Machu Picchu faces new global voting and overcrowding concerns

The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) and New7Wonders have launched the ‘7 Contemporary Wonders of the World’ campaign. This global initiative invites the public to vote for seven iconic monuments, infrastructures, or works built since 1801. This new category is independent of the 2007 vote; consequently, Machu Picchu will retain its existing status as one of the New 7 Wonders of the World.

Separately, Peru's Comptroller General has reported significant tourist overcrowding at Machu Picchu. An audit covering the period from August 2024 to December 2025 revealed an accumulated excess of 91,836 visitors who were not accounted for within the authorized capacity limits.

The report warns that this excessive pressure is causing progressive deterioration of the historic sanctuary, potentially threatening its status as a UNESCO World Heritage site. On certain days, visitor numbers exceeded daily limits by more than 1,000 people.