Overtourism and Mismanagement Are Creating a Credibility Crisis at Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu has always carried an almost magnetic pull. Perched high in the Peruvian Andes, the 15th-century Inca citadel draws more than 1.5 million visitors each year. Its stone terraces and temples have made it both a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1983 and, as of 2007, one of the New 7 Wonders of the World. But the attention that turned it into a global icon is now putting its future at risk.
Recent years have brought more than just record crowds. Disputes over transportation, rising costs for travelers, and recurring protests have exposed cracks in how the site is managed. In September, residents blocked train lines, stranding hundreds of tourists in Aguas Calientes until evacuations were arranged.
For many Peruvians, the standoff was a sign that the country has yet to strike a balance between preserving Machu Picchu and profiting from it. Even the New7Wonders foundation has warned that the site’s reputation as a modern wonder could suffer if those tensions remain unresolved.
Government Versus Local Voices
Image via Wikimedia Commons/F Delventhal
The Peruvian government insists the situation is not as dire as critics claim. The Ministry of Culture emphasized that Machu Picchu is not on UNESCO’s “World Heritage in Danger” list and highlighted recognition from the World Heritage Committee for recent improvements in visitor management and conservation tools. Officials stressed they remain committed to protecting the sanctuary through collaboration with both national and international partners.
Local leaders, however, have voiced sharp criticism. Some regional tourism representatives argue that the Ministry of Culture is too centralized and disconnected, describing it as unable to address on-the-ground needs. They cite overcrowding, cash-only payments, and inadequate facilities as examples of poor planning. Others in the tourism sector have called for transferring greater responsibility for visitor management to professionals within the Vice Ministry of Tourism, arguing that specialized expertise is required to manage flows at such a fragile site properly.
Money And Management Gaps
Critics also question how revenue from the sanctuary is being used. Machu Picchu generates tens of millions of US dollars each year, yet only a portion of this revenue is allocated toward site maintenance or infrastructure upgrades. Much of the funds are absorbed by payroll and administrative costs, which leaves limited resources for visible improvements in visitor experience or heritage protection. This gap between revenue and reinvestment has fueled calls for financial reform.
Ticketing has become another sore spot. The return to in-person ticket sales has led to long lines, delays, and confusion. Tourism groups argue that moving back to a fully digital system would not only reduce congestion but also increase transparency and prevent irregularities. Security concerns have also been raised following repeated disruptions on the railway during protests, which highlighted the fragility of the site’s access routes.
What Happens If Machu Picchu Loses Its Spot?
Image via Wikimedia Commons/Martin St-Amant
The suggestion that Machu Picchu could lose its New 7 Wonders title is meant as a warning, but the New7Wonders foundation has made clear it is possible if reforms stall. That has sparked discussions in the tourism world about which sites might one day be considered for similar recognition.
The larger story is not just about whether Machu Picchu stays on a list but the global challenge of protecting world-famous sites without turning them into overcrowded theme parks. From ticketing systems to transportation access, every decision has long-term consequences. The real test for Peru is simple: either Machu Picchu becomes a model for sustainable tourism, or it risks turning into a cautionary tale of how a world wonder lost its way.