Peru: Machu Picchu is trending, wins two new distinctions as best tourist destination

Photo: AFP

Photo: AFP

12:17 | Lima, Dec. 17.

The Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu —a tourism emblem of Peru, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World— has received two new distinctions recognizing it as an important tourist destination worldwide, the Commission for the Promotion of Peru for Export and Tourism (Promperu) reported on Wednesday.

After being named the World's Leading Tourist Attraction 2025 by the World Travel Awards —known as the "Oscars of Tourism"— Machu Picchu has added two more distinctions in the Best Vacations 2026 ranking by U.S. News & World Report. This positions it as a regional leader and among the eight best destinations on the planet.

The Inca monument was awarded the Gold Award Badge in the 2026 edition of the prestigious Best Vacations ranking by U.S. News & World Report, one of the most influential travel lists in the United States.



These distinctions consolidate it as one of the most fascinating destinations globally, reaffirming its historical, cultural, and natural value.

Promperu highlighted that South America accounted for 50.7% of total international tourist arrivals in Peru this year, and the most visited destination by foreign sightseers was the Machu Picchu Historical Sanctuary.

Additionally, this year, it obtained its third Carbon Neutral certification, an award granted by the organization Green Initiative, which consolidates the historical sanctuary as an international model of regenerative tourism and sustainable climate action.

Lastly, Promperu stated that the Best Vacations list evaluates more than 1,500 destinations worldwide each year.

The U.S. News travel editorial team conducts an analysis based on the total of user votes, with users rating each category individually.

(END) NDP/MAO/MVB

Published: 12/17/2025