• 10/14/2020 10:50 AM
  • João

Machu Picchu reopens…for a single tourist

Nothing stops hardcore travellers. The persistence of this Japanese tourist knows no bounds. He was waiting for more than six months to get to contemplate one of the New Seven Wonders of the World!

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Peruvian authorities opened the ruins of Machu Picchu for a very special guest. A Head of State? Football player? Maybe a famous actor? Nope. The first visitor to behold the ruins of the ancient city since the pandemic struck the South American country was previously unknown Japanese tourist. Why? well, we was waiting for …almost seven months, stuck in Peru due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

According to Peruvian Minister of Culture Alejandro Neira , Jesse Takayami managed to experience this exclusive visit thanks to a special request he made in mid-March in the town of Aguas Calientes, the base to reach Machu Picchu.

He came to Peru dreaming to visit Machu Picchu. – said Alejandro Neira at a virtual press conference.

This very special tour was led by the park director, before Jesse finally returned to Japan.

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マチュピチュキタァァァァァァァァァァァァァァァァァァ‼️‼️‼️ この前の新聞見てくれて 「頑張って」「応援してる」 「なんでも頼って」 「マチュピチュの俺の家タダで使ってええよ」 「マチュピチュ開いたらタダでガイドしたる」 「マチュピチュ村の村長に行ける様に言っとくわ」 ペルーの人達、ペルーに住んでる日本の人達から沢山メッセージもらいました? もう行けへんやろなと思ってたけど、皆さんが村長、政府に頼んでくれて 超特別に行かせてもらった??笑 ペルーの人達みんな優しすぎるぅ〜くぅ〜 本当にありがとうございます!! 村長と一緒にマチュピチュいった人今までおらんやろ笑 閉鎖後、1番最初にマチュピチュ行った地球人は俺だぁぁぁぁぁ??? #世界一周 #バックパッカー #27ヵ国目 #ペルー #マチュピチュ #貸し切り #村長のガイド付き #村長ごっつ男前 #トムクルーズ似なんよ #ミッションインポッシブルなんよ #peru #machupicchu #lastsamurai

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According to Reuters , Jesse Takayami, who had a ticket since March, arrived in the abandoned Inca city last Saturday. Thus, he became the first visitor in seven months who was able to walk around the UNESCO World Heritage Site. His initial plan was to spend just a few days in Peru and visit Machu Picchu.

Since then, 26-year-old Jesse Takayami, a boxing instructor, has become a local in Aguas Calientes, where he has rented a small room for the past seven months.

Although the closure of borders prevented him from visiting other South American countries, he decided to explore local attractions such as Mount Putu Kuzi and Calientes Falls. He even provided boxing lessons for some local children and found friends in the new town.

I went for a run every morning, and I could see Machu Picchu from far,” Jesse Takayami told CNN . – I thought I would never get to Machu Picchu, because I expected it not to open this year.

However, his dream came true.

It’s so wonderful! Thanks! Said Jesse Takayama in a video recorded on top of Machu Picchu.

Alejandro Neira said that in November, the ruins of Machu Picchu will be open to Peruvian and foreign tourists. However, he did not specify a date. However, the monument will operate at 30% of its normal capacity of 675 people per day.

We are still in the midst of a pandemic, – said the Minister of Culture of Peru. – This will be done with all necessary caution.

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