For DU'ers interested in the area around Machu Picchu: Residents Protest Proposed Hotels Near Machu

[Judi Lynn]

Residents Protest Proposed Hotels Near Machu Picchu
Lima, Peru
Associated Press
February 11, 2008

Residents near Peru's southern highland tourist destinations are fighting two government proposals to expand private development around Machu Picchu and other historical sites, including the ancient Inca capital of Cusco.

After burning tires and blocking roads around Cusco last week, protestors are threatening more unrest if the Peruvian Congress does not reject the two proposed laws, said Hugo Gonzales, president of the department of Cusco, where Machu Picchu (see video) is located.

PeruRail suspended the only train service to Machu Picchu on Thursday after protesters closed roads and blocked access to public transportation. Tourists were transported out of the affected areas in police vehicles.

The proposed laws, one of which was already rejected but requires a second vote, would ease construction restrictions in Cusco and allow for more hotels to be built near archaeological sites. The area between Cusco and Machu Picchu is dotted with ancient Inca ruins.

More:
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2008/02/080211-AP-peru-machu.html

If I see anything more on this subject I'll post it to this thread.

[Judi Lynn]

1. Peru: Cusco to protest despite modification of tourism investment law

14 February, 2008 < 07:45 >
Peru: Cusco to protest despite modification of tourism investment law

(LIP-ir) -- After protests and strikes were held in Cusco over a law that would facilitate foreign investment near and around archaeological sites as well as ease the concession of these sites to private investors, Peru's Congress approved the legislation after several changes had been made.

Congress approved the law after it had been decided that full power would be given to Cusco's government to apply the law or not.

The law has been modified so that the process to acquire a license to build a hotel is easier in areas that are not heritage sites.

After concerns that the new legislation would put Peru's archaeological heritage at risk, Congress decided that the law would not apply to these sites, placing the responsibility of deciding where new establishments were built on the regional government of Cusco.

Despite the changes made, the regional government of Cusco has announced that a protest and strike will take place on Friday.

More:
http://www.livinginperu.com/news-5735-travel-tourism-peru-cusco-protest-despite-modification-tourism-investment-law