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3 German Tourists Detained at the Inca Citadel of Machu Picchu in Peru

(LIP-ir) -- Three German tourists were detained by Peru's National Police when they tried to get into Peru's Inca Citadel of Machu Picchu, claiming they were Peruvian citizens and showing Peruvian identification cards (DNI).

The three German students, which tried to pass as Peruvian citizens, were identified as Michael Feist (23), Clemens Rochlitzer (25) and Robert Weber (25).

Peru's Police in Cusco reported that officers at Machu Picchu police station detained the three tourists at 10:30 a.m. Police officers were called when the tourists were discovered using Peruvian identification (DNI) to purchase admission tickets.

The IDs, the 3 German tourists were caught attempting to use, belonged to Luis Saavedra Carvajal with identification number 788404478, Franz Salas Portugal (04635270) and Miguel Castro Sánchez (04635142).

Apparently the young men were attempting to save money on the admission fees tourists have to pay upon entering the Inca Citadel. A ticket to enter Machu Picchu is 120.5 soles per tourist but 60 soles for a student. Tickets for a Peruvian citizen are 60.5 soles per tourist and 30.5 for a student.

The three German tourists were turned over to the Tourism Division of Peru's National Police along with their Peruvian identification. The detained tourists stated they acquired the IDs from a tour guide in Arequipa.

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# Lia says :
10 August, 2007 [ 18:27 ]

It is a shame that some German tourists cannot afford to pay $10 to come into Machu Picchu, it would be better if they stay home if they cannot follow the rules in the country they are visiting. We do not want that kind of tourists, show more respect!

# Vaballathus says :
11 August, 2007 [ 01:39 ]

Whatever, Lia. I don't see why tourists should be discriminated against.. If it was for the tourists the Peruvian economy wouldn't be doing so well... lol

# Karl-Heinz says :
11 August, 2007 [ 03:02 ]

It's more tham a shame that some young German visitors try to use illegal access to Macchu Picchu only to save just some euros. I can't understand that some people, who come from other countries (no only Germany) try those things. Ok, as students they may not have that big purse as other tourists, but that is no reason to blame the other german people who go a correct way. I hope they have enough time now to think about, what they have done and get their punishments.

People like these have to get imediately out of each country wherever in the world they go in crime like that. It's more than correct to show the names of these criminals offiicial, cause to use a false Identity is no small thing.

I'm married with a peruvian wife and we both agree fully to the prices and controls of entering macchu picchu to save one of the world famous constructions (We visited ourself in june 2007).

# JBH says :
11 August, 2007 [ 05:17 ]

I think if we read the RPP news report, it says the boys were talked into this by a Peruvan tour guide in Arequipa that sold them the DNI cards.  Im sure they had not come to Peru with this idea, and were convinced by a quick talking Peruvian Tour guide in Arequipa. Looks like the 3 boys will made examples of, hope they are treated better than the Chilean boys that made the mastake of spray painting the Om symbol on a cusco wall 2 years ago.

# Mike says :
11 August, 2007 [ 12:58 ]

Hmmm....what confuses me is that, even if someone was trying to talk you into saving money, how can they consider ~$38US/$26EU a large price for admission after spending at least a $1000 getting to Macchu Picchu from Germany to begin with?

As far as discrimination against tourists: keep in mind that tourists are the primary visitors, and it needs to be kept up from that impact on the site.  Not to mention that ~$38 per person for a tourist, after the expense of getting to Peru, is pretty minor.  The Peruvian population at large does not have the money to even consider visiting the site.

# souza says :
11 August, 2007 [ 19:23 ]

It's not discrimination against tourists.

Germany and other countries have their rules , and if a peruvian or any other nationality break their rules , there is a punishment from the german goverment.

Peru is a country in development  , but that doenst mean foreigners have to disrespect us and our rules.

Germans are still welcome to Peru for sure , and those german students will be set free soon .

# cuy_frito says :
11 August, 2007 [ 20:18 ]

It IS institutional discrimation. Cuzco gets away with it because they have the most overated ruin in South America. I would be ashamed of my home country if I took my Peruvian wife to visit a national landmark and she was asked to pay a higher price than the locals. Many Peruvians subscribe to the distorted notion that all foreign nationals are millionaires. Gringos living in Peru get real tired of being the targets of continual price fixing. Three german students with false IDs. Whoopee! How about taking action a whole culture that is resigned to institutional corruption... So what happens when a impoverished Bolivian turns up at the gates of Mac. Pichuu ?

# Mike says :
11 August, 2007 [ 21:52 ]

Having been at the Peruvian borders, and to Peru in general many times, I'm wondering how you think an impoverished Bolivian could get to Macchu Picchu to begin with.

In the USA, there are not two fees for visiting national landmarks based on citizenship, but many states have lower fees for visiting state parks for in-state residents vs. out-of-state residents.  The reasoning is that part of the taxes the in-state residents pay allows them a discount for use of their own state's parkland.

