– Full slide show at the bottom of the page –
Is it really worth publishing a new post about Cusco and the Machu Picchu ? There are already so many all over the Internet and in all kinds of magazines.
Should we still, naively, enjoy and appreciate the beauty of the place and ignore, more or less voluntarily, the role of tourism in such a sensitive area ?
Should we reopen the debate about the tourists’ behavior in a country where the culture is radically different ? Then, let’s not even talk about the invasions of those places with a strong touristic potential by all those foreign agencies and companies that sometimes quickly monopolize some services, to the detriment of local communities that do not always benefit from economic spinoffs.
What behavior to adopt while roaming the exquisite streets of Cusco, in the middle of those incredible Inca’s walls, seeking a traditionalism many are looking to break away from ?
What is the one too many picture, the one that makes the enthusiastic photographer pass to the rank of tourist looking at the traditional life as one would visit a museum ?
And this other photo of the “authentic” Peru, is it finally not more the picture of a disturbing economic contrast than a cultural testimony ?
After a couple of years spent in Peru, those questions are taking more and more importance during my trips. I don’t have answers, I observe, far too often, the lack of respect of foreign visitors who don’t manage (or don’t want…) to adapt their lifestyle during their journey, without realizing they are missing a part of the experience that a “voyage” is.
Although always trying to follow a guideline I set for myself, I have to face the reality of being part of this large group. Camera in my hand, wandering in the markets, the narrow streets, amidst colorful fabrics is always delightful, though it might only be a cumbersome but necessary routine for the local folks. Travel and leisure are still a luxury for a large majority.
In this fast and modern world, a lot of us are more or less fighting for a cause. Maybe should we not forget that of fair tourism, respectful of people and places…
Nevertheless, each trip to Cusco and the nearby ruins remains fascinating and captivating. The following few images are probably worth more than those previous words…
