Peru has unveiled plans to increase the number of people allowed to visit Machu Picchu every day. Right now, the number of tourists granted access to the iconic tourist attraction is capped at 3,800 a day, but as of January, this will increase to 4,500 a day. The plan is to eventually increase to 5,600.

Officials went on to stress that conservation of the historic sanctuary remains a priority.

The changes come as Peru’s tourism industry struggles to recover following COVID-19.

Estimates suggest that just 2.2 million people are expected to visit the South American nation by the end of this year – a fall of more than 50% when compared with pre-pandemic levels.

Machu Picchu is a UNESCO World Heritage site set high in the Andes mountains. The mysterious Inca citadel, built in the 1400s, comprises three primary structures: Intihuatana, the Temple of the Sun, and the Room of the Three Windows.

Even before the latest increase to visitor numbers, there were concerns that high footfall could cause damage to its ancient stonework.