World Heritage Identification Number: 274
World Heritage since: 1983
Category: Mixed Cultural Heritage and Natural Heritage
Transboundary Heritage: No
Endangered Heritage: No
Country: 🇵🇪 Peru
Continent: Americas
UNESCO World Region: Latin America and the Caribbean
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The Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu: A Unique Blend of Nature and Culture
The Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu, inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983, offers a remarkable fusion of cultural and natural heritage. Situated in the highlands of Peru, it stands at an elevation of approximately 2,430 meters (7,972 feet) above sea level, nestled within a lush tropical mountain forest. This breathtaking location provides a picturesque backdrop for one of the most significant urban creations of the Inca Empire during its zenith.
The sanctuary spans over 35,000 hectares, encompassing not only the renowned Machu Picchu archaeological site but also the surrounding natural environment. The Machu Picchu site itself is perched upon the rugged cliffs of the Yungas, a region characterized by its dense cloud forests that blanket the eastern slopes of the Andes. The sanctuary's boundaries extend along both banks of the Urubamba River, which meanders northwestward through this section of the Andean landscape.
The Machu Picchu archaeological site is distinguished by its grandiose architecture, featuring massive stone walls, intricate terraces, and expansive ramps. These architectural marvels appear as if they were seamlessly carved into the continuous rock escarpments, showcasing the exceptional craftsmanship of the Inca builders. The site's layout suggests that it served as a religious, astronomical, and administrative center for the Inca civilization.
Beyond the architectural wonders, the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu boasts an extraordinary biodiversity. The sanctuary lies within the upper Amazon basin, home to an abundance of plant and animal species. The region's rich flora includes orchids, ferns, and bamboo, while its diverse fauna comprises monkeys, jaguars, and various bird species such as the cock-of-the-rock and the Andean condor. The sanctuary's unique blend of culture and nature makes it a must-visit destination for travelers seeking to immerse themselves in the history and beauty of the Andean highlands.
In addition to its cultural and natural significance, the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu faces challenges related to conservation and sustainable tourism. To address these issues, the Peruvian government has implemented measures aimed at preserving the site's integrity while promoting responsible tourism practices. These efforts include limiting visitor numbers, establishing infrastructure for waste management, and implementing educational programs to raise awareness about the importance of protecting this precious World Heritage Site.
To bring it all together, the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu, recognized as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in 2007, represents a remarkable testament to the ingenuity and artistic prowess of the Inca civilization. Its stunning natural surroundings, teeming with biodiversity, further enhance its allure. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the sanctuary serves as a reminder of our shared human heritage and the importance of preserving these treasures for future generations to appreciate and learn from.
UNESCO Description of the World Heritage Site
Machu Picchu stands 2,430 m above sea-level, in the middle of a tropical mountain forest, in an extraordinarily beautiful setting. It was probably the most amazing urban creation of the Inca Empire at its height; its giant walls, terraces and ramps seem as if they have been cut naturally in the continuous rock escarpments. The natural setting, on the eastern slopes of the Andes, encompasses the upper Amazon basin with its rich diversity of flora and fauna.
Encyclopedia Record: Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu
The Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu is a protected area in Peru covering over 35,000 hectares. It includes the natural environment surrounding the Machu Picchu archaeological site, located in the rugged cloud forest of the Yungas on the eastern slope of the Peruvian Andes and along both banks of the Urubamba River, which flows northwest in this section.Additional Site Details
Area: 38,160.87 hectares
(iii) — Unique or exceptional testimony to a cultural tradition
(vii) — Contains superlative natural phenomena or beauty
(ix) — Outstanding example representing ecological and biological processes
Coordinates: -13.184934 , -72.533443
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© 2004 Guillaume Audureau, CC BY-SA 3.0 Resized from original. (This derivative is under the same CC BY-SA license.)
