The organization New7Wonders is issuing a new warning to Peru: if it does not change its management, the ancient Inca citadel risks losing its status as a wonder of the world.
Source: El Pais
The Swiss organization New7Wonders has warned Peruvian presidential candidates in an open letter that Machu Picchu is in danger of losing its international recognition. Since the Inca citadel was given that prestigious status, it has become an attraction for millions of travelers.
What are the Seven New Wonders of the World?
Not to be confused with the Ancient Wonders of the World, of which only one can still be visited today: the Pyramid of Cheops. That is why the Swiss New7Wonders Foundation organized a competition in 2007, in which more than 100 million people could vote for their favorite new wonders of the world:
1. Chichén Itzá in Mexico
2. Christ the Redeemer in Brazil
3. Colosseum in Rome
4. The Great Wall of China
5. Machu Picchu in Peru
6. Petra in Jordan
7. Taj Mahal in India
Management errors
Machu Picchu’s appeal has been overshadowed lately by allegations of corruption in ticket sales, rising prices, strikes, clashes between unions and security forces, long queues and accidents. For example, a train collision took place on the route to the citadel at the end of last year. One person was killed and more than a hundred people were injured.
These developments led to a first warning in September 2025, when New7Wonders urged Peruvian authorities to urgently redouble “protection and management efforts.” “People travel to Machu Picchu to visit a wonder of the world,” said Jean Paul de la Fuente, director of New7Wonders. “But for many, that dream turns into a nightmare.”
Presidential negligence
Since that warning, Peru has had three presidents: Dina Boluarte, José Jerí and José María Balcázar. But all indications are that none of them have addressed the issue with the necessary dedication. That’s why New7Wonders sent a second warning last week: “If no progress is made on the issues that undermine the credibility of Machu Picchu, it will still lose its status.”
With the elections approaching, the organization hopes to put Machu Picchu back on the government’s agenda. “We hope that whoever is elected will be fully committed to revitalizing Machu Picchu so that it can once again become a credible wonder of the world,” said a letter addressed to Keiko Fujimori and Roberto Sánchez, the two candidates who will compete for the presidency on June 7.
Economic engine
The Peruvian Ministry of Culture and the Chamber of Tourism have meanwhile responded that New7Wonders only pursues “commercial goals”. They emphasize that UNESCO is the only competent authority to assess the condition of Machu Picchu. But that doesn’t alleviate concerns about the deteriorating tourist experience.
Machu Picchu is Peru’s main economic driver, accounting for 35 percent of international tourists. So whoever takes office on July 28 – Fujimori or Sánchez – will inherit not only an archaeological gem, but also a controversial tourism model, deep-rooted local conflicts and an international warning that threatens to damage Peru’s most famous landmark.
