Machu Picchu’s llamas are no longer alone. The famed former Incan citadel – and Peru’s top tourism site – re-opened to visitors Sunday after being closed for seven months due to the pandemic.

It was only the second time the site had been closed since it opened its doors to tourism in 1948 – except for a stranded Japanese tourist who garnered worldwide attention in October by receiving special permission to visit the shuttered site alone. The other closure was in 2010 due to torrential and prolonged rains.

The UNESCO world heritage site will receive only 675 visitors a day – 30 percent of its allowed capacity – in compliance with biosafety measures and protocols; however, any capacity is welcome with Peru’s tourism revenues having been frozen since the country decreed a general lockdown March 16 to stop the spread of the novel coronavirus.

Tour operators are offering packages costing US$250 to visit Machu Picchu, which before the pandemic would have cost at least $750.

Before entering, visitors must have their temperatures taken and are required to wear masks and stand at least two metres apart. Groups, including a guide, cannot be larger than eight people, and children under 12 are not allowed. To avoid crowding, visitors must travel on four circuits.

Machu Picchu, built in the 15th century as a religious sanctuary for the Incas at an altitude of 2,490 metres, is considered Peru’s tourism jewel and in 2018 drew 1.5 million visitors.