Cusco, January 8, 2026.
The Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu, one of Peru’s most iconic landmarks and a UNESCO Mixed World Heritage Site, marks its 45th anniversary as a State-protected natural area, reaffirming its ongoing commitment to the conservation of exceptional biodiversity and invaluable cultural heritage.
Officially designated on January 8, 1981, the sanctuary protects a unique territory where Andean and Amazonian ecosystems converge, alongside world-renowned archaeological sites led by the legendary Inca citadel of Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
A Unique Protected Area in the Andes of Peru
Covering 32,592 hectares, the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu is crossed by two major mountain ranges in southern Peru: the Urubamba Range and the Vilcabamba Range. These ranges feature prominent snow-capped peaks revered since ancestral times as Apus, or sacred mountain deities.
The sanctuary is located within an area of exceptional geographical complexity, characterized by rugged terrain, steep slopes, and dramatic elevation changes. Its landscapes range from snow-capped summits above 6,000 meters above sea level to warm, humid zones below 2,000 meters, shaped by the Urubamba River and the Torontoy Canyon.
This steep gradient generates diverse microclimates, fostering remarkable biological diversity and making Machu Picchu one of the most ecologically significant protected areas in Peru.
UNESCO Mixed World Heritage Site
Adding to its outstanding natural value is the incomparable archaeological jewel of Machu Picchu, declared a UNESCO Mixed World Heritage Site (Natural and Cultural) on December 9, 1983.
Built entirely of stone atop a mountain ridge, Machu Picchu stands as one of the most powerful cultural and touristic attractions in South America, drawing visitors from around the world and symbolizing the architectural mastery of the Inca civilization.
Exceptional Biodiversity: Flora and Fauna
The sanctuary protects important ecosystems such as the “ceja de selva” (Andean cloud forest), located mainly in the western sector within the Acobamba River Basin. This ecosystem marks the upper limit of tropical vegetation in this part of the Andes and harbors an extraordinary diversity of species.
Among the most representative wildlife species are the spectacled bear, Andean condor, puma, Andean fox, white-tailed deer, vizcacha, coati, torrent duck, neotropical river otter, and the iconic Andean cock-of-the-rock. In areas such as Warmihuañusca Pass, vizcachas and deer are commonly observed, and occasional sightings of spectacled bears have been reported.
The flora includes species such as alder, white cedar, cascarilla, pacay, pisonay, laurel, and queñual forests at higher elevations. Notably, the sanctuary is also a global hotspot for orchids, with 340 recorded species, representing nearly 20% of all orchid species identified in Peru.
Archaeological Sites Beyond Machu Picchu
In addition to the famous citadel, the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu encompasses numerous archaeological sites of outstanding historical and cultural value, including Wiñay Wayna, Phuyupatamarca, Sayacmarka, Intipata, Runkuraqay, Chachabamba, Patallacta, and many others.
These sites are connected by ancient Inca roads, sophisticated irrigation systems, and extensive agricultural terraces, reflecting the advanced engineering and social organization achieved by ancient Peruvian civilizations.
A Symbol of Conservation and Sustainable Tourism in Peru
After 45 years as a protected natural area, the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu remains a cornerstone of heritage conservation in Peru, promoting responsible tourism, environmental protection, and cultural preservation while continuing to inspire travelers from around the world.