This does not mean that Machu Picchu is free of natural disasters, but that the complications that occur are reported through official media and also to all tourists who already have their reservations ready to use. No country is free of natural disasters, which is why we want to take advantage of this topic to inform about the official media regarding the possible complications for visiting Machu Picchu.
- What natural disasters occur in Peru?
- What natural disasters can occur and threaten Machu Picchu?
- The real problems that Machu Picchu has
- Can global climate change alter Machu Picchu?
- Inca architecture in the face of natural disasters
- Official channels to receive reports on the situation in Machu Picchu
Authorities in Aguas Calientes after a natural disaster
What natural disasters occur in Peru?
A variety of natural disasters can occur in Peru. It is a country with a very varied geography, which means that natural disasters can occur without having adequate preparation or trying to prevent a disaster.
Some of the natural disasters that occur are those related to heavy rains or the lack of them. In most regions, both the rainy season and the dry season can be found. There are dates when these can be prolonged or have greater intensity.
Another factor that has an impact on natural disasters in Peru is the El Niño phenomenon, or simply the Niño phenomenon. This is a natural phenomenon that is difficult to avoid, as it occurs on the coasts of northern Peru. In other words, in the ocean there is an exchange of waters of different temperatures, the surface waters increase their temperature and this generates a series of climatic changes that also affect the biodiversity of the sea.
Rainfall is normal during the indicated season. However, warmer sea surface waters produce more rainfall. This causes flooding and other problems related to heavy rainfall. These climate changes are reported worldwide because in some cases they alter the climate situation of the world.
Natural disaster occurred in Peru
What natural disasters can occur and threaten Machu Picchu?
Machu Picchu is located in the high jungle of Cusco, in other words, in southern Peru, so it is also susceptible to heavy rains, which is why landslides, mudslides and floods can occur. Problems that sometimes affect the train tracks that connect to Machu Picchu Pueblo.
However, in some cases and years the opposite effect can occur. As in the case of forest fires, which in some cases are caused by the exposure of flammable waste in the mountains. However, in other cases it is due to the direct intervention of residents.
Machu Picchu, being located in Cusco, can also suffer from cold waves or frosts. These are not so common, but if you plan to do the 4-day Inca Trail, it will be necessary information. Likewise, as in any part of the world, the presence of earthquakes or other telluric movements can be found.
Aguas Calientes after a natural disaster
Important
Don’t be fooled by rumors about Machu Picchu being flooded; moreover, remember that Machu Picchu tickets have to be booked months in advance, otherwise you won’t be able to access such incredible experiences as Huayna Picchu Mountain and you’ll have to settle for the remaining tickets available.
The real problems that Machu Picchu has
To date, there have been some problems reported at the Machu Picchu archaeological site and on the stretches that allow access to this place. Now we will learn about some of these problems that may continue to occur in the Peruvian wonder of the world.
- Landslides – Landslides in Machu Picchu often occur on the different routes to Machu Picchu. This is mainly because the river is very close to the train tracks and also in previous sections.
- Landslides are characterized by strong water currents, produced by intense rains that sweep away almost everything in their path. A landslide occurred at the beginning of 2024.
- Overflow of the Urubamba or Vilcanota River – Floods are similar, although they are not usually as lethal and destructive as landslides. River overflows sometimes damage agricultural areas and also the train lines to Machu Picchu. The same can occur during some stretches of the river.
- Landslides – One of the most dangerous phenomena that can occur are landslides. These occur because the humidity of the earth causes a massive landslide of soil and sometimes rocks.
- These cases can occur during sections of the Inca Trail. For this reason, the route ends up being closed during the month of February. These landslides can also be found on the Machu Picchu mountain itself.
- Fortunately, there is a team that is responsible for maintaining the main sections and circuits. This is a way of ensuring the safety of people visiting Machu Picchu.
- Landslides of Inca buildings – Unfortunately, the difficult operation and maintenance of Inca buildings makes it difficult to avoid the slow landslide in some areas of Machu Picchu.
- The measure taken is quite important to highlight because it modifies the tour of Machu Picchu. That is, changes were made to the circuits and routes for visitors and also. Access to the Intihuatana, the sector mainly affected by the landslide, was temporarily closed. For this reason, it is recommended to follow the established routes and circuits to avoid damage and accidents.
