Machu Picchu Joins Amsterdam, Bali, Hallstatt, Venice, and 25 More Destinations Struggle with Overtourism and Implementing Drastic Measures

Published on November 21, 2025

Wander‑lust travellers and curious adventurers alike continue to flock to once‑untouched corners and iconic landmarks—and yet the very popularity of destinations like the Machu Picchu in Peru and the Galápagos Islands in Ecuador is now forcing a reckoning. These places and many more are confronting the uncomfortable truth: too many visitors can threaten the very character and integrity of a place.

In both Peru and Ecuador, governments have begun to tighten the reins. The Ecuadorian authorities raised the Galápagos entry fee for international visitors to US $200 from US$100, effective 1 August 2024—an unprecedented adjustment designed to reduce environmental strain. Meanwhile, in Peru the Machu Picchu site has introduced daily visitor caps (4,500 in low‑season and 5,600 at peak) and strengthened guided‑tour requirements in an effort to protect the ancient Inca citadel and its surrounding ecosystem.

But the issue of overtourism travels far beyond the Andes and the Pacific islands. It stretches from the historic waterways of the Venice (Italy) through the beaches of the Balearic Islands and the winding streets of Barcelona (Spain) to the remote wilderness of Antarctica. In each case, local communities, infrastructures and natural environments are reaching tipping points.

According to global analysis, overtourism happens when visitor numbers exceed a destination’s ability to cope sustainably—leading to overcrowding, environmental degradation, infrastructure stress and resident backlash. The problem is widely documented in policy briefings and international tourism research.

In response, destinations are taking action. Some are imposing visitor caps and timed entries, others are increasing fees or redirecting tourism flows to lesser‑known areas. In many cases, the flight routes, access points and infrastructure are also being adjusted—resulting in cancellations, re‑routings and delays as travel becomes more controlled.

Here are 30 destinations now under pressure from overtourism.

Flight & Access Impacts

Overtourism is no longer just a concern for local governments and environmentalists. It’s now a significant issue for the travel industry, with airlines, tour operators, and local authorities adapting their services to handle the overwhelming flow of visitors to some of the world’s most popular destinations.

The flood of tourists to iconic destinations has led to a wide range of impacts on air travel logistics. Airlines and tour operators have been forced to reduce flight capacities, reroute flights, increase ticket prices, and implement new baggage or access fees. Furthermore, destinations with newly imposed visitor caps are often experiencing fully booked itineraries, and airports are increasingly rerouting traffic to secondary or less congested airports to alleviate pressure on major hubs.

While official lists of all flight cancellations related to overtourism are not readily available, the ripple effect on travel planning is undeniable. Travel experts recommend planning trips at least one month in advance for these hotspots, especially since the growing demand for access to these destinations has resulted in less availability for spontaneous travel.

The following table highlights some of the key flight and access impacts being seen in major overtourism‑affected destinations:

Why It Matters for Travellers, Locals and the Industry

For travellers, the message is clear: many of your dream destinations are changing—and not always gradually. That means higher costs, stricter access rules, mandatory guides or specific entry windows. For local communities, the shift is about retaining control, protecting livelihoods and ensuring tourism brings benefit rather than burden. For the industry, the era of “get as many as possible” is being replaced by “manage the flow for long‑term value”.

In Conclusion

What began as idyllic escapes are now becoming gateways to sustainable‑tourism reckoning. From Machu Picchu and the Galápagos to Venice, Bali, Santorini and even Antarctica, these 30 destinations are rewriting the rules. Travellers arriving next year should expect new fees, limited slots and more pre‑planning than ever before. It’s an invitation—to visit, yes—but to do so with awareness, respect and timeliness. The magic remains intact, but the doors are narrowing, and the world is watching.