So I think the same logic can be applied here.  If you already live in Peru, you are paying taxes - whether it is on income, or maybe just purchases (the Peruvian sales tax being a national tax), and therefore, as a Peruvian citizen, should enjoy the benefits of being a citizen and your own national patrimony.

People in Peru, since it is a poor country, have few 'benefits' for being citizens anyway.  No one should begrudge them a few discounts on significant cultural sites within their own country.

I won't even touch on the large number of impoverished Peruvians, especially the ones in Cusco, who can't afford even the discounted Peruvian fee.  Hell, a good many can't even afford the bus trip from Cusco to Macchu Picchu.

# robert garcia says :
12 August, 2007 [ 01:31 ]

Its a shame the tourists are dicriminated against with higher prices. I see the day when tourists by pass peru for raising prices in all areas of business. Its bull**** when it costs a tourist 5 times as much for a taxi ride than a peruvian. I for one am pissed at the discrimination especially at the airport ..................yes sir its only 25 ........................25 WHAT...I got to my destination and it was us dollars ...not soles...that pissed me off....80 soles for a cab ride to miraflores....bull****. The beauty of traveling to peru is the cost...but there are so many peruvians that just want to rape tourists of their money. YES it pisses me off when I see the cost structure in Lima and other parts of peru ........who wants to invest here with all the bull**** price diferences. REALLY its pathetic the vultures that make the whole of peru look disgusting...But I do LOVE the good people its those few that take advantage of tourists that give this beautiful country a bad rapp at times . Sincerely < robert

# souza says :
12 August, 2007 [ 09:23 ]

Hey Robert Garcia , go to Las Vegas.

You will see how taxi drivers will raise the taxi road  price if he notice you are not from the U.S.

The same stuff happens in all countries of central and south america , Argentina , Bolivia , Mexico etc.

# peloflex says :
12 August, 2007 [ 11:32 ]

There are many reasons why my country could be and is criticized, but discrimination? I dont think so! I know how we tend to look up to people visiting our country. Unless that has changed during the 15 years I lived away from it. I doubt it.

As far as I know, here in California where I live, I pay waaay less for admission to parks like Disneyland, Six flags, etc. anyone else from a different state or country gets the stick. well, that would be even worse, cause even same americans get to pay more within their own country, not to mention foreign travelers.

And about what Robert Garcia was saying ealier, I think you have all the right to be pissed, but you should be pissed at yourself, cause we have a magic word in Peru and that's called "bargain"... too bad you dont know how to used it. Here in the US... that would not work, then you should be pissed at the country.

I honestly think that Peruvian Authorities should put a little more effort in advertizing and in to preventing tourists from falling in delinquent acts as the three "sapos" from Germany did.

thank you all for reading.

# peloflex says :
12 August, 2007 [ 11:45 ]

Oh! and Robert, I forgot this... the ride from the Jorge Chavez Airport to Miraflores is aproximately 45 min to an hour with ok traffic... you try to sit on a cab for that long around the Hollywood area and tell me how much would that cost you... and then compare how much is the price per gallon here in US and there in Peru.. you do the math. And again, next time tell the driver "te doy 20... " Im sure he would go for it, and please dont forget to tip him good.

# Mike says :
12 August, 2007 [ 13:45 ]

Robert Garcia;

Tell me, compadre, was your visit to Peru the first time you had traveled outside of the United States???

Please read a travel guide about the country you are visiting before you go there in the future.  Consider your 80 soles an tuition fee for your class about Traveling To Peru.  And now you have one more 'credit' towards your future diploma of being a wise traveler.

I'm sorry someone ripped you off, but you will find plenty of people who do not rip you off in Peru.  I have taken many taxis, as an obvious gringo, and rarely does anyone try to take advantage of me.  Those that do are told to get lost, and I find someone else to take me.

And lastly, if it is any consolation, the taxi driver probably was more poor than you will ever experience in your life.  That $25 probably put food on the table for a week.

# Lia says :
12 August, 2007 [ 21:57 ]

To conclude with this discussion I would like to mentin that the minimum wage in Peru is 500 soles around $150, how much is the minimum wage in the US or in Europe?
It is a shame that too little Peruvians can affod to visit their own country, it is part of our identity. The entrance fee to  a museum in Europe is at least $15 and those are not wonders as Machu Picchu and they do not risk to de destroyed by numerous visitors!!!

# Juan Bautizo Huamani says :
13 August, 2007 [ 08:02 ]

 FYI, Machu Pichu entrance is FREE on sundays to all Cusco dept residance with proper ID (DNI or Carnet). Thank you INC.  Local train fair is 4 soles if you live in the valle or 10 soles in Cusco.  Thank you Peru Rail. The most expencive part is the bus that charges 9$us to Peruvians, but we can walk. 
Now when you are not a Peruvian from Cusco with ID.... the cost of train from cusco 73$ >Back packer< lowest price, to the 5 star <Hiram Bingham> 547$ round tirp.  Bus up to the entrance gate is 12$ rnd trip, the entrance fee is 38$. (123$ is the lowest rnd trip cost) If you go on a package tour, you will pay much more; 220$ and up: for guide, lunch and transport to and from your hotel.
As for the 3 German Boyz that tried to sneek in, and got cought, well boys will be boys and will try to do silly things some times, this time they got caught.  Holding stolen DNI (national ID card) is a crime as it would be in anyother country. 
As for Lima airport taxi, you can allways take the public bus to miraflores its 1.10 soles or take a 13 soles taxi that may just take you to a dark ally and take everything you have.  You should feel lucky you arrived allive and with your luggage to your hotel.  How much is your life worth? 

