Peru opens Machu Picchu for a Japanese tourist who waited seven months to see Inca ruins

Mr Katayama was taken on a private tour by the head of the park

Credit: Jesse Katayama/Instagram

Mr Katayama was escorted to the site by the head of the park, becoming the first tourist to set foot in the 500 year old citadel since March.

In a video recorded from the ruins, Mr Takayama said "This tour is truly amazing, thank you."

Jesse Katayama has been waiting in Peru for seven months to visit Machu Picchu

Credit: Jesse Katayama/Instagram

Mr Katayama’s visit comes ahead of a planned reopening of Machu Picchu to a reduced number of tourists next month, although the government of Peru is yet to provide an exact date when the site will reopen. 30 per cent of the usual 675 daily visitors will be permitted entry.

“We are still in the middle of a pandemic,” Mr Neyra said. “It will be done with all the necessary care.”

Peru has suffered 33,357 deaths due to Covid-19 and has the highest death rate per capita from the disease of any country, despite introducing one of the earliest and most severe lockdowns on Earth.

International flights have only just resumed, but only to seven other Latin American countries. An overnight curfew is still in place and those over the age of 65 are required to shield at home.