September 19, 2025, 4:06 am | Read time: 4 minutes
Tourism at Machu Picchu is once again disrupted by violent protests, potentially with further consequences for the world-famous Inca city in Peru. Not only does it hold UNESCO World Heritage status, but Machu Picchu is also one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. This status could soon be at risk for the ancient city.
Recently, around 1,600 tourists had to be evacuated near the Peruvian Inca city of Machu Picchu, with hundreds more stranded. The reason: protesting locals who blocked train service to the world-renowned ruins. This was reported by the “Tagesschau,” which explained that Machu Picchu had been nearly inaccessible since Monday (September 15, 2025). The violent protests also led to clashes between demonstrators and police, resulting in at least 14 police officers being injured. Whether and how many demonstrators were harmed is not reported.
The demonstrators demanded the establishment of a new bus company that would better consider the interests of residents near Machu Picchu. According to “Tagesschau,” about 4,500 tourists visit the historic Inca city daily. To get there, they first take a train from Cusco to Agua Calientes, from where buses continue the journey.
Credibility as a Wonder Questioned
Train service resumed on Wednesday, and tourists have returned to the New Wonder. However, it now faces a different kind of problem. The New7Wonders project warns in a statement over the weekend that Machu Picchu might lose its title as a New Wonder of the World, at least indirectly.
The reason is not just the protests earlier in the week. A series of social unrest and other issues are affecting the historic site. TRAVELBOOK reported at the end of 2022 about violent protests in Peru that also significantly impacted tourists at Machu Picchu. But that’s not all. New7Wonders states in its statement that several urgent challenges need immediate attention. These include “the high pressure of tourism without sustainability management, (…) the risk of impairing the historical heritage, complaints about irregular practices related to ticket sales (…)”. Other issues include price increases, “difficulties in land transportation, and restrictions in management and conservation policies.” There are also coordination difficulties among stakeholders and regular complaints from visitors.
In light of these conflicts, the organization warns that Peru’s image could further deteriorate. Machu Picchu also risks losing its credibility as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
In 2007, Machu Picchu was chosen as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in a global competition. More than 100 million votes were cast for the Peruvian ruins alone.
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Peru’s Government Sees Machu Picchu’s Protection Unthreatened
New7Wonders has not definitively revoked Machu Picchu’s title as a Wonder, appearing to base this decision on the future actions of the Peruvian government and other decision-makers. The project wants to “remind that the designation implies a shared commitment to the preservation and responsible management of the area, as well as the implementation of international standards for conservation and management,” according to the statement. It concludes by urging “the relevant authorities of the Peruvian state and stakeholders with a positive mindset throughout the Peruvian population to urgently double the necessary efforts to ensure comprehensive management of Machu Picchu.” Proposals for implementing a “strategic transformation plan for Machu Picchu” have been presented to all key decision-makers.
The Peruvian Ministry of Culture does not directly address the project’s statement. However, it stated shortly afterward in its own statement that UNESCO is “the only competent body that promotes the identification, protection, and preservation of cultural and natural heritage worldwide.” Furthermore, UNESCO recently “praised the improvements in visitor management and the implementation of monitoring and conservation tools” at Machu Picchu.
The ministry adds: “We strongly emphasize that the preservation and protection of the historic sanctuary of Machu Picchu are not compromised, so much so that the aforementioned property is not listed in the ‘List of World Heritage in Danger’ by UNESCO.”
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In addition to the newer title of New Wonder, Machu Picchu has held the title of World Heritage since 1983. Consequently, UNESCO protects the historic ruins. The World Heritage status remains unaffected by New7Wonders’ decision, as the organizations and thus the titles are not connected.