For wildlife’s sake, Peruvian officials ban use helicopters at Machu Picchu tourist site
By APSaturday, June 19, 2010
Peru helicopter ban at Machu Picchu protects fauna
LIMA, Peru — Helicopters have been banned from the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu in an effort to protect local wildlife.
Cusco province has published regulations banning choppers at Machu Picchu and the surrounding 125 square miles (323 square kilometers).
In January, thousands of tourists were evacuated by helicopters from Machu Picchu and nearby towns after flooding and mudslides severed access by train and footpath.
The director of the Machu Picchu archaeological park says the noise of helicopter rotors affects habitat for the spectacled bear and red-plumed Andean cock of the rock. Fernando Astete said Saturday that wild guanacos and vicunas are a concern, too.
It is not clear whether helicopters still have emergency access.
