UNCTAD

From the heart of the Andes, Machu Picchu once again makes history — not only as a symbol of world heritage, but as a living model of how tourism and climate action can move together toward a shared future. In 2025, the iconic destination achieved its third consecutive Carbon Neutral Certification, granted by Green Initiative, consolidating its leadership in the global movement for climate-positive and nature-positive tourism. A measurable path toward decarbonization Between 2019 and 2024, Machu Picchu achieved a 7.26% reduction in its carbon footprint per tourist, while increasing its carbon capture through reforestation and ecological restoration projects. These results are not symbolic — they are measurable, verifiable, and replicable, proving that the decarbonization of tourism is possible when data, science, and collaboration converge. Behind this achievement lies a rigorous process of measurement, reduction, and compensation aligned with international standards such as the GHG Protocol and IPCC Guidelines. Residual emissions were offset through the retirement of high-integrity carbon credits, ensuring climate integrity and transparency across all levels of reporting. A model built on collaboration The certification reflects four years of work led by the Municipality of Machu Picchu, in collaboration with PROMPERÚ, Inkaterra, AJE Group, BAM (Bosques Amazónicos), SERNANP, Ministry of Culture of Peru (Decentralized Directorate of Culture of Cusco), Tetra Pak, together with partners including CANATUR, LATAM Airlines, MSC, Inka Rail, Peru Rail, Belmond and World Xchange. The process also integrated technical cooperation with UN Tourism, UN Climate Change (UNFCCC), UNCTAD, the Peru Circular Tourism Initiative, the Consulate of the German Embassy in Peru, and the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID). It is a public-private and multilateral alliance that turned ambition into measurable action — a framework now inspiring similar transitions in destinations such as Cabo Blanco, Bonito, and Christ the Redeemer.    Why it matters now A decade after the Paris Agreement, and as the world looks toward COP30, Machu Picchu stands as tangible proof that climate ambition can translate into practical results. Its model merges circular economy practices — such as pyrolysis for biochar production, biodiesel generation from used oils, and recycling of PET plastics, packaging, and glass — with improvements in sustainable mobility through electric vehicles. The integration of these strategies enhances the destination’s resilience to climate change, strengthening its role as a benchmark for regenerative and low-carbon tourism. The entire process follows the principles of transparency and traceability promoted by the Circular Tourism Peru framework, under the commitments of the Glasgow Declaration for Climate Action in Tourism led by UN Tourism. Toward the world’s first Carbon Neutral Tourism Corridor Building on this success, Machu Picchu is now spearheading the creation of the World’s First Carbon Neutral Tourism Corridor, connecting district municipalities from Machu Picchu to Cusco, including Choquequirao. The initiative aims to reduce regional emissions, foster public and private investment, and promote sustainable mobility while creating a more inclusive and climate-smart visitor experience. At the same time, Machu Picchu is expanding its reach through international collaboration with other emblematic World Heritage sites such as Angkor Wat (Cambodia) and Petra (Jordan), to exchange best practices that accelerate the fulfillment of the Paris Agreement and Glasgow Declaration objectives. Voices that inspire global transformation “From the District Municipality of Machu Picchu, we remain committed to continuously monitoring our carbon footprint and promoting policies that foster a circular and regenerative economy in harmony with nature.”— Elvis La Torre, Mayor of Machu Picchu “Through public–private and multilateral collaboration, we can achieve remarkable results in decarbonizing the economy. The experience accumulated here — and that we aim to scale worldwide — shows that tourism and climate action must go hand in hand.” — Gustavo Santos, Regional Director for the Americas, UN Tourism “Machu Picchu’s leadership highlights the impact of years of scientific data collection and standardization. Climate action becomes tangible when grounded in science and collaboration.” — Daniel Galván Pérez, UN Climate Change “Machu Picchu not only represents the greatness of our history and culture, but also Peru’s commitment to a sustainable future. Being the first World Cultural Heritage Site to achieve carbon neutrality is a milestone that reflects how tourism can be a positive force for conservation and development. Today, travelers around the world seek experiences that connect with nature and respect the environment; Machu Picchu demonstrates that it is possible to experience cultural heritage in harmony with the planet. This achievement inspires us to continue promoting tourism that protects, values, and transforms.” — María del Sol Velásquez, Director of Tourism Promotion, PROMPERÚ “The certification of Machu Picchu as a carbon-neutral destination marked a milestone in the environmental management of Peruvian tourism. This achievement opens the opportunity to move toward a more ambitious model, where tourist destinations strengthen their resource efficiency, reduce their carbon footprint, foster innovation, and consolidate the participation of local communities. At MINCETUR, we work to ensure that this example inspires other destinations to advance on the path toward sustainability and resilience, in alignment with the country’s climate commitments.” — Sophia Dávila, Director of the Directorate of Environmental Tourism Affairs, MINCETUR. “Tourism drives growth in many developing countries, but its future must be sustainable. Machu Picchu’s Carbon Neutral Certification is an example that it is possible to align decarbonization goals with economic development, making the sector a true ally of climate action.” — Claudia Contreras, Economic Affairs Officer, UNCTAD “Tourism does not only move economies — it moves memories, territories, and shared purpose. From CANATUR PERU, we promote a collaborative network within the sector that seeks to transform every destination into a node of sustainability, traceability, and resilience. Machu Picchu stands today as the living symbol of this transformation, reminding us that heritage is not simply preserved — it is managed with legitimacy, sensitivity, and a shared vision.” — Carlos Loayza, General Manager, CANATUR “The Carbon Neutral Certification symbolizes what happens when companies act with purpose. At AJE Group, we reaffirm our commitment to solutions that combine innovation, sustainability, and social well-being.” — Jorge Lopes-Dóriga, Director of Communication and Sustainability, AJE Group “For