Is Machu Picchu in Danger of Losing Its Wonder Status?

Is Machu Picchu in Danger of Losing Its Wonder Status? (Image: Canva)

The iconic Inca citadel crowning the Andes, Machu Picchu, may risk losing its spot on the list of New 7 Wonders of the World, unless Peruvian authorities sort out the mounting problems related to the tourist site, governance, and conservation. This is the warning made by the New7Wonders Foundation that awarded Machu Picchu the wonder in 2007 following a worldwide vote. It is not merely ceremonial, but has demands of sustainable management, quality visitor experience and conservation of the heritage of the site.

Overtourism is one of the primary issues of concern. The number of visitors every day has overstretched the infrastructure of Machu Picchu and the nearby. The nearby town of Aguas Calientes has swelled in an anarchically developed fashion to cater for large quantities of tourists without much thought or control. Access to visitors has been hampered by frequent blockades and protests by the local communities over ticketing, access to transport and bus services. All these have led to the declining visitor experience and increasing dissatisfaction.

Also, ticket sales abnormalities, exorbitant service charges, transportation (along the railway and the roads in particular) and institutional feuds have been identified by the New7Wonders. The governments have also been condemned for not being urgent to execute a coordinated conservation and management plan. The damage to the credibility of the wonder status of Machu Picchu can occur unless prompt remedial measures are undertaken.

On the other hand, the government of Peru argues that the place is not at risk in the sense of losing its protective status. UNESCO has not put Machu Picchu on its World Heritage in Danger list. Others, including the enhancement of monitoring, control of visitors and conservation devices, are also reported to be in progress. Nevertheless, critics claim that these attempts are not sufficient to be sustained in the long term.

To sum up, the designation of Machu Picchu as one of the new 7 Wonders is conditional, not only based on its former glory or the tourist attraction but also on its responsiveness to adversities. The threats are overtourism, overloading of infrastructure, lack of governance, and societal instability. Without major reinforcements - integrated conservation strategies, tougher regulations, involving the community - the status will be in danger of losing its shine, though not necessarily formally attacked.