1.- UNDERSTANDING DRONE REGULATIONS AT MACHU PICCHU
The most important thing you should understand about a Drone at Machu Picchu, is that it is totally prohibited by the Peruvian state essentially seeking to preserve the order, integrity and security of one of the most important archaeological centers around the world. In this way also seeks to ensure the safety of visitors and of course avoid disturbances in the local fauna, after much research and studies it was determined that a Drone at Machu Picchu can represent a big problem and even damage the structures and visitors.
Through various regulations and standards issued by the Peruvian government in conjunction with the Ministry of Commerce and Tourism in addition to the Ministry of Transport has been determined that the use of a Drone at Machu Picchu was completely prohibited, however the only exception is when it is a creation of content for tourism purposes in addition to a cultural diffusion, of course this permission must first be approved directly by the Decentralized Directorate of Culture Cusco.
2.- Can you fly a drone in Machu Picchu?
With the increase of options and versions of drones in the world the passionate photographers are always looking to get one of the shots of the natural and traditional landscape that Peru has to offer. It is for this reason that constantly travelers around the world also have the question, Can you fly a drone in Machu Picchu? Well the answer is no, when it comes to the overflight of a Drone at Machu Picchu in a personal way and even for commercial purposes is completely prohibited as this directly affects the tranquility of other people and of course the local wildlife that due to the presence and sound generated by the propellers end up running away, however on the other hand when it is an academic purpose the situation changes and it is allowed to fly over a Drone at Machu Picchu in a controlled and supervised manner in order to somehow promote part of the culture and essence of the Andean belief.
On the other hand overflying a Drone at Machu Picchu without authorization can involve quite significant and considerably strong sanctions, among these undoubtedly include immediate expulsion from the archaeological center of the Inca city of Machu Picchu in addition to other economic fines that could be added and of course legal actions that may later result in a stronger problem. So far there are precedents of many travelers who have been expelled directly from the citadel due to this action facing legal consequences that continue to this day. The entity that is officially in charge of regulating the use of a Drone at Machu Picchu is the General Directorate of Civil Aeronautics which is a branch and lower rank of the Ministry of Transport and Communications, also has the support of the Decentralized Directorate of Culture of Cusco.
3.- THE IMPACT OF DRONES ON MACHU PICCHU’S CULTURAL HERITAGE
With the passage of time the use of devices for content creation such as drones has been increasing in an inordinate way because it has created a debate whether it represents a negative aspect for archaeological and emblematic centers as is the case of the Inca city of Machu Picchu, although of course these small devices provide an incredible track in addition to a visual content valued for social networks today does not leave aside the concern that is directly related to the preservation and cultural respect.
In this way directly answers the common doubt that many travelers have, Can you fly a drone in Machu Picchu? Although it is possible, it must be understood that this place is considered an archaeological jewel and unique in the world, so the technology can represent a potential risk and even more when it comes to fly over the Inca constructions at a close distance which in addition to causing unintentional physical damage can also happen that technical failures and unexpected falls occur, on the other hand the presence of these devices creates vibrations that directly alters the constructions causing in many cases even its fall so it must be regulated in a strict manner to its use.
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Another important aspect is to understand that over flying a Drone also represents to create a constant buzzing which can directly disturb the local fauna and even alter their behavior in attitudes that represent abandonment of ecosystems or incite them to react in an aggressive manner, is the general environment surrounding the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu is peaceful and harmonious so it is avoided at all costs any kind of alteration within its environmental balance as it can be considered directly as a threat to the overall ecosystem and of course also directly affects travelers seeking to enjoy a special connection not only with nature but with the history and also the spirituality that only this place can offer. Drone overflights directly create a distraction both visually and sonically which disrupts the experience of visiting this world heritage site.
4.- ALTERNATIVES TO PERSONAL DRONE PHOTOGRAPHY
And considering that the use is overflight of Drones in the Inca Citadel of Machu Picchu is completely prohibited world travelers have tried to look for alternatives and legal ways in which they can capture this incredible scene of one of the most incredible historical sites in the world, fortunately there are many options to choose from.