# Mike says :
13 August, 2007 [ 08:47 ]

BTW - the Germans were not boys.  They were adult men and well aware of their choices and actions.

# Juan Bautizo Huamani says :
13 August, 2007 [ 09:19 ]

Ok,,, point taken, their age is of Adult, their actions were of foolish boys, Hope they like the food in Peru Jail.

# Mike says :
13 August, 2007 [ 09:45 ]

Well, I hope that they are treated fairly, and not necessarily just "made examples of."

# Juan Bautizo Huamani says :
13 August, 2007 [ 09:55 ]

a few years ago, 2 chilean boys / adults, were caught spray painting a wall in cusco, they were held for 6 months untill a 200,000 $ bond was posted..

# Mike says :
13 August, 2007 [ 10:33 ]

Well, if that is normal, then that is what needs to be done.  I guess I am not so much for "making examples of people" in general.  I believe everyone should be treated equally and fairly according to the crime committed.

So, whatever a Peruvian can expect in regards to a range of outcomes, these men need to expect, and receive, the same treatment and punishment.

# Robert Garcia says :
13 August, 2007 [ 12:17 ]

I am all for helping those in need, (and many are in need in Peru)of course my comment about different prices for different people is not related to the three germans. My point 80 soles for a taxi ride Airport to Miraflores (average cost 35 - 40 soles reasonable).....the chico quoted 25 not usd or soles (my mistake) being in Peru I took it for granted he was quoting soles. I have paid 15 soles for a ride much farther than the airport ride. Miraflores to Comas. I am limited financially, but I do what I can for some of my friends in Comas. I wish I could help them all. But it pisses me off especially at the airport you have to be so careful with your negotiation of fare$$$.

# Sasha says :
13 August, 2007 [ 16:08 ]

I think it is fair that they take the punishment for doing something wrong! You all know that if this would happen in Germany, there would be punishment as well. What happened to my husband (who doesn’t speak german) was that the bought his bus ticket, and went on the bus. Simple. But, he didn’t know that once on the bus, he has to stamp the ticket; obviously the ticket was in German and the explanations as well. Well, to cut the story short; he had to pay 40euros! (more like $54) as a fine for NOT STAMPING THE TICKET!

Now, do you think that paying S./120 for entering one of the new 7 wonders is too much for a foreigner; after spending so much money to get there? I am sorry, but I would be ashamed of trying to pull this kind of a scam!

# Jersto says :
13 August, 2007 [ 19:29 ]

Sasha,
as a Peruvian living in Germany, I think I know what your husband should have done in that case. He shoud have denied the payment of that 40 EUR fine arguing that he didn't know the rule and had acted "in good faith" in spite of the many signs in several languages asking you to stamp your ticket. Most of the time, bus or train employees understand that. But the main point about this is that, if you don't happen to be a notorious cheater, they wouldn't call the police or even send you to jail for such a "crime" like it happened in Macchu Picchu, simply because that would be against the law. Now, please tell me if Peruvian Law stipulates such a radical penalty for these cases or somebody just overreacted. In my opinion, inprisonment is a harsh and traumatic form of punishment that should be applied only in extreme cases.

# Steve says :
14 August, 2007 [ 13:33 ]

In Chicago you would of been helped with your stamp.......when riding the L (train system Chicago) you buy your ticket, very cheap too....when you reach a destination if you need to continue by bus you get a transfer(probably similar to the stamp your husband did not know about) employees are always very helpful, especially with tourists. And Robert Garcia the price is the same for you, tourists and Chicagoans and Peruvians. No difference !!! The way all should be teated everywhere.

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 Best to all.......and salud !!!

# imtiar shamim says :
18 August, 2007 [ 14:10 ]

It is really shameful incident. But I can't understand why media so highlighted the issue. After all it is not express the charactor of all visitor.

By the way, admission fee would be cheap for the visitor.

# cuy_frito says :
19 August, 2007 [ 11:28 ]

dis·crim·i·na·tion
treatment or consideration of, or making a distinction in favor of or against,
a person or thing based on the group, class, or category to which that person or
thing belongs rather than on individual merit: racial and religious intolerance and discrimination.

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Discrimination,
just like any where else in the world, it DOES exist in Peru.
"gringo" for example, discriminatory remark.
Is it okay if I walk around calling everyone "chollo" or "Atahaulpa" ? No.
Peruvians commonly are prejudice against their fellow Peruvians and extranjeros.
I have seen Peruvian treat local chinese TERRIBLY.

I agree with  Robert Garcia, Peru is an awesome country, but the price hiking
and continual attempts at outright theft get boring pretty quickly.

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