- Jesse Takayama, a Japanese citizen, was stranded in Peru for almost seven months due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
- He was supposed to stay in the country for only a few days to visit the Incan citadel of Machu Picchu.
- After making a special request, Takayama is the first tourist to explore the ruins in seven months since March.
A single Japanese tourist had the opportunity to explore the ruins of Machu Picchu after waiting for almost seven months.
Jesse Takayama had originally planned to stay in Peru for a few days to visit the Incan citadel but found himself stuck in the Andean country due to the coronavirus outbreak. The ruins had also been closed to the public before he could go.
Alejandro Neyra, the minister of culture said that Takayama has been stranded in Aguas Calientes, a town on the mountains near the site, since mid-March.
In a virtual press conference, Neyra said that while Takayama was stuck, he had submitted a special request to enter Macchu Picchu before he returns to his country. He originally had his entry ticket on hand since March. That request was granted and the Japanese citizen was finally able to visit the historic ruins on Saturday, accompanied by the head of the park.
Takayama has become the first visitor to the world heritage site in seven months. In a video he recorded at the peak of Machu Picchu mountain, he said, “This is so amazing! Thank you!”
Though an exact date hasn’t been specified, Neyra said the ruins would be open to both local and foreign tourists by November. The site has a normal capacity of 675 people a day, but they will only be allowing 30% of that.
Neyra assured, “It will be done with all the necessary care.”
Though international flights have resumed recently, it’s only open to seven Latin American countries.
Source: The Guardian
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