On June 27, Machu Picchu renewed its certification as the First Carbon Neutral Wonder of the World. This international seal is awarded by Green Initiative, the leading company in climate certification for the tourism sector, which recognizes compliance with its decarbonization goals and international commitments.

As part of the certification, Green Initiative calculated Machu Picchu's carbon footprint at 7,143.51 tCO2eq. Comparing this footprint with 2019, the year when the destination began its climate commitments, a significant reduction of 1,618.38 tCO2eq has been accomplished, which represents an 18.47% decrease in total emissions. This reduction is not just a number: it is a testament to our commitment to the environment and the future of our planet.

This achievement is possible thanks to the collaboration between the public and private sectors, through a strategic alliance led by Inkaterra, Grupo AJE, the Municipality of Machu Picchu, SERNANP, and Tetra Pak. The initiative has the support of Promperu, LATAM, World Xchange, Luz del Sur, Bosques Amazónicos (BAM), Inca Rail and the National Chamber of Tourism of Peru (CANATUR).

The Municipality of Machu Picchu has adopted effective measures to reduce its carbon footprint and offset remaining emissions. These include implementing sustainable practices in environmental management such as innovative solid waste management and the promotion of a circular economy.

The certification used 2019 carbon emissions as a baseline. It aimed to reduce, treat, and manage waste while regenerating the landscape at the Inca Citadel. Efforts also included raising awareness among residents, businesses, and hotels to adopt a circular economy model and reduce the carbon footprint.

Four processes were implemented to reuse usable waste: the installation of a PET plastic and cardboard compacting plant; a biodiesel plant, which processes waste oil from restaurants and casinos; a pyrolysis plant for organic waste, which generates allows the generation of “biochar,” or natural charcoal; and two glass crushing machines that convert bottles into materials used for grit for construction decoration. Additionally, efforts included introducing manual bale handlers at the collection center, waste segregation points throughout the municipality, and ecological restoration with 6,596 native trees planted.

“As a pioneer of regenerative tourism in Peru, Inkaterra is committed to the preservation of the natural heritage of Machu Picchu,” says José Koechlin, founding president of Inkaterra. “This alliance is a success story about the goals that can be achieved when the public and private sectors work hand in hand. With the support of the local community, the first destination in Latin America with a circular economy has been achieved. Peruvians enjoy the privilege of having this cultural and natural heritage of humanity, which entails the great responsibility of caring for it for future generations,” he added.

In addition to the pyrolyzing plant, this circular economy model allows us to give a new life to usable waste, such as plastic, cardboard, Tetra Pak® containers and glass. Additionally, we have put in place a system that successfully treats oil that was previously not disposed of correctly, generating pollution of rivers. In the first case, a compactor plant prevented 35.32 tCO2eq of carbon emissions. In the second case, a pilot plant converted vegetable oil into biodiesel, avoiding 5.52 tCO2eq of emissions.

“The result achieved in Machu Picchu is the product of an important collaborative effort. However, it is necessary to attract more financial and intellectual capital, with the help of national and international actors, to expand and scale the accumulated experience. The world needs references in climate action in tourism, and Machu Picchu can be a great laboratory for climate action and circular economy of global interest,” says Tatiana Otaviano, institutional relations manager at the Green Initiative.

The effort that has been recognized worldwide by UN Tourism, UNESCO, UN Climate Change and UN International Trade, in addition to recognition from international organizations such as Lonely Planet, which highlighted the initiative as one of the Top 10 Best World Tourism News in 2021.

We're thrilled to announce that Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel is one of four finalists for the 2024 Virtuoso Sustainability Award in the 'Protecting the Planet' category. This recognition is for our impactful 'Machu Picchu, First Carbon Neutral Wonder of the World' project.

This initiative arose from a waste management crisis in Machu Picchu, prompting UNESCO in 2016 to consider adding the Inca citadel to its list of World Heritage Sites at risk. Since then, a public-private alliance has transformed Machu Picchu into Latin America's first city to achieve a circular economy through innovative waste management. Our commitment aims to reduce carbon emissions by 45% by 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, aligning with the United Nations' Paris Agreement goals.

Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel is a pioneering case of regenerative tourism. Its grounds were originally used for grazing and as a sawmill. Since 1976, Inkaterra has worked on restoring the cloud forest's life cycle at Machu Picchu through the reforestation of native flora, including ferns, bromeliads, and native trees like the queñual and the pisonay. Today, Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel is considered one of the most diverse urban hotspots in the world. Its lush gardens are home to the largest collection of native orchids (372 species) according to the American Orchid Society, while eBird has recorded 306 bird species on the hotel grounds, including the iconic Andean cock-of-the-rock.

“We are deeply grateful and honored by the Virtuoso Sustainability Award nomination,” says Inkaterra founder José Koechlin. “It is a celebration of Inkaterra's 50-year history, as pioneers in ecotourism and sustainable development in Peru, with research and conservation as the driving force of all our efforts.”

The winners will be announced this Monday, August 12 during the Under One Sky ceremony, within the framework of Virtuoso Travel Week.

Writer Susana Lay joined the scientific expedition Darwin200, which retraces Charles Darwin’s journey aboard the historic three-masted ship Oosterschelde, to delve into the cloud forest of Machu Picchu in search of the national bird of Peru, the Andean cock-of-the-rock (Rupicola peruviana). The crew studies the role this bird plays within its ecosystem, the threats it suffers and the strategies for its conservation.

“The cock-of-the-rock is an elusive bird and, no matter how much we look for it in the rocks where it nests, or whether we wake up before dawn and wait for it with binoculars until the last light of day, it is a matter of luck when it appears like a red spot between the foliage and the mist,” writes Susana in her absorbing chronicle for Spanish magazine Coolt, where she also depicts the many pleasures of birdwatching. “In the forest a whole day can pass without you realizing it. The wait is accompanied by thousands of sounds that include the buzzing of one or more insects, the water that ends up touching the dark, nourished soil, and all kinds of chirping and creaking sounds. It is the way that some of us have chosen to enter into communion with our senses. Perhaps the true pleasure of birding is knowing how to wait and take advantage of the moment of being there, just listening.”

Editor Katie O’Malley spent her honeymoon traveling across South America, describing it as the perfect destination for those seeking epic adventures, rich cultural experiences, and tantalizing cuisine. During her one-of-a-kind honeymoon, Katie highlights Inkaterra Reserva Amazónica, located deep in the heart of the Amazon rainforest of Madre de Dios, as an essential place to stay and explore.

“Located in a 42,000-acre private concession adjacent to the Tambopata National Reserve and in the Madre de Dios forest, the lodge is prime for a White Lotus filming destination, given it is the height of luxury, exclusivity and comfort (without the pretentiousness of many five-star choices),” Katie writes. “During a stay at Inkaterra Reserva Amazonica, guests are spoilt with the range of tours on offer, all hosted by expert guides (many of whom grew up in the local area) who can spot caimans in the dead of night, identify a species of monkey from its cry, and mimic the call of a scarlet macaw… During ‘downtime’, guests can enjoy the local amenities of the spa (think foot therapies and deeptissue massages), hot coffees and teas in the dining room, and Pisco Sour sundowners before dinner.”