Some childhood fantasies diminish with time. We know now that we’re probably never going to spend the night at the mall, guzzling Slush Puppies directly from the spout; it’s unlikely we’ll get the keys to the Magic Kingdom for a solo ride on Splash Mountain after dark. However, getting one of the Wonders of the Modern World all to ourselves is a fantasy that has just come true for one fortunate individual.
Japanese tourist Jesse Katayama lived out all our dreams recently when Peru opened Machu Picchu especially for him. He purchased a ticket for the Inca Trail just days before the country went into lockdown in March. Initially, he intended to spend three days in Aguas Calientes, the gateway town to Machu Picchu, but due to flight cancellations and the lack of a viable exit, he ended up spending seven months there, as reported by Reuters.
Throughout his stay in Peru, Jesse worked as a fitness trainer, yoga instructor, and even coached local children in basketball. However, visiting the majestic Machu Picchu remained one of his primary goals. After sharing his wish online, followers rallied to appeal to the mayor and government officials to make his dream a reality. Consequently, thanks to the minister of culture, Alejandro Neyra, and the Machu Picchu officials, Jesse’s wish was granted.
“The first person on Earth who went to Machu Picchu since the lockdown is meeeeeee,” Jesse expressed on Instagram. “I thought that I wouldn’t be able to go, but thanks to all of you who pleaded with the mayor and the government, I was given this super special opportunity,” he further stated. “The people of Peru are too kind. Thank you very much.”
In videos shared on Instagram, Jesse was seen marveling at the breathtaking views from atop the World Heritage Site and expressing gratitude for his luck during his private tour. “This is so amazing,” he exclaimed. “Thank you!”.
Tourists will soon have the chance to follow in Jesse’s footsteps when Machu Picchu opens to international visitors in November. However, unlike Jesse, they will not have their own private tours. Officials are currently busy preparing the site, which recently received the Safe Travels stamp by the World Travel and Tourism Council, a testament to its enhanced health and safety measures. Machu Picchu also reopened to local visitors this week and will accommodate tourists at a 30% capacity when it officially opens.
International flights to and from Peru have already resumed, along with the gradual reopening of several attractions at reduced capacities.
