Lima, Peru, November 10th, 2026, NewsDirect
The UNESCO World Heritage Site is the first of its kind to achieve four consecutive years of carbon-neutral certification, with an 8% reduction in its carbon footprint per visitor since 2025.
Machupicchu has received its fourth consecutive carbon-neutral certification from international organization Green Initiative, reaffirming its commitment to reducing environmental impact and promoting more sustainable tourism. It is the first UNESCO World Heritage Site to achieve this recognition for four consecutive years, highlighting the importance of climate action in protecting heritage of Outstanding Universal Value.
The certification reflects a collaborative initiative led by the Municipality of Machupicchu, Inkaterra, Grupo AJE and Bosques Amazónicos (BAM), with the participation of public and private sector organizations, including PROMPERÚ as a strategic partner supporting the initiative and the promotion of sustainable tourism in Peru.
One of the initiative's key achievements is a reduction of more than 8% in the destination's carbon footprint per visitor since 2025. This progress has been supported by circular economy solutions and improved waste management, including recycling equipment for PET plastic and cardboard, a biodiesel plant that converts used cooking oil into fuel, and a pyrolysis system that transforms organic waste into biochar.
Environmental restoration is another important component of the initiative. In 2024, restoration activities contributed to capturing more than 5,000 tonnes of CO₂ equivalent. The project has also documented the planting of 6,596 native trees to help restore local ecosystems, increase carbon capture and protect biodiversity within the Historic Sanctuary of Machupicchu.
The initiative also seeks to extend these practices beyond Machupicchu through a proposed carbon-neutral tourism corridor connecting Cusco, Machupicchu and Choquequirao. The aim is to expand emissions reduction, waste management and environmental conservation practices across a wider tourism route.
Machupicchu's experience is also part of an international effort to exchange climate action practices with other iconic destinations, including Christ the Redeemer in Brazil, Angkor Wat in Cambodia, Petra in Jordan and Tikal in Guatemala.
The fourth certification was presented on November 5 during the Climate Action Day and the 4th Carbon Neutral Certification Ceremony of Machupicchu, attended by representatives of UN Tourism, UNCTAD, MINCETUR, CANATUR, public institutions and private organizations.
As international travelers increasingly value responsible travel experiences and the conservation of destinations, Machupicchu's progress illustrates how environmental management and heritage protection can contribute to the competitiveness of tourism destinations. The initiative also aligns with PROMPERÚ's efforts to promote Peru internationally through sustainable and responsible tourism experiences, strengthening the country's positioning as a destination committed to conserving its natural and cultural heritage.
About PROMPERÚ
Peru Export and Tourism Promotion Board (PROMPERÚ). We are the government agency in charge of the development and implementation of global strategies to position Peru via the promotion of its image, touristic destinations, added value exports and investments.
Contact
Jose Carlos CollazosPROMPERÚ
[email protected]