4.1.- Licensed operators
For those travelers looking to obtain a high quality aerial image the best alternative will always be to resort to a Drone operator that has the corresponding and authorized license, issued by the Peruvian authorities, these people have a special permit that allows them to fly these devices in restricted spaces however there are also certain conditions that must be followed and of course documents to present.
The most important thing to consider when hiring a licensed operator is that it is registered within the General Directorate of Civil Aeronautics of Peru in addition to having the special permit that is issued to record within the archaeological center of Machu Picchu for this there are a number of requirements that you can directly request the operator to verify its authenticity:
- Registration number of the General Directorate of Civil Aeronautics.
- Specific authorization by the deconcentrated direction of culture of Cusco.
- Check references and previous works
Depending on the type and scope of work you request in addition to the duration you can easily get videos in high quality or 4K, also if you also want visual and audiovisual editing services are included and of course a complete production of promotional content. In this you can find prices from $300.00 to more than $1000.00 depending of course always on the company you hire for the service.
4.2.- Best places for recording
There is no doubt that the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu is a place that holds a great beauty not only historical but cultural and natural for this reason there are places that are mandatory to record and obtain visual content directly as their view allows you to get a better picture of the citadel, some of these are:
- In the guardian’s house
- Inti Punku or Sun Gate
- Huayna Picchu
- Llactapata viewpoint
5.- SPECIAL PERMISSION FOR DRONE USAGE
As we have already mentioned the overflight of a drone is completely prohibited inside the Inca city of Machu Picchu at least for the general public but there are exceptions that are very specific which allow its use only under strict conditions, some of these are designed so that the same overflight is justified and in a direct way does not compromise in any way the integrity of this historic sanctuary.
6.- Scientific and research purposes
For archeological, geographic, and environmental research purposes, the use of a drone overflight can be authorized as long as it can demonstrate that its purpose is scientific or technical.
- Technical justification
- Projection and flight plan
- Reduce noise, visual and environmental impact
- Delivery of results to cultural authorities
7.- COMPLETELY FORBIDDEN
“The Inca citadel of Machu Picchu is not only a common archaeological center like other destinations that you can visit during your trip to Peru, in fact it is one of the places where the spiritual significance and closeness to the Andean cosmovision is so close that many of the ancestral traditions are kept intact so the use of electrical devices such as a drone is directly considered as a lack of respect, for this reason it is important that you understand that its use is completely forbidden during your visit.”
8.- FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT DRONES AT MACHU PICCHU
- Are drones completely banned at Machu Picchu?
For personal and commercial use, yes, however for cultural and scientific use there is a special permit that can be processed directly in the decentralized direction of culture in Cusco.
- What happens if I’m caught flying a drone at Machu Picchu?
There are sanctions already established for these cases, first of course you are removed from the city of the Inca then you face a disciplinary process of corrective sanctions that may involve monetary amounts and legal proceedings for not complying with the rules of the Peruvian State.
- How much is the fine for flying a drone at Machu Picchu?
There is no exact amount that has been established as a fine for not complying with this rule, however, there are sanction and corrective processes that can even involve legal actions.
- Can I get special permission to fly a drone for personal photography?
It is only possible to carry it out in conjunction with an operator that has a special license issued by one of the Peruvian State entities.
- Why are drones prohibited at Machu Picchu?
They were banned directly because they threaten the integrity of the citadel and their emission of vibrations and sounds can directly affect both the buildings and the local fauna, altering their behavior and, of course, disturbing other visitors to the citadel.
Now you know a little more about your next planning for the Inca city of Machu Picchu, remember that its use is prohibited for that reason you better not bother to bring it for your trip, however there are always alternative ways to get the shots you want. Auri Peru can help you with this planning and create for you the best adventure of your life, contact us and find out what options we have for you.
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