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What Is Machu Picchu?
Machu Picchu is a mixed UNESCO World Heritage Site (both cultural and natural) covering an area of 39,592 hectares (325.92 km²). The llaqta of Machu Picchu, also known as the citadel, occupies a built area of approximately 530 meters long by 200 meters wide, with 172 structures. This main archaeological polygon sits at 2,438 meters above sea level, with an average altitude of 2,435 meters, and rises about 450 meters above the valley floor. The Hiram Bingham Road, which leads to Machu Picchu, is approximately 6 miles (about 9.6 kilometers) long and is used for round-trip transportation from Machupicchu Pueblo, the capital of the district of the same name.
Machu Picchu was designated a Mixed World Heritage Site by UNESCO on December 9, 1983, during the Seventh Session of the World Heritage Committee held in Florence, Italy. To be included on the World Heritage List, sites must demonstrate outstanding universal value and meet at least one of ten selection criteria. Machu Picchu meets all ten.
A mixed World Heritage Site recognized by UNESCO is one that possesses both cultural and natural values of exceptional importance, combined in a unique and complementary way. These sites reflect a close relationship between nature and culture, creating a unit of universal value.
UNESCO has recognized a total of 1,223 properties (952 cultural, 231 natural, and 40 mixed). The characteristics that led to Machu Picchu’s selection grant it a position of exclusive privilege among these 40 mixed properties inscribed on the UNESCO list.
Without requiring a scientific assessment, and without denying the value of the area used for tourism, a comparative evaluation of the vast geographic dimension of the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu and the main archaeological polygon allows us to see that our work should not only focus on strategies for preservation, conservation, and valuation of its tangible and intangible assets — essential for safeguarding its long-term value and legacy. Nor should efforts be limited to integrating this important heritage into tourism activities, which, as noted, are closely linked to Machu Picchu’s character. The responsibility toward the Sanctuary goes far beyond seeking a “box office solution” (entry ticket sales).
This calls for developing comprehensive strategies that address various aspects, from investment and succession planning to legal protection and cultural promotion — a series of elements that converge in an integrated and autonomous management entity. However, those of us involved with the sanctuary through tourism for many years have a duty to contribute our experience for the benefit of this heritage tourism site and its visitors, through a strategy that diversifies options linked in some way to Machu Picchu.
Our vision and mission aim to reduce the gaps and contradictions that arise in a destination as important as Machu Picchu. From the private sector, it is impossible to create regulations and transversal strategies that fully achieve these goals. What is possible is to leverage our experience of the destination’s full geographic breadth and thereby contribute to:
• Supporting the proposal to establish a Biosphere Reserve, and thus provide broader environmental protection.
• Offering visitors travel options that encourage longer stays within a safe, pleasant, and life-protecting experience.
• Reducing the pressure of direct tourist flows on the sanctuary through complementary experiences in related areas.
• Encouraging visitors and host communities to understand that heritage protection is not limited to the physical preservation of assets, but also includes the conservation of associated values, knowledge, and traditions.
