How was Machu Picchu damaged?

While some of this damage can be attributed to slumping rocks or soil beneath the temples, in other instances, movement of many of the damaged blocks, including substantial gaps between some formerly interlocking blocks of stone, was likely driven by seismic shaking from at least two major quakes.



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The Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu is threatened by an accumulation of factors (flooding, landslides, fires, deforestation, pollution, tourism infrastructure, and tourist numbers) that combine to negatively impact the World Heritage values of the site and visitor safety.

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Threats to the Sanctuary Machu Picchu faces a variety of threats: excessive tourism, which is especially hard on the fragile site; the generation of solid waste; unsustainable agriculture practices; overgrazing and forest fires; aggravating erosion; landslides; mineral extraction; and the introduction of exotic plants.

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Is Machu Picchu crumbling? According to WMF, this international treasure is slowly being damaged by the unchecked and unmanaged tourism. In total, there are over 2,500 visitors to this location daily, creating a strain on the structures that have withstood the test of time.

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Implement a reservation system: A reservation system will help manage the flow of visitors, which will prevent overcrowding during peak season and protect the site from damage. 3. Use sustainable transportation: Encourage visitors to use public transportation, limiting the number of cars that travel to Machu Picchu.

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Besides allowing the Inca to more easily find and fit stones together without mortar, the faults provided other advantages. The fault lines running through the site probably directed melting snow and rainwater to the high-altitude outpost providing water.

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