Helicopters banned at Machu Picchu

Helicopters have been banned from the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu in an effort to protect local wildlife.

Cusco province published regulations banning choppers at Machu Picchu and the surrounding 125 square miles.

In January, thousands of tourists were evacuated by helicopter from Machu Picchu and nearby towns after flooding and mudslides severed access by train and footpath.

The director of the Machu Picchu archaeological park said the noise of helicopter rotors affects habitat for the spectacled bear and red-plumed Andean cock of the rock.

Fernando Astete said wild guanacos and vicunas are a concern, too.