Choquequirao in Peru is considered the "lost sister" of Machu Picchu: a massive Inca complex hidden in the Andes and accessible only via a challenging hike lasting several days. That could soon change. A planned cable car is expected to shorten the journey to just a few minutes and so attract up to 1.2 million visitors annually.
While supporters it will improve access to cultural heritage, as well as bring economic opportunities, archaeologists, environmentalists, and local residents warn about the consequences. They fear damage to the site's largely untouched ruins, disruption to sensitive ecosystems, and a loss of income for communities and businesses along the trekking route. The debate highlights just how difficult the balancing act between tourism, nature conservation, and cultural heritage can be.