A Japanese citizen, Jesse Takayama, received special treatment and got access to the most famous historical site in Peru after being stranded for seven months.
At last, this lucky tourist was able to see Machu Picchu after seven months which he spent all in quarantine and lockdown. Machu Picchu was closed during these times due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. The UNESCO World Heritage site was open to Jesse as an award and appreciation for his waiting. Peru’s COVID-19 travel restrictions were severe and once he landed he had no way to get a flight back.
Jesse had his ticket to sightseeing Machu Picchu in March. He planned to stay in Peru only for a few days once he realized he is being stranded in Aguas Calientes, a town located near the historical site.
It is pleasing to find that Mr. Alejandro Neyra Peru’s Minister of Culture has confirmed that officials have opened the Inca citadel for Takayama only after he submitted a special request.
Jesse had come to Peru, dreaming about this site and wishing to spend time in it. Neyra mentioned that this Japanese citizen entered with the head of the park so that he could fulfill his dream before returning to Japan.
Takayama, so politely thanks Peruvian officials in a video recorded from the top of the mountain in Machu Picchu for helping him receive the once in a lifetime opportunity.
Though a date was not specified, Neyra announced that Machu Picchu will be reopened to national and foreign tourists with only 30 percent of its normal capacity.
He also clarified that “Peru is still in the middle of a pandemic. This reopening will be done with all the necessary care.”
Based on Johns Hopkins University database, there have been 849371 confirmed cases of COVId-19 and 33305 coronavirus-related deaths in Peru.
