It's just a token gesture and exactly the thing that's leading to the destruction of the cultural wealth of the department of Cuzco

Timothy Currie, manager of the South America Explorers

But conservationists have dismissed the measure as a publicity stunt and say it is a meaningless gesture.

They point to the fact that the record number of visitors in a day stands at 494. They say that the new limit of 500 will do nothing to reduce the overcrowding and erosion currently affecting the route.

Disputes

Each year, tens of thousands of trekkers pay a fee to walk the Inca Trail that takes them high into the Andes mountains before ending up at the ruins of Machu Picchu, an ancient Inca fortress.

During the last few years, there's been increasing controversy over erosion and overcrowding along the trail.

The trail and Machu Picchu are among Peru's most important tourist attractions.

In recent years, there have been a number of arguments between developers and conservationists as to what's best for the area.

The government-approved plan to build a luxury hotel near the site, as well as a cable car up to the ruins has in particular led to considerable dispute.