Machu Picchu condominiums?

The [Zavaleta] family says it is the lawful owner of a large part of the Machu Picchu sanctuary, Peru's most famous national treasure, and will start proceedings next week to sue the state for recognition of its ownership rights.

"The Zavaletas bought the land in 1944 and have title deeds that date from 1898," their lawyer Fausto Salinas told Reuters on Monday. "But I have checked and the site has been private property since 1657," he said, adding he had proof in the form of parchment documents wrapped in goatskin. . .

The Zavaletas plan to sell the land if their title is recognized. "There is a lot of foreign interest," Julio Zavaleta said.

Posted by David on March 22, 2005 6:39 PM