Attitudes of and Towards Tourists at Machu Picchu

Though I absolutely enjoyed our trip to Machu Picchu, I was surprised by both the attitude of tourists towards one another and the overall attitudes of the native people towards tourists. To begin, when on Machu Picchu, there were various individuals who made snark comments and started arguments ranging from getting in a line for taking a photo, getting mad at other adults for walking through a group and pushing through crowds. When visiting one of the seven wonders of the world, I expected other people to be filled with joy and excitement towards the other strangers they were able to experience this with. Furthermore, the attitudes of natives seemed displeased about the amount of tourism. They charged 5 soles for a bathroom trip and we were warned about scams within the city of Aguas Caleintes when trying to find food. I would hypothesize that change in attitudes coincided with the changes implemented during COVID-19. During the pandemic, Machu Picchu changed its manner of visitation to set “circuits” that were one way and strictly set paths and these certain mannerisms are continued. Our profesor informed us that previously individuals could wander anywhere among the now considered circuits, stop and have family picnics, and there was a higher communal feeling overall without the strict rules on where one can be and or how long. Furthermore, I wonder more about how the natives of Aguas Calientes have adapted to the business-like nature that has become of Machu Picchu in the year since COVID-19.