Machu Picchu, Peru
The mountainous historic royal retreat Machu Picchu, laced with tiers for farming and its stone colca and kancha once seemed so remote and mysterious, only 400,000 people made the trek each year. Since 1998, despite an interruption for the 2020 pandemic, about 1.4 million people have visited the archaeological site. Visitors were allowed to wander through the buildings and anywhere on the site. The only restrictions were based on safety and maintenance. The increase in visitors has resulted in increased litter, erosion of footpaths and anything within reach. After its UNESCO World Heritage designation, and subsequent placement on the UNESCO “List of World Heritage in Danger” list, Peruvian government officials took action. They limited access to tourists starting in 2017, with two timed entrances per day. Guests must be accompanied by a designated guide, and they must stay on specific trails.
