Machu Picchu Now Achieves Third Carbon Neutral Certification, Paving the Way for Eco-Friendly Tourism

Published on December 10, 2025

In an unprecedented climatic achievement, Machu Picchu received the prestigious Carbon Neutral Certification for the third time in a row. The recognition of the site goes to the commitment to climate positive tourism and climate change activism. December 10, 2025, is a date to remember in the history of tourism and positive climate activism. The total reduction in the carbon footprint of an individual tourist per visitor, combined with diligent eco-restoration initiatives, increased carbon sequestration by 7.26% and 7.26% were driven by collaborative stakeholder efforts.

The certification ceremony and the achievement of a significant milestone in the promotion of responsible tourism at this world heritage site was a celebration and event commemorates Sustainable Tourism for the local & Global Communities’ the participation of International collaborators continues to promote Sustainable Tourism in Machu Picchu. For pioneers in tourism decarbonization Machu Picchu serves inspiration for others to pave the way for climate positive tourism.

Collaboration for a Greener Future
The achievement is the result of a coordinated effort by a diverse group of stakeholders. Key players in this initiative include the Municipality of Machu Picchu, Inkaterra, AJE Group, SERNANP, PROMPERÚ, Tetra Pak, CANATUR, Inka Rail, Peru Rail, Belmond, LATAM Airlines, and WorldXchange. Additionally, the project has received support from major international bodies like UN Tourism, UN Climate Change (UNFCCC), UNCTAD, AECID, and the Peru Circular Tourism Initiative.

Representatives from other emblematic destinations, such as Tikal, the Galápagos Islands, Foz do Iguaçu, Bonito, the Pantanal, and Christ the Redeemer, were also present at the certification ceremony, underscoring the global significance of Machu Picchu’s environmental efforts. This collective commitment signals a growing trend in tourism that prioritizes environmental responsibility while still offering incredible experiences for travelers.

Machu Picchu’s Circular Economy and Sustainable Mobility Solutions
At the heart of Machu Picchu’s sustainability strategy is its adoption of circular-economy principles. These include innovative practices such as the production of biochar through pyrolysis, the creation of biodiesel from used cooking oils, and extensive recycling of PET and packaging materials. These efforts are aimed at reducing waste and conserving valuable resources, all while ensuring that the environmental impact of tourism is minimized.

One of the key components of the destination’s decarbonization strategy is the improvement of sustainable mobility options. Machu Picchu has taken steps to introduce electric vehicles to reduce carbon emissions from transportation. This initiative is especially impactful, given the high volume of visitors to the site. By transitioning from traditional fossil fuel-powered transportation to electric vehicles, Machu Picchu is setting a powerful example for the tourism industry on how to reduce the carbon footprint of travel.

Residual emissions that cannot be eliminated are offset using high-integrity carbon credits. These carbon credits ensure that the offset projects are both effective and verifiable, contributing to a more balanced climate impact. As part of its efforts to enhance the environmental benefits of its tourism operations, Machu Picchu’s ecological restoration initiatives have captured a significant amount of CO₂ emissions, including 5,057 tons of CO₂e in 2024 alone. This focus on restoration is key to improving the overall climate balance of the destination.

The Global Impact of Machu Picchu’s Sustainability Model
Machu Picchu’s achievement is not only a triumph for Peru but also a powerful symbol for the global tourism industry. As the first destination to achieve Carbon Neutral Certification for three consecutive years, Machu Picchu has demonstrated that tourism and sustainability can go hand in hand. It provides an essential blueprint for other destinations that are looking to reduce their environmental impact and embrace more sustainable practices.

This certification has a direct impact on tourists visiting Machu Picchu. Travelers are increasingly seeking destinations that prioritize sustainability, and Machu Picchu’s commitment to environmental responsibility adds to the allure of the site. Tourists can now experience the wonder of this ancient Incan citadel knowing that their visit supports a destination that is actively working to mitigate climate change. This trend is expected to grow as more travelers choose eco-friendly destinations, which in turn will push the broader tourism sector to adopt similar practices.

Expanding the Carbon Neutral Model: A Broader Vision for Peru
Machu Picchu’s efforts are not limited to the destination alone. In an ambitious move, the region is expanding its sustainability model through the creation of the world’s first Carbon Neutral Tourism Corridor. This corridor will connect the municipalities of Machu Picchu and Cusco, enabling the promotion of sustainable tourism practices throughout the region. This expansion is a crucial step in reducing the carbon footprint of the entire tourism sector in Peru, offering a more eco-conscious travel experience for visitors to the region.

The success of Machu Picchu’s sustainability initiatives is also inspiring international cooperation. Peru has begun sharing its model with other UNESCO World Heritage sites such as Angkor Wat and Petra, with a focus on advancing the implementation of the Glasgow Declaration and the Paris Agreement goals. This collaboration highlights the importance of a global approach to climate action and sets the stage for other destinations to follow suit.

A Global Signal of Climate Leadership
Gustavo Santos, the Regional Director for the Americas at UN Tourism, remarked on the significance of this achievement, stating, “This achievement demonstrates that through public–private and multilateral collaboration, we can achieve remarkable results in decarbonizing the economy, moving closer to the climate goals humanity must reach.” His words underscore the power of collaboration in driving change, as the certification experience in Machu Picchu serves as a template for other destinations seeking to integrate tourism with climate action.

The Green Initiative International, which oversees the certification process, reaffirmed its commitment to supporting high-integrity climate solutions. It aims to help destinations worldwide reduce emissions, restore ecosystems, and build a climate-positive future for tourism. The ongoing success of Machu Picchu in securing its Carbon Neutral Certification for three consecutive years sends a powerful message to the global travel industry: climate-conscious tourism is not just possible, but essential for the future of the planet.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Sustainable Tourism

For three years in a row now Machu Picchu has received an award for Carbon Neutral Certification, which this time is a significant achievement for all travel destinations in the world. With the incorporation of sustainable practices in travel destinations compared to Machu Picchu, the tourism sector becomes a more significant part of the solution to climate change. Everyone should focus on eco-friendly practices, so that future generations of travelers can enjoy these iconic sites.

With the application of circular-economy solutions, sustainable mobility, and robust carbon offsetting programs, Machu Picchu has shown that the decarbonization of tourism is possible and that it can be advantageous to travelers, the community, and the environment. With the recent growing awareness on climate change, the tourism sector should prioritize on creating a positive climate, sustainable, future for all.