Machu Picchu Opens April 1!

It's back to business on Thursday, April 1, at Machu Picchu. They expect daily visitors to drop by half, from 2,000 to 800, but Cusco is anxiously waiting to get back to business.

The tourism industry, the pillar of Cusco's economy, was deeply damaged by flooding in January that left 26,000 families affected, 4,500 homes destroyed, 39,500 acres of crops decimated and $100 million+ in damages to the region. 

But even though the rains have subsided, tourism has decreased significantly. That's why Peru has invited star actors to campaign on behalf of Cusco. Susan Sarandon and Anthony Hopkins arrive this week to juice up the interest around the ancient Incan capital.