Machu Picchu, crowned one of the New 7 Wonders of the World in 2007 after a global vote exceeding 100 million, faces an unprecedented crisis. The New7Wonders foundation has issued a stark warning: the iconic Inca sanctuary risks losing its prestigious designation due to a confluence of factors threatening its long-term viability. These include unsustainable levels of tourism, inadequate conservation measures, and ongoing social unrest.
The organization emphasizes the crucial role of Peruvian decision-makers, urging them to implement a comprehensive strategic transformation plan. Their statement underscores the shared responsibility inherent in the New7Wonder accolade, requiring adherence to international preservation and management standards. While the UNESCO World Heritage Site designation remains unaffected, the New7Wonders warning highlights the severe challenges facing Machu Picchu.
Peru's Ministry of Culture, while asserting that Machu Picchu's preservation is not compromised and remains unlisted on UNESCO's 'in danger' register, has not directly addressed the New7Wonders concerns. They highlighted UNESCO's role as the sole competent body for heritage protection and praised recent improvements in visitor management. However, recent protests surrounding transportation concessions have severely disrupted tourism, stranding thousands of visitors near the ancient site. These demonstrations, which began in early September, escalated with the blocking of train lines leading to Machu Picchu. While a 72-hour suspension of protests has been agreed upon, the underlying issues remain unresolved.
The New7Wonders foundation points to a range of long-standing structural problems exacerbated in recent years. These include overwhelming tourist numbers, escalating service and goods costs, potential damage to the historical heritage, irregularities in ticket sales, transportation difficulties, and inadequate management and conservation policies. The situation is further complicated by social conflicts and a lack of coordination between institutions and tourism companies.
The escalating number of visitors is alarming; Machu Picchu is projected to exceed 1.5 million visitors in 2023, surpassing even pre-pandemic records. This unprecedented influx, coupled with the ongoing protests and infrastructural challenges, casts a long shadow over the future of this invaluable historical treasure. The situation demands urgent and collaborative action to balance preservation with the economic realities of tourism, ensuring Machu Picchu's enduring legacy for generations to come.
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Originally published at: https://edition.cnn.com/2025/09/17/travel/machu-picchu-new-7-wonders-latam-intl
