For many European travelers, Machu Picchu remains a bucket-list destination, a symbol of ancient ingenuity and Andean majesty. But the experience of visiting Peru's 15th-century Inca citadel has become increasingly fraught, with overcrowding, lengthy queues, and erratic transport services marring the journey.
The New7Wonders foundation, which awarded Machu Picchu its New Wonder of the World status in 2007, has now offered to collaborate with Peruvian authorities to address these issues. The foundation's director, Jean Paul De la Fuente, warned last September that the designation was at risk due to the site's deteriorating visitor conditions. After a recent visit, he told the Associated Press that he had seen “no progress,” attributing the stagnation to Peru's “political paralysis.”
Peru is set to hold a presidential runoff on 7 June, the ninth election in a decade, pitting Keiko Fujimori against Roberto Sánchez. The outcome will determine the next government, which De la Fuente hopes will engage with his foundation's improvement plan. “People travel to Machu Picchu thinking that they will visit a marvel of the world,” he said. “But for many that dream is turning into a nightmare.”
Overtourism: A Global Challenge with European Parallels
Machu Picchu's plight echoes overtourism crises closer to home. In Europe, destinations like Greece and Malta have grappled with balancing visitor numbers and local quality of life. Athens recently proposed a hotel permit freeze to avoid a “Barcelona-style” overtourism scenario. The New7Wonders foundation's offer to Peru highlights a broader need for sustainable tourism management, a lesson many European cities are learning firsthand.
Since its UNESCO World Heritage designation in 1983 and its New Wonder status in 2007, Machu Picchu has seen a surge in visitors. De la Fuente noted that Peruvian authorities have failed to make appropriate adjustments to infrastructure and services. The foundation is not currently considering stripping the site of its wonder status but hopes to work with the next administration to find a positive outcome.
“We hope to be able to work with a new leadership once it’s in place, to find a positive outcome for Machu Picchu,” De la Fuente said. “Going from a negative situation to making sure that Machu Picchu can be an example that many of the other wonders of the world can look up to.”
For European travelers planning a visit, the message is clear: the dream of Machu Picchu may require patience and flexibility. As overtourism reshapes global travel, the citadel's future hinges on political will and international cooperation.
