Machu Picchu, one of the world’s most iconic landmarks and a bucket list destination for millions of travellers worldwide, is stepping up its security after a tourist caused outrage by scattering human ashes at the site. The incident near the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu has sparked debate about respecting cultural landmarks and led Peruvian authorities to take action.
A TikTok video, which has since been deleted, showed a woman scattering ashes at the famous Machu Picchu. In the clip, the woman pulls ashes from a plastic bag, throws them into the air, and hugs another person. The video was captioned “saying goodbye with much love at Machu Picchu” and tagged with #ashes and #spreadingashes.
Locals and officials were outraged, calling the act disrespectful to the site’s cultural and spiritual importance. In response, Machu Picchu Park chief Cesar Medina announced plans to ramp up security. The changes include hiring more guards and adding more cameras to monitor visitors—upgrading from just four cameras and a small security team for the 5,600 tourists who visit daily.
Although there aren’t any existing laws in Peru that ban scattering ashes in public places, Medina said the practice will now be strictly forbidden at Machu Picchu for health and preservation reasons. Built in the 15th century by the Incan emperor Pachacuti, Machu Picchu is a UNESCO World Heritage site perched 2,438 meters high in the Andes.
It’s not just an Instagram-worthy location—it’s a deeply sacred place. Officials remind visitors to treat it with the respect it deserves while enjoying its incredible history and views.
So, if you’re planning a trip, make sure you’re aware of the rules and treat the site with the respect it deserves.
