Machu Picchu is the only Carbon Neutral-certified World Wonder
On the occasion of the 17th anniversary of its recognition as one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World, the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu in Urubamba, Cusco region, has been re-certified as a Carbon Neutral Destination.
This milestone positions Peru as a leader in environmental sustainability and in combating climate change.
This prestigious acknowledgment was made possible through the collaboration between the public and private sectors. The core team consisted of the Municipality of Machu Picchu, AJE Group, Inkaterra, and Tetra Pak, while the allied group included PromPeru, World Xchange, Luz del Sur, Bosques Amazonicos (BAM), Latam, and the National Chamber of Tourism (Canatur). The certification was awarded by Green Initiative, a premier climate certification company in the tourism sector, recognizing the sanctuary's successful decarbonization efforts.
To achieve this recognition, the Machu Picchu Historic Sanctuary has implemented measures to reduce its carbon footprint and offset remaining emissions through sustainable practices like solid waste management and promoting a circular economy. During the ceremony held at Manco Capac Square in Aguas Calientes, PromPeru Executive-President Claricia Tirado emphasized the importance of sustainable and decentralized development for the country. She highlighted the shared responsibility of both public and private sectors in ensuring that economic benefits are paired with sustainable management.
The certification used the 2019 carbon emission results as a baseline and focused on reducing, treating, and properly managing waste. It also included raising awareness among residents, businesses, and hotels. Four key processes were implemented to reuse waste: installing a PET plastic and cardboard compacting plant, setting up a biodiesel plant to process waste oil from restaurants and casinos, establishing an organic waste pyrolyzing plant to generate natural charcoal, and deploying two glass crushing machines to convert bottles into grit for construction and ornamental purposes.
