Submission

 Generative AI was not used in the write up for this assignment.

The nominated blogs are 1, 2, 3 and 4.

Blog 6: Navigating Risk

Mutual Capacity for Harm

When considering a visit to the Machu Picchu, it’s essential to recognise that my presence as a traveller carries inherent risks – both to myself and to the site itself.

On one hand, Machu Picchu is under severe pressure from overtourism. According to a case study by Schlauderaf et al., Machu Picchu regularly experiences overtourism. (Schlauderaf et al. n.d). That level of foot traffic accelerates erosion and threatens both infrastructure and biodiversity. As a visitor, my very presence — regardless of intent — contributes to that strain. Without deliberate effort, I risk being just another body in the crowd adding to long-term damage.

In order to minimise this risk I would commit to travelling only during the slower parts of the year – late April to May according to testimonies – and would avoid large tour groups. I would also ensure that I support local initiatives designed for sustainable engagement and environmental protection.

On the other hand, Machu Picchu poses a physical risk to me, particularly through altitude related illnesses. Found at over 2,400 meters above sea level, the site is high enough to trigger altitude sickness even in health individuals (CDC, 2022). This, alongside steep, uneven terrain and unpredictable weather conditions and there’s potential for injury, illness or even emergency situations.

To manage this risk, I’d take acclimatisation very seriously by spending time in higher-altitude areas before heading up to Machu Picchu, as well as hydrate regularly and pack medication as a preventative measure. Ultimately, I’d learn to recognise the signs of danger and react to prioritise my safety. Travel isn’t just about taking in new sights — it’s about taking responsibility. Risk must be navigated both ways, as I have the potential to just as much (if not greater) harm to the site than it can do to me.

Peru Insider. (n.d.). Is Machu Picchu safe? https://www.peruinsider.co/is-machu-picchu-safe-peru/ 

Axe, J. (n.d.). Altitude sickness symptoms, causes and natural treatments. DrAxe. https://draxe.com/health/altitude-sickness/ 

Chang, C.-L., McAleer, M., & Ramos, V. (2020). A charter for sustainable tourism after COVID-19. Sustainability, 12(9), 3671. https://doi.org/10.3390/su12093671 

Perl, T. M., & Price, C. S. (2020). Managing emerging infectious diseases: Should travel be the fifth vital sign? Annals of Internal Medicine, 172(11), 785–786. https://doi.org/10.7326/M20-0503 

Schlauderaff, S., Press, J., Huston, H., Su, C.-H. (Joan), & Tsai, C. H. (Ken). (n.d.). Are we putting our favorite destinations in peril? A no longer lost city – Machu Picchu case study. [Case study].

Blog 5: Culture Shock

Bathrooms

When imagining the natural and architectural wonder that is the Machu Picchu I naturally envision dramatic mountain views, lush greenery, stone paths, ruined temples and very many llamas. What does not come to mind, however, is the moment of confusion in a cramped shack halfway up a trail in the greenery, facing a squat toilet nobody could have mentally prepared me for.

That, is culture shock. Not because squat toilets are “weird” per se, but because they’ll inevitably force me to confront just how deep my biases about “modernity” really are. In Australia, sanitation is a given focused on convenience. In rural Peru – particularly along the routes to Machu Picchu – public toilets are shaped by uneven terrain, irregular water access, and different cultural priorities. Logically I know that it is just a toilet, but I also know that I would panic the first time. Why? Because I have been trained to see these differences as primitive and unsanitary despite the actual reality.

Hottola’s 2004 concept of “culture confusion” appropriately fits this situation. My discomfort doesn’t stem from disrespect or judgement, but from the jarring destruction of assumptions I wasn’t even aware I had. The shock isn’t about the Machu Picchu, or Peru, but about me.

At a broader scale this can become rather dangerous. Considering the already very essentialised view of the Machu Picchu as a spiritually pure but materially poor and “underdeveloped” site, my culture confusion can be harmful. If I were to respond with frustration or judgement, I risk reinforcing a harmful narrative with my power as a tourist and member of the digital world. Hence, to minimise culture shock/confusion research about the day-to-day aspects of life at the Machu Picchu would be paramount. Ultimately, however, culture confusion isn’t failure – it’s growth.

Hottola, Petri (2004). Culture Confusion: Intercultural Adaptation in Tourism. Annals of Tourism Research, 31(2):447-466. 

AB Expeditions. (n.d.). Inca trail bathrooms. https://abexpeditions.com/inca-trail-bathrooms/ 

Oceansart. (n.d.). Inca Trail Peru Images – Photo 11. https://www.oceansart.us/Free_Photos_Peru_Inca_Trail_Andes/Inca_Trail_Peru_Images/11.html