Overview
- Park surveillance staff discovered red and pink paint markings on a carved limestone rock in the Lanlacuyoq sector of Sacsayhuamán on Friday, September 18, 2026, including two painted names and other illegible inscriptions.
- Specialists from the Dirección de Cultura’s Laboratorio Físico-Químico carried out immediate cleaning and conservation work designed to remove pigments without altering the stone’s original surface.
- The Dirección Desconcentrada de Cultura de Cusco announced it will file a formal denuncia to open an investigation and determine sanctions, and no individuals have been publicly identified so far.
- Francisco Solís, director of the Parque Arqueológico Nacional de Sacsayhuamán, urged visitors and locals to protect the site and the Ministry of Culture said it will reinforce surveillance and protection at regional archaeological sites.
- Sacsayhuamán is a flagship Cusco complex and authorities treat damage to its vestiges as attacks on national heritage, a posture that may lead to stricter patrols, legal cases, and tighter site controls going forward.