Machu Picchu: First Neutral Certified Wonder of the world
1.5M
TOURISTS RECEIVED IN 2019
2021
FIRST CARBON NEUTRAL CERTIFICATION
5.8%
EXPECTED ANNUAL TOURISM INDUSTRY GROWTH
GD
GLASGOW DECLARATION SIGNATORY (2022)
Overview
Machu Picchu is an ancient Inca citadel situated in the Eastern Cordillera of southern Peru, recognized since 2007 as one of the Seven Wonders of the World for its extraordinary architecture and mountain scenery. Welcoming 1.5 million visitors in 2019, it is one of the most visited heritage sites on the planet. Machu Picchu has been integrating Climate and Nature Positive Actions into its destination management model — investing in carbon mitigation, restoring degraded areas through tree planting, and embedding climate action across its full tourism value chain. In 2021, it became the first Carbon Neutral certified Wonder of the World, marking a historic milestone in sustainable destination management.
Challenge
Managing the carbon footprint of a UNESCO World Heritage Site receiving over 1.5 million tourists annually demanded a comprehensive, internationally credible framework. Machu Picchu needed to quantify emissions across all three scopes — from destination operations to visitor transport and supply chain — and translate that measurement into a verifiable carbon neutrality roadmap aligned with global climate commitments, while preserving the integrity of one of the world's most iconic heritage sites.
GI's Approach
Green Initiative deployed its Climate Certification methodology across Machu Picchu's full operational footprint, covering Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions. This included a Carbon Footprint Assessment, verification of mitigation actions, and alignment with the International Climate Pledge and Glasgow Declaration for Tourism. GI structured a carbon neutrality roadmap integrating verified mitigation infrastructure — biodiesel, biochar, and plastic recycling — with a phased emissions reduction trajectory through 2030.
Carbon Footprint — Key Findings
World First
First Wonder of the World to achieve Carbon Neutral certification — a historic benchmark for heritage destination management
Glasgow GD
Signatory to the Glasgow Declaration for Tourism (2022), committing to halve emissions by 2030 and reach net zero by 2050
"“Machu Picchu is integrating Climate and Nature Positive Actions into its destination management model. Becoming the first Carbon Neutral Wonder of the World is not just a certification — it is our commitment to protecting this heritage site and the communities that depend on it for future generations.”"
GI Services Deployed
