New Peru airport sparks debate over Machu Picchu's future

A planned new airport at Chinchero near Peru’s Sacred Valley could drastically shorten routes to Machu Picchu and boost tourism by up to 200% with thousands of jobs, but delays persist and locals warn that expansion threatens water, wildlife, and Indigenous heritage. UNESCO has flagged heritage risks, while critics urge careful planning and community involvement to balance economic gains with preserving the valley’s cultural and environmental assets.