LIMA, Peru (AP) — An international heritage organization that focuses on preserving world-famous archaeological locations has extended an offer to collaborate with Peru’s leadership to address persistent issues at Machu Picchu, where visitors regularly encounter lengthy waits, excessive crowds, and undependable transportation services.
The New7Wonders foundation made this announcement on Tuesday, several months following their September warning that Machu Picchu’s status as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World — a title awarded in 2007 — could be jeopardized due to ongoing visitor service problems.
Jean Paul De la Fuente, who heads the foundation, stated he had observed “no progress” at the ancient site following last year’s alert, blaming Peru’s “political paralysis” for the lack of improvement.
De la Fuente, who is currently visiting Peru to meet with tourism authorities, expressed his readiness to engage with Peru’s incoming administration to “explore solutions” for the inadequate services plaguing the location.
Peruvian officials have not yet responded to the offer. The country is preparing for a presidential runoff election on June 7 to select its next leader — marking the ninth president in ten years.
The electoral contest features Keiko Fujimori, whose father previously served as president before being imprisoned for human rights violations, competing against Roberto Sanchez, a former commerce minister who has pledged significant changes to the country’s mining industry. The winner will form the next government.
“People travel to Machu Picchu thinking that they will visit a marvel of the world,” De la Fuente said. “But for many that dream is turning into a nightmare.”
The ancient Inca fortress, constructed during the 15th century, received UNESCO World Heritage Site status in 1983. Twenty-four years later, it earned recognition through an internet-based survey organized by the New7Wonders foundation, where travelers selected seven modern world wonders.
De la Fuente noted that visitor numbers have increased dramatically since that designation, while Peruvian officials have failed to implement necessary infrastructure improvements.
He emphasized that removing Machu Picchu’s wonder status is not currently under consideration, though he hopes the government will review his organization’s improvement proposals.
“We hope to be able to work with a new leadership once its in place, to find a positive outcome for Machu Picchu,” De la Fuente said. “Going from a negative situation to making sure than Machu Picchu can be an example that many of the other wonders of the world can look up to.”
