United Kingdom
United States
Asia Pacific
Tourists deported for damaging, pooping at Machu Picchu temple
Six tourists were detained and one is facing a criminal trial after being accused of damaging Peru’s cultural heritage and allegedly defecating in a sacred temple.
The alleged offenses took place at the iconic Machu Picchu.
The six tourists, from Argentina, Brazil, Chile and France, sneaked into a restricted area of the Temple of the Sun to sleep overnight.
Overnight visits are banned.
They are accused of ‘damaging cultural heritage’ and Argentine Nahuel Gomez is facing up to four years in prison.
Gomez admitted to attempting to remove a stone from the temple.
The other five will be deported, according to regional police chief Victor Andres Patino.
Machu Picchu is considered the most important site from the Inca Empire.
In 2004, two Chilean visitors were jailed for six months for scrawling graffiti on an Inca wall.
TravelMole Editorial Team
Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
Exploring Brooklands Museum with Alex Patterson
Global Tourism Challenges and Upcoming Events: A Conversation with Don Welsh
Peebles Barbeque: A Legacy of Flavor and Tradition
Exploring Bok Tower Gardens with Erica Smith
Rue’s Living Water Boat Cruises: Exploring Winter Haven’s Chain of Lakes
Durango and Silverton Railroad: A Timeless Journey Through History and Scenic Beauty
Walt Leger on New Orleans’ Resilience and Major Events Ahead
Cindy Mackin Shares Estes Park’s Winter Thrills
Mark Jaronski of Explore Georgia on FIFA World Cup 2026
Connecting Small Businesses to Global Tourism Markets: Nate Huff of Tourism Exchange
North Carolina’s Resilience: Wit Tuttell on Recovery and Tourism
Kittipong Prapattong’s Plan for Thailand’s Tourism Growth: Taxes, Visas, and Campaigns
Qatar Airways adding Manchester flights
EU entry-exit system delayed again
Jet2 unveils Samos as new Greek destination for summer 2026
ATC strike in Greece could disrupt flights this week
Icelandair launches inaugural flight to Nashville