U.S. lifts controversial travel warning about Machu Picchu
Photo Credit: The travel warning about visits to Machu Picchu undoubtedly didn't help Peru tourism. Flickr / Shashi Bellamkonda
Skift Take
Did the kidnapping threat ever exist? Has the danger passed? Embassy officials aren't saying, but the tourism gates are back open apparently.
The U.S. Embassy in Lima, Peru, lifted a controversial travel warning that restricted embassy personnel from traveling to the Cusco and Machu Picchu area.
The Embassy posted a Security Message for U.S. Citizens -- Reduction of Potential Kidnapping Threat in Cusco on its website and Facebook page today. It reads, in part:
"The U.S. Embassy has conducted a thorough review of current information surrounding the potential kidnapping threat against U.S. citizens in the Cusco and Machu Picchu area by members of a criminal organization. Based upon this review, the February 13 restriction on travel by U.S. Embassy personnel to the region has been lifted.
Peruvian newspapers reported that the February 13 warning grew out of intercepted messages from the Shining Path rebel group.
Peruvian officials condemned the February 13 warning and noted that it would negatively impact tourism to Peru, including to the traveler magnet, Machu Picchu.
The U.S. Embassy in Li
