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Machu Picchu’s Status at Risk as Peru Faces January Review and Governance Dispute

With an on-site review set for January, Peru’s response centers on a contested plan for a region-led authority.

Overview

  • New7Wonders says Machu Picchu could lose its ‘marvel’ designation without urgent action, and director Jean Paul de la Fuente is slated to visit on January 15 to evaluate Peru’s response.
  • UNESCO keeps the site under observation with a February 2026 deadline for Peru to address concerns including excess visitor capacity.
  • Congress approved in a first vote a bill to create an autonomous authority presided by the Cusco regional governor and attached to the Culture Ministry, drawing opposition from business groups.
  • Tourism and business guilds push for a national, technical authority under the Trade and Tourism Ministry, swift approval of the master plan and capacity studies, and repeal of the daily in‑person ticket quota.
  • Officials acknowledge persistent failures in ticketing, transport and local conflicts; Culture has deferred to UNESCO, Trade and Tourism meetings brought no changes, and ex-minister José Luis Silva disputes New7Wonders’ ability to revoke the title.