Peru starts reopening archaeological sites

A total of 17 archeological sites and museums opened their doors across Peru on Thursday, after more than seven months of closure as a measure to reduce the spread of the new coronavirus.

Other nine sites will do so progressively until the end of the month, and six more are expected to open gradually between November and January.

Peru's Culture Minister Alejandro Neyra, speaking in the Pachacamac archaeological site in Lima, said that visitors can make sure authorities are taking precautions.

"What is important for us is that there is complete security so you can attend with the protocols we are taking, allowing only a 50% capacity," said Alejandro Neyra, Peru's Culture Minister.

Among the archaeological sites that opened are Ollantaytambo, Chichero, both in Cusco, Chan Chan in the north, some of the best known for national and international tourism, while the Nazca lines will be available to visitors from November 12.

There is no date yet for the reopening of the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu, which received 1.5 million tourists a year, and which is the largest Peruvian attraction for international tourism.

Peru is well known among world travellers for its large number of archaeological sites, museums and its famous cuisine.