Increase in the flow of the Urubamba River
Can global climate change alter Machu Picchu?
Although it is a phenomenon that has been affecting some regions of the world, there are also some problems in a large part of the Machu Picchu Historic Sanctuary. Mainly in the natural resources and biodiversity that covers different ecosystems.
The geography of Machu Picchu is quite special, one of the most delicate ecosystems is the cloud forest of Machu Picchu. The entire cloud forest sector is formed by the adequate presence of rain that allows the humidity of the place to be maintained.
If there is an increase in the intensity of the rain, landslides and mudslides in the mountains could occur. This would cause great damage to the biodiversity of the area, since most species in cloud forests can only survive in these conditions.
The opposite effect can also occur, i.e. severe droughts and forest fires that can cover several hectares and last for several days. This can also affect the area of the Cusco Andes, where the Inca Trail route begins.
Let’s learn about some of the main modifications they made to ensure sustainability and resilience against major natural disasters.
- The Machu Picchu District Municipality is working with the help of organizations to prevent the accumulation of waste.
- Most waste is processed properly.
- For the last ten years, it has been implementing projects that allow the carbon impact to be neutral.
- No combustion vehicles can be found.
- The buses are environmentally friendly and run on natural gas.
- Some routes were restricted and other routes opened in the Inca citadel.
- There is adequate control of the circuits to prevent visitors from visiting other sectors.
- Constant maintenance is carried out on the circuits and on any damage that the paths may have.
- Tourism agencies promote sustainable tourism to better control waste and environmental impact.
The rainy season
Machu Picchu’s rainy season begins in November. The rains increase as the days and months go by. The month with the most rain is February. During the whole month, the rains are continuous and intense. However, the rest of the year in Machu Picchu, you can find some showers. For this reason, it is advisable to bring a waterproof poncho.
Inca architecture in the face of natural disasters
The Incas inherited several architectural techniques that helped ancient civilizations to withstand the harshness of nature. Thanks to these techniques, several archaeological sites in Cusco and other destinations in Peru were and are preserved. Let’s learn more about these details that can also be found in Machu Picchu.
| Architectural techniques of the Incas | |
|---|---|
| Agricultural terraces or platforms | Terraces were important constructions for the Incas. In addition to being used as agricultural spaces, they served to control soil erosion and prevent landslides. They also served as retaining walls. |
| Functional Drains | Heavy rains were always present. That is why you can always find water channels, used both for the free flow of water and for agriculture. Using underground drainage. |
| Leaning walls | The purpose of inclined walls was to create solid and massive buildings, but at the same time light and harmonious with each other. The inclination is inwards, making them ideal for earthquakes and even other types of destructive force. |
| Carved rocks | The Inca inclined walls were made of large stones, finely carved and with precise shapes. The joining technique was “ashlar masonry” which does not require mortar for the perfect and symmetrical union between them. Ideal for resisting landslides or overflows. |
| Strategic location | Inca buildings were built on top of mountains to avoid flooding or massive accumulation of water. They also built their buildings on solid, large stones. All this gave structural stability, mainly to the temples. |
| Back-up or support constructions | The harmony of Inca architecture allows us to appreciate a perfect organization. That is, there are buildings that serve as support for others. That is, if one of them cannot withstand a disaster, the next building serves as a support point, thus avoiding the collapse of individual buildings. |
Official channels to receive reports on the situation in Machu Picchu
Real information about problems, news or any reason that restricts passage or travel to Machu Picchu officially, will be received from its main social networks, which are:
- Facebook: Ministerio de Cultura del Perú.
- Facebook: Ministerio de Cultura Cusco.
- Instagram: Minculturape.
- Instagram: Ministerio de Cultura Cusco.
- X: Ministerio de Cultura / @MinCulturae
- Email: tuboleto@cultura.gob.pe
- Phones or calls: +51113215555.
- It is important that the travel agency you consult also gives you information regarding any updates to Machu Picchu.
Advice from people who have been there
By: Carolina R.“To come back and come back!“
“It is one of those places that you have to go to at least once in your life and if possible return. The energy and tranquility that you breathe in this wonder is special. I recommend returning and visiting the Huayna Picchu mountain.“
By Ticket Machu Picchu – Last updated, December 12, 2024