Clark Boyd

Clark Boyd

Clark Boyd is a reporter for The World. From advances in technology to the ups and downs of the markets, he has reported from many different countries for the show. He is now based out of the Boston newsroom.

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Talking Travel: Floods threaten to cut off Machu Picchu in Peru

February 10, 2010 ⋅ Post a comment
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Machu Picchu is one of, if not the most popular tourist destination in all of South America. The pre-Columbian Inca site is located 8,000 feet above sea level, on a mountain ridge above the Urubamba River. This photo was taken by Martin St-Amant. Recent heavy rains have brought flooding the region, stranding tourists, and threatening the lives and livelihoods of locals who depend on those tourists, who come by way of a trek on the Inca Trail, or via train. In this episode of Talking Travel, Lonely Planet’s Robert Reid and Tom Hall assess the short-term and long-term damage to Peru’s tourism industry, and also point out that Peru is not a one trick pony: there are many other reasons to make the journey besides Machu Picchu. They also tell host Clark Boyd about other South American destinations where ancient ruins take center stage. Remember, you can subscribe to this audio podcast via RSS or iTunes.

Below you can find some relevant links from the podcast:

Here is a video we found that shows just how bad some of the flooding in Peru has been:

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Discussion

8 comments for “Talking Travel: Floods threaten to cut off Machu Picchu in Peru”

  • http://www.detourdestinations.com Greg Findley

    I really enjoyed that piece. Machu Picchu is a great destination, without a doubt, but I was glad to hear the discussion of other spots to visit in Peru. There are many less-crowded sites in Peru that are fantastic and Aatrip to Peru without a visit to Machu Picchu can still be amazing, memorable, and worthwhile.

    Additionally, we at detourdestinations.com just received word from one of our Peruvian partners that the Inca Trail will not be open for trekking in March this year. We are telling folks to go ahead and go to Peru, but take the opportunity to get off the beaten path and trek Choquequirao, or go north to Kuelap.

    • http://www.theworld.org Clark Boyd

      Greg —

      Thanks for stopping by and sharing your knowledge and experience. Much appreciated!

  • http://www.geoex.com Clark Kotula

    Great piece, and thank you for one of the best journalism pieces on the current situation in Peru that I have seen so far.

    I agree with the comments of my friend and colleague Greg Findley above. I lived and guided in Peru for close to 10 years and have witnessed first hand how “Machu Picchu Centric” tourism to Peru really is. The focus on Machu Picchu is detrimental to the local economy as it is the “golden egg” that draws people to an utterly fascinating country on every level without it’s existence.

    From experience I can say that travelers to Peru who allocate enought time in Peru outside of Machu Picchu seldom depart feeling that Machu Picchu was the “highlight” of their trip.

    If a traveler says to me “I want to go to Peru and have an amazing time, you lived there, so what do you suggest?” My first comment is “As a start, forget Machu Picchu as the reason and focus of your trip”.

    For “travelers” as opposed to “tourists” – there is no better time to go to Peru than now – before they repair the railroad tracks to Machu Picchu.

    • http://www.theworld.org Clark Boyd

      From one Clark to another, thanks for stopping by and sharing your first-hand experience. Much appreciated. We hope you’ll keep listening to the podcast.

  • http://www.ninosdelaamazonia.org amylynn

    My first trip to Peru was to the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve in the Peruvian Amazon. Afterwards, I hiked to Machu Picchu, via the Lares trek, a great hike – it is more of a cultural experience as it is infrequently used by hikers to get to Machu Picchu and you get to see how the people live there today which was fascinating. It is not touristy. I personally was most touched by the people and the children I met during my time in Peru. They are warm, hardworking and in the “off the beaten paths – very marginalized. I invite you to visit ninosdelaamazonia.org where see a unique perspective of everyday life in the remote Peruvian Amazon and see amazing photos taken by indigenous children who documented their lives. You will also have the opportunity to help educate an indigenous youth if you so desire.

  • http://www.expeditionamerica.net Machu Picchu Travel

    Macchu picchu is a wonderful destination to visit. But this flooding video was really sentimental. But again its a nature’s call. Macch picchu and peru has preserved nature well.

    I love peru and macchu picchu

    Thanks for the post

    CHris

  • Anonymous

    This flood situation has become quite at ease now and the travellers who want to head towards Machu Picchu have started taking cheap flights to Peru. Machu Pichu floods prevented a number of holiday enthusiasts to visit the beautiful South American destination.  

  • Anonymous

    ·        
    excellent!
    i enjoyed whit this video I found this interesting link Machu Picchu tours