Overtourism and Unrest Put Peru’s Machu Picchu Wonder at Risk

Machu Picchu, the famed Inca citadel designated as one of the New 7 Wonders of the World in 2007, is now facing renewed scrutiny as overtourism, fragile conservation policies, and ongoing social unrest threaten its reputation and sustainability.

The New7Wonders organization, which organized the global vote that secured Machu Picchu’s place on the list, issued a warning that Peru must implement long-term preservation strategies to safeguard both the site and its symbolic status.

Officials in Lima, however, rejected the claims, noting that UNESCO recently praised improvements in visitor management and conservation tools.

Yet, the challenges remain stark: mass protests in Cusco over transportation concessions recently stranded thousands of tourists, while visitor numbers are expected to surpass 1.5 million this year — breaking pre-pandemic records.

Experts say balancing the economic benefits of mass tourism with the need for strict conservation will determine whether Machu Picchu’s legacy as a global wonder endures or falters under growing pressure.