Cusco. For the past 27 years, a largely unknown effort has been essential not only in preserving the historical and cultural value of Machu Picchu, but also in maintaining the cleanliness and order expected of one of the world’s most visited tourist destinations.

Since 1999, PeruRail has been the only operator that voluntarily provides the social service of transporting solid waste from Machupicchu Pueblo. In this context, PeruRail and the District Municipality have recently renewed their cooperation agreement to continue removing the solid waste produced in this area and in the communities located along the railway line, ensuring that these materials are safely and consistently transported out of the district.

This freight operation represents an annual social investment of more than 2.3 million soles, which PeruRail has fully covered for 27 years. It enables Machupicchu—this lofty city of stairway‑like stone—to remain clean and operational every day of the year.

The district of Machupicchu generates an average of 12.6 tonnes of solid waste per day. Thanks to this agreement, approximately 88 tonnes are transported each week, amounting to more than 5,000 tonnes a year removed from the district. Without this transport system, the accumulation of waste would pose a direct risk to the urban environment, the natural landscape, and the visitor experience.

The process begins with waste collection by the Municipality, after which it is moved to the Puente Ruinas area. From there, the waste is transported by rail to the transfer point at PK 59 in Pachar, and then continues by road to the Jahuancollay sanitary landfill, outside the area of tourist and heritage influence.

The Mayor of Machupicchu, Elvis La Torre Uñaccori, emphasised that the renewal of the agreement ensures the continuity of an essential service for the progress of this important district and its future generations. Meanwhile, Laurent Carrasset, Vice President of Belmond South America, expressed on behalf of PeruRail that this joint effort reflects the railway company’s commitment to protecting the environment and the communities settled along the railway line.

The renewal of the agreement not only upholds and strengthens a successful institutional partnership, but also guarantees the continuity of a critical service which, although often unnoticed, is fundamental to preserving the image, sustainability, and national pride embodied by Machu Picchu.