Looking back towards the future: historical analysis of Machu Picchu planning documents as a key to site conservation

Historical analysis of planning documents for the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu reveals critical insights into tourism-related threats to World Heritage Sites (WHSs) and offers a pathway for sustainable conservation. The study highlights how past planning efforts, often influenced by tourism pressures, have shaped current challenges at Machu Picchu, including degradation of archaeological and architectural ensembles. By examining these documents, researchers demonstrate the importance of integrating historical perspectives with technical solutions to address threats such as over-tourism, environmental impact, and infrastructure strain. This approach provides a blueprint for rehabilitating WHSs globally by balancing preservation needs with sustainable tourism practices.

(Ed.). (2016). Looking back towards the future: historical analysis of Machu Picchu planning documents as a key to site conservation. World Heritage Sites and Tourism, 154–164. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781315546322-19