The Airport That Could Change Machu Picchu Forever

The Journey to Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu is undoubtedly one of the most famous destinations in Peru. The journey to this ancient city has become an integral part of the experience, starting with a flight to Lima, followed by a connecting flight to Cusco, and continuing either by train or on foot through the stunning Andes mountains. However, everything is about to change next year with the construction of the Chinchero International Airport.

This new airport promises to make traveling to Machu Picchu significantly easier. Located just 30 km from this cultural heritage site, travelers will soon be able to fly directly from far-off places like Miami or Buenos Aires. However, this development has stirred up considerable controversy among supporters and opponents of the project.

Project Development Process

The plan to build an airport near Cusco is not a new concept. The Peruvian government has publicly announced intentions to construct an airport in Chinchero for many years, largely due to the growth of tourism in the Sacred Valley. The new airport will be less than an hour's drive from the current Cusco airport, yet it is expected to have a far greater capacity for passengers.

For years, the Cusco airport has struggled to expand due to surrounding residential areas. In contrast, Chinchero is situated on a much larger plateau, making it ideal for development. Authorities envision an airport capable of serving millions of passengers annually, reducing reliance on Lima as a transfer hub.

However, the project has faced numerous setbacks. In 2014, the government signed a contract with a private company to build and operate the airport, but by 2016-2017, changes to the contract led to local opposition. Ultimately, the contract was canceled, and ongoing legal disputes have delayed the project's progress. After a series of challenges, construction resumed in 2019, but the onset of COVID-19 further slowed everything down.

Necessary or Harmful?

For the Peruvian government and the tourism sector, the construction of the new airport is deemed essential. They believe that an increase in tourist numbers will boost economic development in the region. Tourism has become one of the main economic drivers in Cusco, and the new airport is expected to minimize travel times, allowing tourists to skip Lima and head directly to Machu Picchu.

Many in the Sacred Valley, including Chinchero and Ollantaytambo, are transitioning from agriculture to tourism, and maintaining a steady flow of visitors is seen as a pathway to a more sustainable economic future. Additionally, improved access could make Machu Picchu more reachable for a larger number of people.

Opposition Perspectives

However, this airport project is also facing strong opposition from various interest groups, including archaeologists, environmentalists, and local residents. They are concerned about the environmental impact on the Sacred Valley, which is home to not only Machu Picchu but also many other cultural heritage sites and sensitive ecosystems.

Critics warn that building the airport and the expected influx of tourists could cause irreparable harm to the area's environment and cultural experiences. UNESCO has expressed concerns and called for further studies before the project moves forward.

Essential Information for Travelers

Despite the airport's construction, its opening remains uncertain. Contracts for crucial parts of the airport have yet to be awarded, and the project has a history of delays. Meanwhile, lawsuits from activist groups are seeking to halt or postpone the project, and UNESCO's voice will be taken seriously by national and international authorities.

In this context, the airport's future will depend on various factors, including whether construction proceeds as planned, the impact of overtourism, and environmental considerations. The next critical point will be whether the government continues with the construction of the runway and control tower, which will determine the airport's opening date.