Peru: Machu Picchu marks 15 years since election as new world wonder

This commemoration is of particular relevance within the framework of the recovery of tourism in Cusco region and the resumption of visits to Peru's top tourist attraction.

As is known, more than 100 million votes were cast worldwide by that time.

The Official New 7 Wonders of the World were announced in random order at the Official Declaration Ceremony in Portugal's capital, Lisbon.

The Inca Empire's most representative construction was crowned on July 7, 2007, along with the Great Wall (China), the Taj Mahal (India), Petra City (Jordan), the Colosseum (Italy), Christ the Redeemer (Brazil), and the Chichen Itza archaeological site (Mexico).

On that day, shouts of joy echoed all over Peru, mainly in Cusco, where a cosmopolitan party took place.

In the southern Andean area, where the ancient citadel is located, pride and joy overtook not only locals but also domestic and foreign visitors.

They gathered at Cusco's Main Square and in every open area to celebrate the good news.

The Inca citadel's charm always enchants not only Peruvians but also foreign visitors and is well deserving of its accolade as one of the New 7 Wonders of the World.

Exploring this impressive stone city of spectacular architecture constitutes a unique life experience.

The sanctuary is located in Machu Picchu district of Urubamba province and covers an area of 32,592 ha.

This natural protected area is known globally as the home of impressive archaeological Inca sites, as well as historically and culturally significant monuments.

With the passage of time and greater awareness of its importance as an Inca religious, ceremonial, astronomical, and agricultural center, Machu Picchu was inscribed on the UNESCO List of World Heritage Sites on December 9, 1983. 

Machu Picchu remained hidden for several years since its construction in the 15th-century. It was first revealed to the world by U.S. explorer Hiram Bingham and, since then, has been carefully restored and preserved for future generations.

On July 24, 111 years will have passed since the arrival of Bingham in this impressive stone city nestled atop a mountain ridge in Cusco.

Although the first direct references to the discovery of Machu Picchu date back to 1902, when a group of locals visited the Inca structure vestiges, it was Bingham who —sponsored by Yale University and the National Geographic Society— initiated the scientific study of the last capital of the Incas in 1911 and made it known to the outside world.

Visits to the Inca citadel are increasing as part of the efforts to revive the tourism sector and after it received the Safe Travels stamp that recognizes it as a safe destination amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

After technical study and evaluations, the Ministry of Culture recently decided to increase the capacity for visitors received daily by the llaqta of Machu Picchu to a maximum of 4,044 people. Currently, the allowed capacity stands at 3,044.