The
Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu adds another award, recognizing it as one of the planet's leading tourist attractions. The World Travel Awards recently granted the Inca monument the title of
World's Leading Tourist Attraction 2025. Machu Picchu —declared a
UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983— is also one of the
New Seven Wonders of the World, a distinction it received in 2007.
In this category, Machu Picchu surpassed other major competitors, including Chichen Itza (Mexico), the Taj Mahal (India), the Acropolis of Athens (Greece), Grand Canyon National Park (U.S.), the Great Wall (China), Mount Kilimanjaro (Tanzania), the Niagara Falls (Canada), among others.
On December 6, the winners of these prestigious awards were announced. Once again, our iconic tourist site —one of the New Seven Wonders of the World— received this honor.
This new distinction adds to Machu Picchu's tally, marking the seventh time it has received an award from the World Travel Awards, known as the "Oscars of Tourism."
Previously, the Inca citadel received this honor in the 2017, 2018, 2019, 2021, 2022, and 2024 editions.
Similarly, it stated that tourists can enjoy a wonderful visit to the Inca monument, admire the incredible panoramic views, and have the opportunity to hike the legendary Inca Trail and ascend Huayna Picchu Mountain.
Located at the meeting point of the Andes and the Peruvian high jungle, the sacred Inca citadel was built around 1450 and revealed to the globe in 1911.
It still holds enigmas and mysteries about its true purpose, which remain hidden to this day and continue captivating visitors, archaeologists, and researchers from around the world.
Due to its strategic location atop a high mountain, 2,340 meters above sea level, there are various theories about what this structure might have meant for the Incas.
Some argue that it was built as a grand mausoleum for the Inca Pachacutec, while others claim it served as an important administrative and agricultural center, with its cultivated areas providing sustenance for its inhabitants.
However, the site is believed to have served as a crucial link between the Andes and the Peruvian Amazon, or as a retreat for the Inca ruler.
The truth is that Machu Picchu is one of the greatest symbols of the remarkable Inca architecture and engineering.
Although its origins are still the subject of study, the significance it held in its time, along with its impressive design, have earned it recognition as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
A haven of unique biodiversity
The Historic Sanctuary and Archaeological Park of Machu Picchu impresses us not only with its remarkable architecture and engineering, legendary history, and rich culture, but also by being home to a diverse and exotic range of wildlife.
This is thanks to its location between the Andes and the Peruvian Amazon, which allows a variety of species to thrive.
Besides, the Urubamba River runs through it from east to west, contributing to the presence of unique flora and fauna.
This natural area is home to species such as the Andean fox, puma, vizcacha, spectacled bear, and white-tailed deer, among others.
It hosts over 420 bird species, including the Andean cock-of-the-rock and the Andean condor.
Machu Picchu is also home to around 377 butterfly species, 15 amphibian species, and 25 reptile species, of which 9 are lizards and 16 are snakes.
This modern wonder of the world spans over 30,000 hectares, featuring forested areas, rugged mountains, peaks, and snow-capped summits.
These ecosystems are home to tree species such as alder, white cedar, cascarilla, yanay, and laurel, as well as forests of unca and queñua, among others.
What other awards did Peru receive?
Our country won five awards in the 2025 edition of the World Travel Awards, honors that confirm Peru as a destination combining ancient history, stunning natural landscapes, elite gastronomy, and incredible culture.
Here, every meal is an unmissable cultural and sensory experience.
Cities such as Lima, Arequipa, Cusco, and Chiclayo are ideal places to enjoy unique dishes that blend Andean, Amazonian, and coastal ingredients.
The
second major award received is Peru being recognized as the World's Leading Cultural Destination 2025, highlighting that in Peru you can connect with communities that preserve living traditions, festivals, and handicrafts.
People can take part in local festivals, visit artisanal workshops, as well as connect with Inca heritage, Amazonian culture, and colonial influences.
Peru's capital surpassed major global cities, including Barcelona, Beijing, London, Paris, Vienna, Bangkok, and others.
(END) MAO/MVB
Publicado: 16/12/2025