15:20 | Cusco (Cusco region), Jul. 7.
Peru, and more specifically, Cusco commemorate today, July 7, the 15th anniversary of the day the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu was named one of the
New 7 Wonders of the World.
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 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.
Machu Picchu
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.
Historic Sanctuary
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.
World Heritage Site
Hiram Bingham
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.
Visitor capacity
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.
This was announced last Tuesday by Culture sector's head Alejandro Salas, who specified that this increase in capacity (+1,000 attendees) will be implemented gradually and over a period of three months —during which time the measure's impact will be evaluated.
World Travel Awards
Machu Picchu was crowned in this category of the World Travel Awards 2021's global edition, competing versus major world attractions, such as the Burj Khalifa in Dubai, the Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, the Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi, the IMG Worlds of Adventure (United Arab Emirates), and EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum (Ireland), among others.
Best attraction in South America
Machu Picchu has already won in this category for four consecutive years (2018, 2019, 2020, and 2021).
First 100% sustainable city
(END) LZD/RMB/MVB
Published: 7/7/2022