In 1983, the UNESCO declared the Inca sanctuary of Machu Picchu a World Heritage Site; on this article we will discuss about the significance of this distinction, and tell the reader about the wonders of the Inca citadel, which since 2012 is also one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World.
The Wonderful Machu Picchu Sanctuary
Regarding the World Heritage Site inclusion, the UNESCO emphasizes the many accomplishments the Inca sanctuary displays: brilliant architecture, wonderful setting, respect for ecology, religious and scientific value, actually being the most important legacy of the Inca civilization.
The sanctuary is composed of 200 constructions for religion, astronomy, agriculture and also a residential area for visitors in Inca times. It shows a sophisticated urban planning, and to the side of the citadel we can find the typical Inca agricultural terraces on mountain slopes, which were designed by them due to the lack of flat lands for cultivation along the Andes.
The citadel also shows the whole Inca view on social organization, since it was a royalty retreat where important mystical ceremonies were conducted and key political decisions were taken, with an agricultural area which was the foundation of the Inca economy and astronomical constructions for it was one of the main sciences the Incas studied for their cultural development. All these Machu Picchu one of the New Seven Wonders of the world.
The UNESCO applied 4 criteria in designating Machu Picchu a World Heritage Site:
-
A major feat on engineering and ecological responsibility, for its construction meant a daunting building challenge that puzzles even today’s engineers, and because the sanctuary is skillfully integrated with nature and the priceless landscape.
-
Machu Picchu is the most valuable archaeological remain of the Incas, with a very sophisticated urban planning and also the displaying of the advanced cultural organization and structure they had: religion, politics, economy, sociology, agriculture and astronomy. Machu Picchu landscapes are very popular on social media due to this archaeological value.
-
The Machu Picchu site testimonies for a deep ecological conscience and architectural skill, since the monuments of the sanctuary are carefully and beautifully harmonized with all surrounding nature, as if intended to be in unity with nature, which was actually the case.
-
Machu Picchu is skilfully located on the limit of the Andes range and the western Amazon jungle, making it a citadel with a wide range of microclimates and a biodiversity of global importance; this World Heritage Site thus contributes to the preservation of one of the most important natural reserves of the planet.
World Heritage Site Status Means a Better Machu Picchu
This World Heritage Site status implies that Peruvian government is under obligation of preserving the citadel at the best conditions possible, for which the UNESCO, in agreement with Peru’s authorities, has set up a team of Peruvian officials, in order to keep Machu Picchu in optimal conditions, both for its major intrinsic cultural value and for the delight and enrichment of tourists from all over the world.
Thus, Machu Picchu is a World Heritage Site under protection both from the UNESCO and the Peruvian government; very recently, Peru’s Culture Department -which is the branch in charge of the citadel- has issued new regulations that comply with the highest international standards, in order to give all tourists a better, top Machu Picchu experience and to assure the citadel’s conservation and protection from environmental impacts.
Currently, Machu Picchu is entering a phase in which touring policies have been adapted and improved to meet widespread international demands; the new regulations recently enacted by Peruvian authorities will surely mean an overall betterment of the whole Machu Picchu experience, making it even more spectacular.
Thus, the UNESCO since 1983 has acknowledged that Machu Picchu is a place of immense historical, cultural and touristic value, a top site and destination with world-class relevance and favorite for millions of visitors who have done the tour of the sanctuary.
The Best Machu Picchu Experience with TOUR IN PERU
TOUR IN PERU is a leading tour operator in Cusco and nationwide; our 8-year experience in excellence is backed by our satisfied customers, clients’ allegiance and the best touring, logistical and office services. We offer packages to Machu Picchu on a daily basis, with all the flexibility and support our travelers may need; you can check the website www.tourinperu.com for complete information about our wonderful and varied packages, and to contact our travel experts for further inquiries.
Next time you’re thinking about the ideal place for your vacation, contact TOUR IN PERU for booking the amazing Machu Picchu, World Heritage Site adventure, we’re sure you won’t be disappointed!
