Publications
Human presence in the Salapunku area (Machu Picchu, Cusco, Peru) based on recent radiocarbon evidence
Recent radiocarbon analysis at Salapunku, the gateway to Machu Picchu's Cordillera of Vilcabamba, reveals a layered cultural history spanning from early human presence to complex pre-Hispanic societies and the colonial period. Unlike previous chronological studies relying on artifact typology, this first-ever radiocarbon dating for the site provides precise temporal markers, clarifying the sequence of occupations and their transitions. The findings challenge assumptions about the site's sole association with Inca settlements, underscoring its significance as a crossroads of diverse cultural periods in the Cusco region.
Análisis de calidad y encuadres en la cobertura periodística sobre Machu Picchu como el primer destino turístico carbono neutral
Peruvian media coverage of Machu Picchu, the world's first carbon-neutral tourist destination, reveals significant gaps in environmental reporting. A study analyzing 48 digital articles from major outlets like Andina, El Peruano, and La República found that specialized environmental sections were lacking, narrative structures were static, and episodic or issue-based framing dominated. The research highlights a stark contrast: while positive environmental news is scarce, dramatic events receive more attention. This mixed-methods analysis underscores the need for improved journalistic quality in sustainability reporting at UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Las «phaqchas» de Chachabamba (Parque Arqueológico Nacional de Machupicchu, Perú)
Archaeological research on the Chachabamba monument, located within the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Machu Picchu, reveals its unique hydraulic system and sheds light on its role within the broader network of sites influenced by the Inca city. Through architectural innovations and their modifications, uncovered during excavations, the study provides insights into the monument's potential functions in both Chachabamba and other structures within the Historic Sanctuary-National Archaeological Park of Machu Picchu. This unique hydraulic system, unprecedented in the Inca world, offers a deeper understanding of the site's significance and its integration with the surrounding landscape.
Análisis cualitativo para la mejora del Santuario Histórico de Machu Picchu : visión de profesionales vs. Académicos
A qualitative analysis reveals that academic and professional perspectives on tourism management at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Machu Picchu diverge significantly, offering distinct insights for conservation and competitiveness. Using the Delphi method, researchers identified key differences in how university experts and tourism managers prioritize measures to mitigate tourist pressure, saturation issues, and potential environmental impacts. The study highlights the importance of integrating these varied viewpoints to develop effective guidelines for sustainable tourism management at this iconic South American landmark.
Efecto de las actividades antrópicas en la red de caminos Inka, santuario histórico de Machupicchu, Cusco, Perú
A study evaluating the impact of human activities on the Inca trail network within Machu Picchu Historic Sanctuary revealed significant variations in road depth, particularly along the Salkantay trail. Over three years (2008–2010), solid waste accumulation increased, with plastic being the most prevalent type, alongside organic waste from livestock. The study also documented wildlife presence, including 21 bird species and 3 mammal species on the Traditional Inca Trail, with notable species such as Puma concolor (Near Threatened) and Vultur gryphus (Endangered). This research highlights the ecological challenges posed by tourism and livestock in this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
A new species of Andean lizard Proctoporus (Squamata: Gymnophthalmidae) from montane forest of the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu, Peru
Researchers have identified a new species of Andean lizard, Proctoporus, within the montane forests of Peru's Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu. This discovery, published in 2015, distinguishes the species through unique morphological traits, including scalation and color patterns, setting it apart from other known Proctoporus species. The lizard inhabits elevations between 2,760–2,800 meters, contributing to the biodiversity of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. The study employed a combination of morphometric analysis and detailed examination of physical characteristics to validate the new species. This finding underscores the importance of high-altitude montane forests as critical habitats for endemic reptile diversity.
Presencia del oso andino Tremarctos ornatus (Carnivora: Ursidae) en el Corredor de Conservación Vilcabamba–Amboró, sureste del Perú
A comprehensive study reveals the presence of the Andean bear (Tremarctos ornatus) across multiple regions and protected areas within the Peruvian sector of the Vilcabamba-Amboro Conservation Corridor, including UNESCO's Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu. The research, combining in situ evaluations, interviews, literature reviews, and museum/zoo databases, identified the bear's range from tropical rainforests to highlands (400–4,170 masl) and highlighted critical areas such as Megantoni National Sanctuary, Manu, Amarakaeri, and Japu Bosque-Ukumari Llaqta Private Conservation Areas for their diverse resources. The study suggests potential connectivity between Peruvian and Bolivian bear populations due to proximity to Madidi National Park (Bolivia). However, human activities like agriculture, logging, mining, and infrastructure development pose significant threats by reducing habitat availability, impacting food, refuge, and movement corridors essential for bear population maintenance.
Hearth and Household Economy in an Andean Village
In the rural village within Machu Picchu Historic Sanctuary, fuel collection and hearth activity are pivotal cultural practices that sustain household production and reproduction. The study reveals that the physical hearth is spatially fluid, serving as a material and symbolic center throughout the household's life cycle. All members, from children to the elderly, participate in fuel collection, redefining household composition. Wood collection connects houses to uncultivated landscapes, fostering reciprocal labor networks and community festivals. Gendered and intergenerational divisions of labor result in four distinct types of collection trips involving different plant species, wood sizes, and source ecosystems. However, increased tourism at Machu Picchu is altering daily and seasonal labor patterns, with men and women engaging in tourism work and children being educated in town. These changes are leading to a more mobile hearth as houses improve, significantly impacting traditional labor dynamics.
Les enjeux de la conservation d’un patrimoine matériel vivant : le cas du patrimoine archéologique péruvien
Peruvian archaeological heritage faces significant threats from both natural and anthropogenic factors, which hinder the preservation of national assets and ancestral knowledge. This study highlights key challenges using three Inca sites—Sacred Sanctuary of Pachacamac, Archaeological Park of Sacsayhuaman, and Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu—as case examples. The research employs a comparative approach to analyze these threats, emphasizing their impact on cultural heritage conservation. Findings underscore the need for integrated strategies that balance protection with sustainable management, drawing attention to the delicate interplay between preservation efforts and the living nature of archaeological sites.
You are here:
World Heritage Explorer > World Heritage Research > World Heritage Sites > Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu