This picture taken on August 27, 2016 shows Machu Picchu, which stands 2,430 meters above sea-level.
Embedded within a dramatic landscape at the meeting point between the Peruvian Andes and the Amazon Basin, the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu is among the greatest artistic, architectural and land use achievements anywhere and the most significant tangible legacy of the Inca civilization. / AFP PHOTO / GOH CHAI HIN
This picture taken on August 27, 2016 shows Machu Picchu, which stands 2,430 meters above sea-level.
Embedded within a dramatic landscape at the meeting point between the Peruvian Andes and the Amazon Basin, the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu is among the greatest artistic, architectural and land use achievements anywhere and the most significant tangible legacy of the Inca civilization. / AFP PHOTO / GOH CHAI HIN
Three European tourists were banished from the Incan citadel Machu Picchu in Peru after taking photos of themselves exposing their backsides, police said Wednesday.
The visitors – a 21-year-old from Germany, a 24-year-old from Switzerland and a 26-year-old from the Netherlands – were expelled from the site on Tuesday, according to local authorities.
“The three tourists dropped their pants to show their buttocks and took photos,” police official Martin Flores told AFP. “That is not allowed … in accordance with internal rules in place there, the three tourists were expelled, but they were not detained.”
Where is Machu Picchu?
Peruvian authorities consider undressing at Machu Picchu disrespectful. The majestic 15th century stone citadel – the jewel in Peru’s tourism industry – is located 74 kilometers (45 miles) from Cusco, the former capital of the Incan Empire, in southeastern Peru.
Built on the top of a mountain, it blends into surrounding thick foliage.
In June 2014 Peru’s culture ministry reiterated that nudity is banned after a wave of visitors snapping offensive pictures.
Spanish colonizers never knew of Machu Picchu, a UNESCO world heritage site since 1983. It was discovered in 1911 by American explorer Hiram Bingham.
Tourists in trouble for nude photos
It’s not the only place tourists have got themselves into trouble for their risque snaps. All across the world, ancient and sacrilegious sights have played host to some cheeky, yet wholly disrespectful shenanigans.
In January 2018, Five British holidaymakers faced the prospect of lengthy jail terms after being charged with “pornographic dancing” with women at the Temple of Angkor Wat.
Back in 2016, after stripping on Mount Kinabalu in Malaysia, which is considered sacred.
Briton Eleanor Hawkins, Canadians Lindsey and Danielle Peterson, and Dutchman Dylan Snel admitted causing a public disturbance. They all served time in jail before being forced to return home.
[AFP / additional reporting by the BBC]
